Reviewed by Sondra Morishima/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
Jennifer Cody as Ado Annie and John Scherer as Will Parker in OKLAHOMA! The production plays at Music Circus through Aug. 1. Photo by: Steve Kolb.
Oh, what a beautiful mornin'!
Oh, what a beautiful day!
I've got a beautiful feelin',
Everything's goin' my way!
Better than any pre-show pep talk, and a joyful beginning to the Music Circus' production of OKLAHOMA! - this song seems to hit the right note among the audience and introduces the rest of the musical that is filled with the same enthusiasm of the first song and keeps everyone enthralled -- even after the heartwarming ride into the sunset.
OKLAHOMA! is filled with daring men and women making a living in a new territory, one that's just about ready to become a state. Laurey, a beautiful farm girl has attracted the attentions of the handsome Curly, one of the finest cowboys around, and also the brooding farmhand, Jud Fry. Although Laurey returns Curly's feelings, she doesn't want to come to him easily, and instead chooses to attend the box social with Jud.
Meanwhile, Laurey's best friend -- and opposite in views on approaching men -- Ado Annie -- is in love with two men, Will Parker who wants to make her his bride, and Ali Hakim, the Persian traveling peddler who is as committed to marriage as a cornstalk.
The musical revolves around the love, heartbreaks, jealousies, and revenge of these lovers.
This production is made so much more enjoyable by the new Wells Fargo Pavilion and especially by the talent of the actors and actresses. Since the Wells Fargo Pavilion has taken the place of the signature Music Circus tent, watching musicals has become more comfortable. Instead of bringing a fan to cool off, I would suggest a jacket to keep warm. The building is air-conditioned and quite comfortable. The circular stage with a wide circumference of seats, providing everyone with a good view of the production, remains in the same spot. The only thing missing would be the tent, nostalgia for some but misery for others.
Although the pavilion improves the comfort of the audience, it's the actors and actresses who really steal your heart. Six of the eight major characters appeared on Broadway in other musicals, and George Merrick (Curly) played this same character in the New London Barn Playhouse. Everyone had an impressive resume. This wonderful company seemed to put all of their heart and soul into their characters, making them lifelike and entertaining. Every actor and actress had a fantastic voice that seemed to touch the audience and make them part of the musical, feeling the same emotions as the characters in OKLAHOMA!
And so, all in all, this was an outstanding production played by outstanding individuals in an outstanding building. I rate it four stars. It is definitely a musical worth seeing and will leave you feeling content and fulfilled.
OKLAHOMA! will be performing at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, located on the corner of 15th and H streets. Performances will take place through Aug. 1, with show times Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Single show tickets are priced from $32 to $47, on sale at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, or by phone at (916) 557-1999. Tickets can also be purchased from Tickets.com at (916) 766-2277.
For more information on the Music Circus, visit CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com.
