OKLAHOMA! - 2003
BUDDIES HAVE REASON TO BE PROUD
Accrington Observer Friday, 11 April, 2003
I DON'T know if the Buddies have gone all grown up on us or the people
who selected the production Oklahoma! had a brainwave when choosing it.
Either way, this latest show had one added extra that's been lacking in
recent years - maturity. Yes, energy and enthusiasm were still there in
bucket loads but there was also an older feel to it.
So much so that I suspect that for some of the cast members it will have
been their last appearance for what is essentially a kids' group. I just
hope that there are more youngsters snapping at their heels ready to take
over the leading roles, especially boys, who once again seemed to be in
short supply. I know I go on about it every time but come on, mothers
out there, get your sons involved in amateur dramatics, tell them its
a great way to meet girls, anything, just get them involved.
Anyway, on to the production Oklahoma! It doesn't have the most complicated plot, focusing mainly on the boy-gets-girl love story between Curly and Laurey. Fortunately, instead of being insipid drips, which is often the case with the love interest roles, both characters were feisty and interesting, and both were played superbly by Graeme Moss and Adele Honeyman. A sinister touch was added by Jud Fry, played by Roger Nuttall. Jud is the farmhand who has a crush on Laurey and doesn't take too kindly to his competitor for her hand, Curly. Its hard being the bad guy in a show but trust me, when you get booed at the curtain call it's a compliment. It means you did your job extremely convincingly.
The sub-plot involving the chequered love life of Ado Annie and her
two potential beaux, Ali Hakim and Will Parker, was great fun. Rachel
Entwistle as Ado Annie was delightful and I'm Just a girl who can't say
no was one of the highlights for me. Steven Cant as Ali Hakim was a joy
to watch, he uses the whole stage so confidently. Martin Carlton as Will
Parker was more restrained but equally competent. Kirsty Dwyer, who played
Gertie Cummings, didn't have much to do but managed to make her mark when
she was on stage, as did Ben Deaville, who played Andrew
Cames, Ado Annie's father.
Talking about young men waiting to snap up the leading roles in future
productions, Ben is definitely poised to take on a meatier role. Possibly
the youngest of all the leading players but never out of his depth, I
look forward to seeing how he develops.
And last but certainly not least, Helen Jackson as Aunt Eller. I'll put
it as simply and bluntly as possible - she is a star, and I'll leave it
at that.
Set in cowboy country, the cast were again required to do accents, and
for once I won't gripe about it. Most of them were roughly in the right
region for most of the time. Well done to all of you for that. But why
not go for a Britishbased musical next. Can I put my request in for Summer
Holiday?
Choreography by Katie Whittle was slick and energetic. The set was simple
but effective, as were the lights and costumes. Director David Slater
did a fine job with this production. It was sharp, simply staged and well
acted. All in all, a show for everyone involved to be proud of. Yee-ha!
GAYLE KNIGHT