`Oklahoma!' mixes romance, action
Set in the territorial Midwest, the musical begins when the lead character, Curly (George Zener), sings the classic song "Oh What a Beautiful Morning." The musical unfolds as Curly comes to the home of Aunt Eller, (Claire Saloman), to court her niece, Laurey, portrayed by Lutes.
Zener ably performs the role of Curly. However, from the beginning of the show, Lutes' singing talent is obvious. She takes the role of Laurey to its full artistic extent.
The action revolves around the upcoming Box Social. The stage is then set for an array of love triangles and romantic conquests. While sparks are flying between Curly and Laurey, the audience is introduced to Will Parker (Paul Manwell), a lovestruck young man, and his "honey," boy-crazy Ado Annie (Catherine McIntosh), who has an eye for a gypsy peddler, Ali Hakim (Zvi Boshernitzan).
The plot thickens as Laurey declines Curly's offer to take her to the social. Instead, she goes with the play's undesirable villain, the obssessive Jud Fry (Chris Ciompi). Curly decides to take the town loud-mouth, Gertie Cummings (Elizabeth Graves), to the social. Conflict arises between Curly and Jud.
Ciompi adds the tension expected from a villainous character. Besides being intimidating, he also adds a strong voice to Jud's character.
Laurey, scared of Jud, fires him from her farm and finds security in Curly's arms, leaving unfinished business between the two men. Will vies with Ali for Ado Annie's hand. As all struggle to find their happily-ever-after fates, there is a climactic knife fight before the situation between Curly and Jud is resolved.
In addition to romance and violence, Oklahoma! offers tricky footwork and ambitious dance routines choreographed by Joy Winkler. Though many of the routines are complicated, the cast and dancers execute the movements well.
It is noticeable that the cast is concentrating more on the precision of the movements rather than enjoying performing. The singing and dance numbers are impressive and reflect the weeks of rehearsal the cast put in. Adding to the atmosphere of Oklahoma! is the array of colorful and appropriate costumes of the cast.
Oklahoma! will be performed in the WRC Commons Nov. 10, 11, 16 and18 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 17 at 6 p.m. Admission is $4 for Rice students and $5 for non-Rice students.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the November 10, 1995 issue.
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