Tuesday 22nd October 2019

The show based on Lynn Riggs 1931 play Green Grow The Lilacs. Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory in 1906 with music from William Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. The lyrics in this show are incredible, slick, witty, hilarious, quite out there at times, hearing them anew was a real treat.

There are so many familiar songs in this show all sung with passion and feeling, transporting the audience to the emerging State of Oklahoma in the early 20^th century. We meet the feisty Ranch owner Aunt Eller, Rosemary Gresty giving a tour-de-force performance as the no nonsense matriarch hoping wedding bells are coming for her much loved niece Laurey sweetly sung and played by the beautifully understated Lottie Morris, giving the role a real heart.

Laurey plays hard to get, with harsh put downs for her local cowhand suitor Curly McLain, Hugh Cotton, his swaggering bravado as he plays cat and mouse with her, not quite sure of her intentions, great portrayal, his inter-character interplay was excellent, as were all of the lead characters.

John Wicks, a last minute replacement apparently had thirty six hours preparation to play sinister Jud Fry. To say he carried it off with some aplomb is the very definition of an understatement. A surely, awkward loner with his eye cast firmly on Laurey as a potential wife, absolutely amazing performance to carry this off so competently. I was astonished to find out how long he’d had before curtain up.

Ado Annie Carnes, what a hoot Elena Fox had playing this girl who can’t say no, brilliantly funny portrayal. Will Parker, her betrothed on production of fifty dollars, Michael Dyer played this just right, uncertain of her true commitment as she seems to have had her head turned by the Persian peddler Ali Hakim, John Stone. The subtle nuanced performances of these three characters created such a comedic event the like of which deserves a spin off show. Great timing, passion, just down right laugh out loud funny.

Andrew Gardner by Mike Johnson always a class act. I’ve known and watched Mike for years, been privileged to have worked with him as well on numerous occasions.

All of the supporting roles were well performed, a special nod to the dancers a key role in this show at times, a collective ensemble all working to give the audience it’s best. Costumes and props were superb, from the professional touring. Orchestra, sound and lighting also top notch.

Director James Freeman together with his production team of Musical Director Allison Fisher, Choreographer Gareth Ridge, Accompanist Larraine Hunter, have put together a beautiful, funny and thoroughly enjoyable show. The Dream Ballet section was simply exquisite to watch, like a surreal magical blend of live action and animation, lit to perfection, the scenes were washed with colour, the intensity of the performances leapt from the stage. Yes it was THAT good. 

All in all an outstanding show.

Alan Bruce

Regional Representative NODA West Midlands District 3