Oklahoma (Studley Operatic Society)
Turning the relatively confined space of the Palace Theatre, Redditch into the wide open plains of Oklahoma is a feat in itself and one that Studley Operatic Society have managed to achieve in a really convincing way and much credit must be given to Andy Witcombe and his, no doubt, extensive team in making that transition such a seamless one.
Gracing the stage with some faultless acting and two striking voices are Paul Mitchell as Curly and Sophie Hill as Laurey, certainly leading from the front and followed with equal aplomb by Alex McDonald-Smith as Will Parker and Jessica Horabin as a bubbly Ado Annie.
Matt Bridgewater strikes an imposing figure as the misunderstood Jud Fry, a piece of intense characterisation that leads to a really accurate portrayal. Hugh Duck brings the comedy element with an entertaining performance as Ali Hakim, reminiscent of Eddie Albert in the 1955 movie version.
Liz Bird as Aunt Eller and Allan Recardo as Andrew Carnes bring that mature grounding piece to the whole performance, bringing the various couples together even if not always in the most straightforward of ways.
If the spectacle of this production is not memorable enough, I suspect the memory of a piercing, giggling laugh from Yasmin Springthorpe as the strangely captivating Gertie Cummings will stay with audiences for some time but, that isn't a bad thing as it will bring back the whole piece to indulge the memory.
Considering the size of the acting space one of many testaments to the directional talents of Kevin and Alison Hirons is how they manage to include a sizable ensemble cast without a sense of overcrowding.
Choreography from Donna Rhodes is highly accomplished and complemented with precision by Norma Kift's musical direction with a talented orchestra.
Since there is only one remaining performance, it may be difficult to get a ticket for this adaptation of probably the classic musical but, contact the theatre if you have capacity to fit this one in.
Redditch Palace Theatre Web Site
Gracing the stage with some faultless acting and two striking voices are Paul Mitchell as Curly and Sophie Hill as Laurey, certainly leading from the front and followed with equal aplomb by Alex McDonald-Smith as Will Parker and Jessica Horabin as a bubbly Ado Annie.
Matt Bridgewater strikes an imposing figure as the misunderstood Jud Fry, a piece of intense characterisation that leads to a really accurate portrayal. Hugh Duck brings the comedy element with an entertaining performance as Ali Hakim, reminiscent of Eddie Albert in the 1955 movie version.
Liz Bird as Aunt Eller and Allan Recardo as Andrew Carnes bring that mature grounding piece to the whole performance, bringing the various couples together even if not always in the most straightforward of ways.
If the spectacle of this production is not memorable enough, I suspect the memory of a piercing, giggling laugh from Yasmin Springthorpe as the strangely captivating Gertie Cummings will stay with audiences for some time but, that isn't a bad thing as it will bring back the whole piece to indulge the memory.
Considering the size of the acting space one of many testaments to the directional talents of Kevin and Alison Hirons is how they manage to include a sizable ensemble cast without a sense of overcrowding.
Choreography from Donna Rhodes is highly accomplished and complemented with precision by Norma Kift's musical direction with a talented orchestra.
Since there is only one remaining performance, it may be difficult to get a ticket for this adaptation of probably the classic musical but, contact the theatre if you have capacity to fit this one in.
Redditch Palace Theatre Web Site
Comments
Post a Comment