Society pulls out all the stops with Oklahoma

Show given new life by energetic youthful cast

THERE was a ‘bright golden haze’ over the Concordia stage last week, with a lively and captivating performance of Oklahoma.

Hinckley Concordia Amateur Operatic Society pulled out all the stops, to bring new life to this perennial favourite, with some of the best ever show tunes around in its repertoire.

It was a pleasure to see it given new life by an energetic and youthful cast; and the very enthusiastic dancing, aided by excellent choreography seemed to give this show, which has been around for well over half a century, a new dimension.

The ever reliable Ashley Bright was a big hitting Curly, who strode onto the stage to belt out a stirring ‘Oh What A Beautiful Morning’ and had the audience in the palm of his hand from then on. He was matched note for note, by the impressive Abi Hunt as his love interest Laurey, who really came to the fore with the testing ‘Many A New Day’ which really hit the mark.

The two leads were a perfect match and seemed to bring out the best in the rest of the cast.

And their rousing version of ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’, was a real show stopper.

David Lane, was a mean and menacing Jud Fry, a man who also had his eye on his employer Laurey; while Craigie Morrison was all tea, sympathy and sage, as wise old Aunt Eller.

Sam Loynes added an extra spice of humour, as the trader with an eye for the ladies, Ali Hakim and he had the perfect accomplice in Laura Matlock, as the flirty Ado Annie, a girl who loves to be loved.

Tom Guest demonstrated some great tap-dancing skills as good old reliable Will Parker, the man who hopes to marry Ado, while James Martin as her dad, brought great gusto to the stomping ‘ The Farmer And The Cowman’ as a great second half opener.

As always, the dancing and chorus were first class and really came to the fore with a rousing version of Oklahoma, to end the night on an impressive high note. Tony Parratt