Musical Theatre for everyone

Oklahoma

November 2018

Director

David James

Musical Director

Sarah Sykes

Choreographer

Elsa Springham

The first musical of the famed Rogers & Hammerstein pairing, Oklahoma! set the standard for American Musical Theatre of the 1940s and beyond. The road to true love never runs smooth, and this is certainly the case for Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a beautiful farm girl. The comedy love triangle of Ado Annie, Will Parker and Persian peddler Ali Hakim makes for a fun diversion from a suspense-filled plot.

Jud Fry (Laurey and Aunt Eller’s farmhand), forms an unnatural and sinister attachment to Laurey, which threatens the happy ending the audience is longing for. Who will win out? Does Will Parker snatch Ado Annie from the arms of Ali Hakim? Does Jud Fry’s obsession lead to heartbreak and devastation, or do Curly and Laurey ride off into the sunset in their very own Surrey, with the fringe on the top?

Nominated for Best Musical at the Eastern Region 2019 NODA Awards

Photographer: Lynn Graseman

Songs such as The Farmer and the Cowman and Oklahoma! performed by the ensemble were so joyous and the dancing infectious that I’m sure most of the audience would have loved to join in – I certainly did. The orchestra, under the guidance of musical director Sarah Sykes, kept the show swinging along and the choreography by Elsa Springham was perfectly performed by the cast. I was also impressed by the set, which was simple but very effective in depicting the Mid West farmland of the story. This was the first time I had seen a show by this company. I tried hard to find something to criticise but could find nothing! Director David James should be very proud of everyone in this production.

Jenny Green

Bishop’s Stortford Independent

Musicals may come and go but Oklahoma! is definitely one that has stood the test of time. BSMTC had gathered together a very talented cast for this production and from the opening scene to the rousing finale, this was a show to brighten even the dullest of autumn days. I defy anyone to say they didn’t leave the theatre with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. Under MD Sarah Sykes the company produced some terrific musical moments, bringing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wonderfully uplifting score to life. Elsa Springham is to be congratulated on her choreography, the dream scene was especially well done and I literally did not see anyone put a foot wrong. In fact, all the chorus numbers were absolutely great with the cast obviously enjoying every moment. The set was just right, allowing plenty of room for the rousing chorus numbers but still managing to provide a more intimate setting when required. Most importantly it avoided the need for long scene changes. Good direction is key to the success of any production and the society is fortunate to have secured the services of David James with whom I had the pleasure of talking before the performance. This was a terrific show. My congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for inviting me.

Decia Ranger

NODA East, Regional Representative