Sunday, August 1, 2010

Oklahoma! at the Music Circus

Saturday night, I was treated to a performance of  “Oklahoma!” and boy what a treat it was! I’d never seen a live performance, only the old movie version and I’d forgotten everything except the song “Surrey with The Fringe On Top.”

With the exception of a rather long and boring dream dance sequence just before intermission, this was an interpretation that made me realize the musical had aged rather well. Sure, it’s from a time when Westerns were king in the film world and audiences were used to being taken back to an age of antiquated ideas, but basically it’s boys gets girl story with funny lines and great songs.

I’m mean who doesn’t love “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!”, that ode to the beginning of a glorious day? Or, my personal favorite, “People Will Say We’re in Love”, the words of which are still relevant today, when we struggle to keep our feelings hidden from the prying eyes of an overly curious world.

Ado Annie, played by Heather Ann Rolff, and her hilarious would-be lover, Ali Hakim (Amir Talai), literally stole the show. I found myself anxiously waiting for their reappearances, knowing I’d be chuckling soon thereafter.

Jeremiah James’ Curly was riveting and demanded the attention of the audience as the ardent suitor, with a stubborn streak to match that of his target, Laurey, brought to life by Brandi Burkhardt.

This was also the first time I’d been to the Music Circus and I can recommend it highly. There’s not a bad seat in the house, due to the theatre in the round concept and staging was simple but effective.

Next weekend, the Circus is presenting “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” which sounds like a good bet as well. Try the Music Circus, it’s worth the $50 ticket.