ST. GEORGE — Just a few notes into St. George Musical Theater’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! it was clear that when it comes to acting and vocal talent, high energy and humor, everything is definitely going their way.
Directed by Doug Bishop, with musical direction by Celeste Teal Larkin and choreography by Maegan Cross, this musical takes place in the Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s, just before Oklahoma received its statehood. Set against a backdrop of farmers and cowboys arguing over how to best use this fertile land, Oklahoma! highlights the love story of a sweet, simple farm girl, Laurey, and the cute, cocky cowboy, Curly, along with a cast of other characters that are each more engaging and endearing than the last.
And while the main story has all the hearts and flowers one might expect from mid-century Broadway production, there are a few darker plot points as well, masterfully woven into the greater story arc at the hands of a skillful director and an extremely talented leading cast.
Oklahoma! plays at SGMT through August 31. | Photo Credit: St. George Musical Theatre
Filling the role of Curly McLain, John Tanner could croon the bars of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” morning, midday or evening, and he would still have the audience eating out of his hand. With a classically trained vibrato hitting all the right spots, with a smile and swagger to boot, Tanner quickly established himself as a delightful protagonist. The only person he needs to convince, is Laurey.
Equally yoked in terms of vocal prowess, Rachel Cox’s portrayal of Laurey Williams managed to be sweet, yet powerful as she navigated Curly’s welcome flirtations, and later farmhand Jud Fry’s unwanted advances. Her harmonies on “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” and “People Will Say We’re In Love” as well as her solo moments on “Many A New Day” showcased Cox’s own classical training and portrayed her voice to full advantage. Although Cox is older than the traditionally assumed young 20-something farm girl, that maturity plays to her advantage vocally; and is overlooked easily enough in favor of the skill she brings to the role.
If Curly and Laurey are the couple everyone is rooting for, Jud Fry, the dark, brooding farmhand, is certainly the one who sets the audience on edge. Played masterfully by Roy Eckman, the role of Jud seldom manages to elicit such opposing emotions — sadness and pity for his situation; fear and disgust at his behavior, and yet hearty admiration for his fantastic voice. He more than held his own with Curly on the troubling “Poor Jud is Daid” — a number in which Tanner as Curly managed to be funny and charming, even as he was singing at Jud’s demise.
Photo Credit: St. George Musical Theatre
Eckman as Jud further solidified his singular talent when he opened his heart and his voice to the audience in “Lonely Room.” His actions and his demeaner screamed that he was the bad guy, but his sheer talent had you rooting for him, at least a little bit, on the inside.
Bringing a whole lot of humor to the stage and the story, it just wouldn’t be Oklahoma! without the flirtatious Ado Annie and the two men to whom she “Cain’t Say No.”
Played during this performance by Mattea Denney, Ado Annie finds herself in a pickle when, after taking up with a Persian peddler man named Ali Hakam (played by Taylor Wilkes), the man to whom she is somewhat promised, Will Parker (played by Tim Merkley) returns home from his time in Kansas City.
Simple, sweet and oh-so-silly, Denney’s performance as Ado Annie is adorable as she vacillates between one suitor and another, preferring whatever man is in her presence at the time. While some productions — including the 1950s film version — seem to lean into an almost tone-deaf version of this singing role, Denney’s vocal performance was anything but that. She was fantastic! Her youthful energy and wide smile made it easy to believe she was really in love with the idea of love — and with all the attention she received.
Meanwhile, Wilkes’ role as the peddler man was slick and smarmy but smooth when he wanted to be, like with the famous “Persian Goodbye.”
Merkley’s version of Will Parker matched Ado Annie’s ditzy, but lovable demeanor perfectly. He clearly has an excellent singing voice, but it could have been a little stronger on “All Er Nuthin’” in order to match the energy and volume of the rest of the show.
While the entire cast was well-suited for their roles, not every star can be the shiniest in the sky and in this cast, the few areas that were good but not impeccable included some of the one-off ensemble solo lines on “Farmer and the Cowman” and “Kansas City” and occasionally Aunt Eller’s (Amber Turner) dialogue.
Though her heart seemed to be in the right place, several of Turner’s lines were a little less polished, making them stand out as somewhat stiff against the more fluid delivery from the other members of the cast. It’s still early in the run, however, and some of those rough edges may polish up with time.
The costume and set designs for the entire production were strategically simple, thanks to costume designer Jessica Lavelle and set designer Brad Shelton, and felt equal to the homespun farm life the production depicts. It was just enough color in the women’s dresses to brighten things on stage while still maintaining a late-19th century vibe. Only one element seemed to be missing: The hair for which Curly’s nickname is derived. The absence of the leading man’s curly locks drew a bit of a chuckle when Tanner delivered a line referencing his curly hair while gesturing to his stick-straight tresses.
With only the most minor of criticisms, it is easy to say St. George Musical Theater’s production of Oklahoma! is one that will leave a smile on your face, a spring in your step and a strong desire to return for another showing of this delightful piece.
