Whenever a theater troupe presents a well-known classic like Oklahoma, there is a tendency by audience members to compare the production to prior versions of the show that they may have seen. The up side of this principle is that when a production strives for excellence to match these high expectations, even if it falls a bit short, it still comes off as a good show. That is the case with Wheaton Drama's presentation of Oklahoma. It may not be perfect, but it is still a very good production.
Oklahoma is a musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II that was first performed on Broadway in 1943. It tells the story of people living in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th century and features such songs as Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, Surrey with the Fringe on Top and People Will Say We're in Love.
The play follows the adventures of two cowboys, Curly (played by Keith deBolt) and Will (played by Justin Adair), as they try to win the hearts of the women they love. Curly's pursuit of Laurey (played by Mary Beth deBolt) and Will's pursuit of Ado Annie (played by Amanda Horvath) meet interference from an evil ranch hand, Jud (played by Tony Farruggio) and a roaming peddler, Ali Hakim (played by Ed Lester).
Director Merel Marine's casting is nearly perfect, from the leads to the ensemble players. All the cast members were believable in their roles and were well-rehearsed and energetic, making for a fast-paced show. Several cast members turned in excellent performances.
Leading the way was leading lady Mary Beth deBolt as Laurey. She excelled in every number in which she appeared, but her lovely, operatic voice was especially impressive on Many a New Day. She is the epitome of the heroine in a musical.
Also good was Tony Farruggio as Jud, the hired hand who is yearning for Laurie and proves to be Curly's most daunting rival. Farruggio is exceptional in a difficult, and somewhat unrewarding, role. Whereas the 1955 film of Oklahoma portrays Jud as just evil, and maybe a bit schizophrenic, the play shows him as a terribly misunderstood man. In this fashion, the audience can more readily identify with him. Farruggio also has a good voice and his harmonizing with Curly (Keith deBolt) as Curly sings Pore Jud is Dead was first-class.
Other performers who stood out include Carol Brown, as Laurey's feisty, yet lovable, Aunt Eller. Brown had the right balance of fierce determination and understated kindness. In addition, she has a nice voice and her comedic timing was excellent.
The show also was fun when the duets were performed. The All Er Nothin' number with Will (Adair) and Ado Annie (Horvath) was delightful. Curly (Keith deBolt) and Laurie (Mary Beth deBolt), who in real life are husband and wife, teamed up nicely on People Will Say We're in Love.
But despite Keith deBolt's rapport on stage with his real-life wife, his portrayal of Curly comes off a bit uneven. Keith deBolt had the charm and charisma of Curly, and he has a good voice, but the actor depicted the leading man as a bit dim-witted. The character had more guffaws and laughs than necessary and he had too many bewildered looks on his face. Whether this was a choice by the actor or part of Marine's direction is unclear, but the leading man role calls for a more stoic presence. Keith deBolt could have played it more like Gordon MacRae (who played Curly in the movie) and less like Robin Williams.
Still, the show is a winner. Viewing Wheaton Drama's Oklahoma is like visiting an old friend. You'll enjoy the company; you'll be reminded of how much you like it; and you'll overlook any minor imperfections.
Wheaton Drama's presentation of Oklahoma continues at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. on Sundays, through June 24. Tickets are $21, except on Thursdays, which have a discounted rate of $18. The Wheaton Drama Playhouse is located at 111 North Hale Street, Wheaton. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the web site at www.wheatondrama.org, or call (630) 260-1820.
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