OKLAHOMA! Music by Richard Rodgers; Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Director: Lindsay Lowe Assistant Director: Theresa Allcock Musical Direction: Jon Gibson Choreographer: Jayde Rylance North Manchester Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (NMAODS) The stage opened to reveal a creative and well-constructed set comprising of Aunt Eller’s house stage right and a barn on stage left. Upstage centre featured a silhouette of crops that attracted your attention and was well lit, but the screws holding it together weren’t painted and you could see the light reflecting from them. At the sides were black flats that in my opinion could have been painted to match the fantastic effort from the set construction team who created the house and the barn. The cast entered the auditorium from the rear, heading to the stage where Aunt Eller, played by Jo Burton, was receiving them. Set in the early 1900s, the cast were wearing fitting costumes, dresses and country workwear to suit. The wardrobe and props were managed and sourced by Catherine King to fit the era. The audience was introduced to Curly, portrayed by Phil Callaghan, who had strong projections and splendid vocals. He was confident and charming. Being in a little auditorium, the society didn’t use any microphones on the cast, merely two pick up mics on stage, but that did not affect Callaghan’s performance and you could hear his diction well. During the number ‘Kansas City’, the audience witnessed Will Parker, played by Adam Cornett, control the stage with determination. Cornett has great characterisation; strong acting skills and you felt his dominance during his scenes. Phil Callaghan as Curly
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