Cockett Operatic Society (CAOS)

Synopsis

Premiered at the St. James Theatre, New York on March 31st 1943 UK premiere at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on April 29th 1947 Filmed by Magna in 1955 with Gordon McRae, Shirley Jones and Rod Steiger The Royal National Theatre's stunning 1998 production transferred to the West End and played the Lyceum into summer 1999

The sparkling story of Curly the Cowboy and his fight for the affections of Laurey is known and loved the world over. Rodgers & Hammerstein's first show together, Oklahoma! was, more than any other musical, responsible for moving back the boundaries of what was considered possible in a musical comedy. The Dream Ballet, originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille, was a giant leap for dance in the musical thaetre, and with a positive wealth of classic songs, including "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' ", "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top", "I Cain't Say No", "People Will Say We're In Love" and "Oklahoma", this outstanding show is guaranteed to give actors and audience alike a wonderful time.

Oklahoma! Cast

Curly - Dean Verbeck
Laurey - Claire Hammacott
Aunt Eller - Nia Trussler Jones
Will Parker - Michael J Davies
Ado Annie - Cath Sparks
Gertie Cummings - Rhiannon Williams
Jud Fry - Stefan Pejik
Ali Hakim - Mark Warren
Andrew Carns - Ken Thomas
Cord Elam - Peter L Howard

In the past few years Cockett Amateur Operatic Society has tackled shows which are less well known but for this year's production, directed by the ever-reliable Kathryn Rice, they have opted for a sure-fire winner from Rodgers and Hammerstein's back catalogue.

To say that Cockett have breathed new life into a familiar story is an understatement. The pace is lively, the performances and characterisations are excellent, even characters on the fringes are nicely fleshed out and the big production numbers are beautifully staged.

Dean Verbeck and Claire Hammacott are ideally cast in the roles of Curly and Laurey, as are Michael J Davies and Cath Sparks as Will Parker and Ado Annie. Stefan Pejic brings his vocal ability and talent for accents to bear upon his portrayal of the brooding Jud Fry, while Nia Trussler-Jones tackles the role of Aunt Eller with the right blend of feistiness and old world charm. Excellent contributions, too, from Mark Warren (Ali Hakim), Ken Thomas (Carnes), Peter L Howard (Cord Elam) and Rhiannon Williams (Gertie), with Philippa Andrews and Michael Rees making a fine job doubling for Laurey and Curly in the dream ballet scene.

Packed with hummable songs - all enlivened by the skill of musical director Christopher Waring Davies and Julie George's animated choreography - this is a show into which a great deal of hard work, team spirit and energy has been invested, and the end result is there for all to see. An absolute joy.