Large cast excels in OU’s ‘Coram Boy’ epic
It took a while to figure out who was who and what was going on, but the dramatic finale was worth the wait — packing an almost Dickensian punch — in a staging of “Coram Boy” at the University of Oklahoma.
Adapted by Helen Edmundson from a children’s novel by Jamila Gavin with music by Adrian Sutton, the production is performed by a very large cast.
A staircase leads to connecting balconies under arches in a set designed by Ethan Hartman that suggests the 18th century foundling hospital for abandoned infants where the action takes place. Other atmospheric elements include fog effects, fabric water and a mysterious balcony angel.
But it was the performance of the company as a whole, including adult and children’s choruses backed by a hidden pit chamber orchestra, that made the pro- duction so effective Saturday.
Actresses Nancy Ross and Bethany Smith brought excellent intensity to their male roles as the youthful musical prodigies, Alexander Ashbrook and Thomas Ledbury, united by their ability to “hear” music in color.
Especially memorable was Ross’s breakdown and flight as the younger Ashbrook after his aristocratic father, played by Matthew Eitzen, insists he give up music for the family business.
Andrew Rathgeber was equally solid as “the older” Ashbrook in Act 2, returning from abroad to seek reconciliation with his father.
Cast as a tinker with a sideline of getting paid to take infants to the orphanage, then disposing of them, Connor Konz made a good villain.
Hard to follow at times, but ending emphatically with an excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” OU’s “Coram Boy,” which continues through Dec. 7, should not be missed. Directed by Rena Cook with Dr. Richard Zielinski serving as conductor and music director, the production is highly recommended and lives up to its billing as “an inspiring, epic holiday adventure.”
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