Yvonne Arnaud – until 22 February 2020
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Guildford School of Acting (GSA) pull it out of the bag again! 5 stars for entertainment, energy and talent. You can understand when it was first opened in post war London how it cast a ‘bright golden haze’. A production made for young people and a great way to showcase their talent.
The creation of a new American state, brought Cow Man and Farmers head to head, with old ways making way for new ways, creating a bright new beginning for its young people. The light and dark of the piece mirrors the birth pains that come with those new beginnings. Arran Ryder (Jud Fry) captures this well, reflecting the torment of those on the fringes of society that can become part of the debris of change.
Alex Condor (Curly) gives a great balance of youthful passion and depth of understanding to bring his character to life. You cannot help but like him. Phoebe Williams is an earnest Laurey, giving the female perspective on an intense situation, standing up for herself probably for the first time as a young woman. Marina Tavolieri (Ado Annie) and Matteo Johnson (Ali Hakim) give a great performance that provides dark and light shades of humour, where naivety and experience come face to face. The facial expressions for both characters make you smile before the lines are even delivered!
The cast of players move beautifully together as one body, creating cleverly posed frames and giving a professional performance of dance, singing and acting. All of which is made possible by a great score delivered by a talented band. The team of creatives give you wonderful surprises in the set design, mobilising large pieces around and seamlessly flowing between each scene.
Rodgers and Hammerstein have captured the coming of age of a country and its young people. Oklahoma! will always have a relevance and resonate with young people stepping out into the world with new knowledge and a spirit of adventure. Well done GSA for living up to expectation.