The dynamic award-winning duo of director Charles Harvey and musical director Kathryn Ferguson helms the good old-fashioned classic musical, “Oklahoma,” which opened last weekend at Theatre 29. Amongst the enthusiastic sold-out crowds was reporter Rebecca Havely, who offers this review of the production…
“The waving wheat can sure smell sweet…”
The stage design sets us at the homey farmhouse of Aunt Eller, played by Shelly Sheckler, on sprawling cornfields enhanced by moving projections and details that include a “surrey with the fringe on top.” The costumes shine with Kathryn Ferguson’s and her sewing team’s designs.
Soprano McKenna Seneshale portrays Laurie with a sweet innocence. Gabe Bateman plays Will Parker with gusto. The musical’s shining stars are both Grace Rodriguez as Ado Annie and Scott Clinkscales as Curly. Rodriguez lights up the stage as the adorable girl who “can’t say no.” Clinkscale’s voice leads the large cast and beautifully brings new vibrance to the classic tunes of “Oklahoma.”
Other standouts include Cruz Jimenez as charming Pa Carnes, Israel Ruiz as the dark Judd Fry, Joe Rego as the slick Ali Hakim, Kylie Robinson as quirky Gerty Cummings, Ron Bottorff as the gritty Ike Skidmore and Ariel Montes leads the show’s classic dream ballet.
“Oklahoma” will run weekends through March 31, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available now at theatre29.org or by calling the Theatre 29 Box Office at 760-361-4151.
