Oklahoma (SOSage Factory)

Probably the most classic of musicals, Oklahoma by Rodgers & Hammerstein just never stops packing the audiences in, there is no doubt that it has stood the test of time and continues to do so with this performance by SOSage Factory (a nice play on words) the youth arm of Solihull Operatic Society and currently running at The Core Theatre in Solihull.

From the opening line of 'There's a bright golden haze on the meadow (pronounced with a southern drawl as 'meddar')' lustily projected from off-stage by Charlie Loughran as Curly, I know I'm in for a treat. Charlie plays the part with ease, bursting into song at will whenever required, had he been around in 1955 when they were casting the movie, Gordon MacRae may never have been given the part. Anna Sutton as Laurey matches her love interest for voice and stage presence, particularly accentuating the mischievous yet vulnerable aspects of the character delightfully.

Dan Bradbury is a vociferous and entertaining Will Parker continuing the theme of strong voices alongside probably the voice of the night from Kathryn Ritchie as a richly flirtatious Ado Annie the girl who can't say no but, isn't sure if she wants to give 'all er nothin' for a permanent and lasting relationship.

Ross Evans creates an intense and brooding character as Jud Fry, it is difficult not to feel that he is just misunderstood and the characterisation is strong enough to elicit fear and pity equally from the other characters and the audience.

James Newman gives a strongly comic performance as pedlar Ali Hakim, his eye for the ladies getting him into constant trouble and needing his 'gift of the gab' to extract himself although ending-up hitched to the raucous laugh of Gertie Cummings, played with style and flair by Erin Craddock.

Commanding the stage as the authority figures are Eliza Clark as an animated Aunt Eller and Ruari Silcock as a domineering Andrew Carnes, let nobody cross either as they are both handy with a gun.

Credit to Producer, Emma Talibudeen for delivering an authentic and engaging performance from the actors already mentioned and an extensive ensemble cast of talented youngsters. Stunning choreography from Sarah Golby throughout the performance only adds even more to the watchability, not least of all the Dream Sequence and the 'Many a New Day' number, complemented by Mel O'Donnell's exemplary musical direction.


Only a small number of performances left to catch this one and it would be a scandal and an outrage if you missed it !

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