Theatre
REVIEW: BAOS's Oklahoma! at The Haymarket
FANS of musicals in Basingstoke have been spoiled by local amateur dramatic companies recently.
First BATS brought us Carousel, and now BAOS have entertained audiences with Rodgers and Hammerstein's other, equally beloved, classic Oklahoma!
Both boast some of the finest songs ever written in the genre, and these were brought to life for the show's run by the ever-enthusiastic cast of amateurs.
David Izzo and newcomer to BAOS Alex Sellers were our key couple, Curly and Laurey, shyly negotiating their way to a wedding, aided all the way by Aunt Eller (Kathy May-Miller).
The notes in the lovely programme informed us that playing Jud Fry for BATS in 2003 had been one of Ian 'Spud' Smith's fondest memories, and it immediately became clear why when he appeared on stage, the absolute embodiment of the character's rage and frustration. This was a star turn indeed!
Young duo Lauren Newman and a very lively Joseph Philpotts completed the key cast as Ado Annie and Will, their own love story complicated by the former's flirtations with pedlar Ali Hakim - a great Peter Chiverton, making the most of, and milking the laughs from, the witty dialogue.
Ado Annie is a super character, and Lauren absolutely made the most of I Cain't Say No! and All Er Nuthin, suffusing both with youthful naivete and charm.
The act one number Pore Jud is Daid was a particular success, too, with laughs and drama. David Izzo has a beautiful voice, and didn't drop a note - or waver in his accent - throughout the entire, almost three-hour, duration of the production.
And we were even treated to some live banjo playing on stage from Bob McGhee - a great touch.
Director Sarah Wood, musical director Colin Woolmer and choreographer Cari Deaves had many 'big' and 'small' moments to organise, which come hand-in-hand with staging a musical such as this. Everyone managed very well with their - sometimes quite complex - steps, creating a lively atmosphere which would have encouraged even the least musical person watching to tap along.
The red and orange lighting during the more malevolent parts of the dream sequence was absolutely beautiful, and recalled the glorious Technicolor of the film - some achievement.
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CommentPosted by: Sue Henderson on 2:06pm Fri 29 Feb 08
I went to see this with an open mind as I had no idea what to expect as I am not a regular theatre visitor for amateur productions. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this and find it hard to believe that this was a amateur production as the main characters were outstanding. Laurie was outstanding with her wonderful voice and acting. Curly, Will, Ado Annie and Aunt Eller was first class. Special mention to Jud and Ali Hakim who were far from amateur. These talented people have a wonderful future in the theatre and hopefully will go to other bigger things. Again first class performance. Congratulations to all behind the scenes for a well put together production.
I went to see this with an open mind as I had no idea what to expect as I am not a regular theatre visitor for amateur productions. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this and find it hard to believe that this was a amateur production as the main characters were outstanding. Laurie was outstanding with her wonderful voice and acting. Curly, Will, Ado Annie and Aunt Eller was first class. Special mention to Jud and Ali Hakim who were far from amateur. These talented people have a wonderful future in the theatre and hopefully will go to other bigger things. Again first class performance. Congratulations to all behind the scenes for a well put together production.
Posted by: Maria Harrison, Basingstoke on 3:56pm Fri 29 Feb 08
This is one of the first times that I have been to a performance held at the Haymarket by the BAOS but it certainly will not be the last. Outstanding is the word that springs to mind for the production of one of my favourite movies. Really enjoyed all of the principal actors as they all seemed to have a good time, as did the audience. Special mention to Laurey and Ado Annie as my favorites and the very scary Jud. First class, bring on the next production.
This is one of the first times that I have been to a performance held at the Haymarket by the BAOS but it certainly will not be the last. Outstanding is the word that springs to mind for the production of one of my favourite movies. Really enjoyed all of the principal actors as they all seemed to have a good time, as did the audience. Special mention to Laurey and Ado Annie as my favorites and the very scary Jud. First class, bring on the next production.
Posted by: Geoff McLaurin, Basingstoke on 10:49am Sat 1 Mar 08
Great show, all the principal performers were very professional I particularly liked Curley & Laurey, who held things together with very observed performances, loved the singing and the dancing. Ado Annie and Ali Hakim were very funny, loved it. Jud was the star turn his performance was simply amazing, not the sort of person you want to meet on a dark night in a dark alley. Great stuff
Great show, all the principal performers were very professional I particularly liked Curley & Laurey, who held things together with very observed performances, loved the singing and the dancing. Ado Annie and Ali Hakim were very funny, loved it. Jud was the star turn his performance was simply amazing, not the sort of person you want to meet on a dark night in a dark alley. Great stuff
Posted by: Kate on 9:37am Sun 2 Mar 08
I thoroughly enjoyed the show, alot of hard work has obviously gone into making this production, I think special performances for me were the characters of Ado Annie and Jud, but i also had a soft spot for the actor who played curly,excellent singer but nice looking too!
I thoroughly enjoyed the show, alot of hard work has obviously gone into making this production, I think special performances for me were the characters of Ado Annie and Jud, but i also had a soft spot for the actor who played curly,excellent singer but nice looking too!
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