East Norfolk Operatic Society
May 2024
Stage Directors Lisa Rowe and Artemis Reed
Musical Director Artemis Reed
Review Author: Susan Dupont
East Norfolk Operatic Society is a society which, normally, specialises in Gilbert and Sullivan, but when they decide to do a ‘classic’ like Oklahoma, and to bring in some new and younger performers, it works. It also sold out all week.
With that very small stage, it was always a puzzle as to how Oklahoma could possibly be fitted into the space, but Robin Richardson’s set design solved that puzzle and allowed the action to flow.
Musically this show is a joy, as one song after another strikes the ear. Somehow, we have forgotten the content, as so many ‘modern’ shows just have one tune to take home, not the entire score. Especially when sung by this cast and played by an excellent orchestra to this high standard.
All principals were well cast and when the sound of Oh What A Beautiful Morning drifted from backstage from Ryan Davenport, we knew we in for a special evening (and I hope that we see more of this young man). Well matched vocally, and with great rapport between them, newcomer Ellie Mole was a delightful and thoughtful Laurey, certainly their duets were a joy. And for fun, personality, and high jinks Will Parker (Thomas Monument) and Ado Annie ((Becky Pick) extracted every opportunity for the moment with voice and action. Keeping an eye on proceedings was Teresa Clayton as Aunt Eller with warmth, control and good-humoured fun. She was a kingpin in this story.
On the dark side and with strong vocals, Jon Bennett excelled in his portrayal of Judd in the Smokehouse scene. And for comedy and timing, who could beat Edmund Ramsdale in his role as Ali Hakim the pedlar, really not so different from his usual G&S patter roles, good interactions throughout. Strong singing and great characterisation from Kizzy Becket as Gertie Cummings with that laugh. She also doubled as Ike skidmore, which was interesting. Andrew Inglis as Carnes doubled as Slim. The chorus numbers very lively and vocally sound every time. The ballet, which we wondered at, performed by a smaller troupe but very capably to give us the moments needed to complete the story, ready for the finale actions of drama. Altogether a most satisfactory and enjoyable evening of nostalgia, my thanks to the excellent Front of House team.
An excellent programme, filled with information, it’s just a pity that the obligatory NODA paragraph was omitted so it cannot be entered for the Programme competition.