Oklahoma!
Books and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Nick Mann
Musical Director Preston Page
Choreographer Ellie Sassano
Running Time: 3 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available, call or email ahead of time
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: gunshots, violence, innuendos
People will say we’re in love… with the NTPA’s production of Oklahoma! A classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein filled with vibrant costuming, waving wheat, corn as high as an elephant's eye and oh my, the dancing and singing true to a good ol’ Okie hoedown! Admittedly, I am a native Oklahoman. I have seen productions of this show since grade school and at all varying levels. I entered with an even keeled expectation and I was absolutely blown away. The quality of talent on that stage was pure joy.
From the moment the curtain opens, we are immersed onto an Oklahoma farm.Creatively, the talented team of Director Nick Mann and Assistant Director Zambrae Heard-Saenz, along with Lighting Designer Jude Scott set an almost dusty/hazy stage allowing us to feel as if we are outside in an Oklahoma summer. Each set piece beautifully designed by Set Designer Melissa Winston is quite large giving an effect of open space. The visuals were simply superb.
Oklahoma boasts a very large cast and each member of this skillful ensemble is to be applauded. Music Director Preston Page and Choreographer Ellie Sassano had no small feat in bringing all this together, yet somehow they kept it classic but refreshed. We know we are watching a heartfelt classical musical, yet the movements and song inflictions at times were performed with a sense of modern undertones, which was quite enjoyable.
The talent in this show is top tier quality--every single person on that stage belongs there, bringing energy, focus and pizazz! A few highlighted performances which must be mentioned, starting with Elijah Hillman as Curly and Lily Hogge as Laurey Williams. There is no Oklahoma without Curly and Laurey and these two performers are stunning, shining stars. The vocal quality brought us to goosebumps and there were multiple mutterings of “wow” throughout the show. Hillman brings the charm, Hogge the sass and the combo is electric. Audrey Shin as Ado Annie and Jake Busher as Will Parker provide an adorably cute duo making us continually giggle. Beau Mills as Jud Fry is quite terrifying, that voice alone… Bonnie Grugle as Aunt Eller brings the perfect blend of sarcasm and heart. And then we have Keane Nair as Ali Hakim, a pure delight tickling our funny bone each and every moment he is on stage. I truly wish I could highlight everyone as every moment spent with this charming cast is lovely.
Oklahoma runs through June 22 at Willow Bend Center of The Arts/NTPA Plano. For ticket info, visit ntpa.org/event/oklahoma-repertory
To The Stage,
Teri Lynn Williams
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