“I’m just a girl who can’t say no,” sang Sarah Shahinian as Ado Annie Tuesday at the opening night of “Oklahoma!” bringing the audience to laughter by her ever-so-innocent inability to turn away men who swoon over her.
“Oklahoma!” is part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Columbus’ 2003-2004 Roaring Season. It was directed by Fred Hanson and is showing at the Ohio Theatre through Sunday. This “great American musical” brings a show full of energy, comedy, love, and pride to people of all ages.
“Oklahoma!” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. It was their first work together in 1943. “Oklahoma!” played on Broadway for over five years and totaled 2,212 performances, leading it to win many awards.
Set in Oklahoma, the story tells of the rivalry between farmers and cowboys, including a battle for the affection of the farm girl Laurey by both Jud Fry, the brooding farmhand, and Curly, the dashing cowboy.
“Oklahoma!” opened with the stubborn girl-next-door, Laurey, played by Amanda Rose.
Curly, played by Brandon Andrus won over the audience with his charm, good looks and romantic ways. Rose and Andrus had a true chemistry that enriched the story. Although the ending was predictable, the crowd grew anxious for the leading man to sweep Laurey away.
No performance is complete without music, and this was no problem for the cast and orchestra. As he Conducted the orchestra, John Mezzio gave the room a country accent using instrumental favorites to add whips and liveliness to the musical.
Each song aided the story and brought character to the land, people, and setting. The voices were phenomenal, ringing throughout the Ohio Theatre.
Choreography by Susan Stroman and recreated by Ginger Thatcher delicately added to the scene of Laurey’s dream, allowing the audience to feel the pace and mood inside Laurey’s head as she made her decision on who should be her date for the auction and dance.
From country line dancing to ballet, the choreography gave the country lifestyle a realistic and enjoyable accent to the Oklahoma setting. The audience responded in laughter, awe, and clapping along with the music, especially as Will Parker returned from Kansas City with his gifts, new dances, lasso winning techniques and knowledge.
Both Will Parker, played by Daniel Robinson, and his mischievous Ado Annie took most of the attention on stage with their ongoing, crazy romance.
The characters kept the audience in laughter and in good spirits, despite the serious side of the play. Shahinian made a great impression as she wowed the crowd with her amazing ability to act as the boy-crazy gal and dear friend of Laurey. Her affection for Ali Hakim and Will Parker was a playful and delightful treat for everyone in the audience.
In every story there is a villain and Tom Lucca, playing the hired hand of Jud Fry, scared both Laurey and the audience. His forceful approach to win Laurey over was both frightening and violent throughout.
Lucca portrayed Jud quite well, and at times was a bit soft, leaving the crowd to wonder if he would really do anything to win Laurey. His rage was riveting but, left a little to be desired at times, such as in his musical number, “Lonely Room.” Lucca seemed to have a softer side to his strong character.
Although Curly and Laurey were the stars of the show, Aunt Eller, played by Pat Sibley gave an astounding performance as the wise parent and the humorous peacemaker as she sang, “The Farmer and The Cowman Should be Friends.” Sibley kept not only the town and the boys in line, but the crowd as well with her witty humor and intimidation.
With its sweeping melodies, choreography, and its natural character charm, this three-hour-long performance is worth seeing.
