Popular musical Oklahoma! arrived at Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre on Tuesday bringing some American sunshine to theatre goers with their five night run in the town.
I was there for the opening night where the fantastic cast performed to a packed theatre eagerly awaiting dazzling dance sequences. For most of the audience it was a chance to relive the very reason why this musical has become a classic since it opened on Broadway in 1943.
The famous songs all feature from the opening score of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ moving on to The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, Kansas City, and People Will Say We’re in Love.
Legendary actress Marti Webb was superb as Aunt Eller, portraying the real essence of the community throughout. I feel the character is under used as I was waiting for her to belt out a tune.
Local boy Mark Evans was cast in the lead role of Curly. He was a finalist in the UK Eurovision selection show and more recently was seen in the Rocky Horror tour. His voice was outstanding and he really managed to captivate the audience with his acting ability and accent.
Equally as brilliant was Gemma Sutton as Laurey who portrayed the girl next door with ease and her powerful voice reached the top of the theatre. Although, she did have trouble keeping with the southern accent in parts.
My favourite character in the show was Ado Annie played by Michelle Crook. Her witty performance of such a comical character held the show together. Understudy Ste Clough as Will Parker, Ado Annies love interest, played his part smoothly and their pairing really added that special magic to the show as a whole.
Special mention has to be for Peter Gallagher as the outsider Jud. His portrayal of loneliness and despair were both comical and totally captivating. Peter was the strongest performer of the night especially on Lonely Room.
Overall the cast performed well as an ensemble, the dance routines were slick and well choreographed. The sets were magnificent and the spine tingling show stealer was definitely the title song Oklahoma! The stage came alive as the whole cast belted out the number during the finale.
By SCOTT WILLIAMS
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