By Claire DeMarco
“Oklahoma” takes place in the early 1900’s before Oklahoma became a state.
Curly (Brian Ferris) is a happy guy, optimistic and obviously in love with Laurey (Anna Chensny). He’s at the top of his game, joyful in just being alive. Laurey, also taken with Curly is less outward about her infatuation. It’s obvious, though, that she loves Curly.
But someone else also loves Laurey but unlike Curly with his upbeat personality, Jud Fry (Brad Smoak) is a dark, mean, sullen and generally unlikeable character. Laurey does not like Jud at all. He frightens her.
Aunt Eller (Rachel Fox) is Laurey’s aunt and caretaker. She’s always looking out for Laurey.
While Curly, Laurey and Jud’s situation is more dramatic and serious, Ado Annie (Paulina Neuschwander) and her love interests offer an infusion of comedy. Ado loves Will Parker (Ian C. Olson) who in turn adores her. She also loves Ali Hakim (Connor Brady), a sleazy salesman.
Well let’s just say that she loves the guy that she’s with at the time, whether that’s Will or Ali. She can’t say no!
Tension between Curly and Jud over Laurey and Laurey’s fear of Jud reaches a climax.
How does Jud ultimately fit into the picture or does he? And does Ado finally decide which of her two suitors she loves?
“Oklahoma” was the first musical written by the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein. It debuted in 1943, some 80 years ago. It had an enormous influence on musical theater since the songs and dance (their meaning and movement) became an integral part of the story line.
Ferris strikes the right chord with both his singing and acting. He’s a congenial guy full of life and optimism but so believable as he faces off and shows his angry side when confronting a rival. Great vocals by Ferris on “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin.'”
Chensny plays the lovely ingenue in love with Curly. She is innocent but also has a mind of her own. She and Ferris’s rendition of “People Will Say We’re in Love” is magical.
As the over exuberant Ada Annie, Neuschwander is delightful as the somewhat scatterbrain woman who can’t decide who she loves. Her wonderful rendition of “I Can’t Say No” says it all. Along with Olson, she supplies most of the comedic side of the production.
Olson epitomizes the exuberant, heel-kicking, lovable hayseed. His eyes glaze over as he sometimes is unsure of what’s going on but his love for Ado never wavers. He and Neuschwander make a perfect pair.
Smoak is a tortured soul whose piercing eyes reflect his anger, yet they soften when he is thinking of the woman he loves. “Lonely Room” highlights his rich, deep voice. He is exceptional as the “bad guy.”
Fox is the consummate organizer, supporter, cohesive overseer of her family and friends, stern and/or compassionate as needed.
Brady is convincing as the wily salesman who doesn’t appear as enamored with Ado as she is with him.
Without speaking a word, Hannah Taylor’s ballet as Dance Laurey is brilliant.
Note: I struck up a conversation with Roseann Rosnick who was sitting in front of me at the theater. She is a big fan of “Oklahoma” and actually portrayed Aunt Eller several years ago in another Pittsburgh production.
After the show I asked her what she thought of the production. Roseann responded: “The entire production was wonderful. Excellent choreography [Choreographer Hannah Feldhues] and the actors fit the characters.”
I couldn’t agree more, and I’ll add a special hoorah to the entire cast of talented singers and dancers.
This is an exceptional production of a Broadway classic!
Music for “Oklahoma” by Richard Rodgers with Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Shout out to Music Director Cynthia Dougherty and Orchestra Conductor Chad Dougherty.
Excellent Direction by Rob James.
-CED“
Oklahoma” runs from November 6 to November 16th at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. Production by Stage 62. For tickets and additional information, click here.
