The theatre department’s production of Oklahoma! was energetic and well-performed. Director Stephanie Smith interpreted the play nicely and made the plot exciting. Oklahoma!, composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, illustrates the choice that Laurey (Kaila Burritt) has to make between two men, Curly (Weston Beckham) and Jud Fry (Shawn Smallets). That night is the box social, and both men vie for Laurey’s attention.

The actors and actresses were filled with emotions that properly conveyed the tone of the scene; even from the middle of the auditorium it was easy to see confusion, amusement and despair on their faces. The plot of the show is hard to see at times, but this production was interpreted in a way that made it clearer to see what is happening and why. The symbolism in the one scene, called the “Dream Sequence,” was expressed with two different moods, warm and chilling. The end of the show was intense and unexpected, and the actors emphasized it in an unexpected and electrifying way.

The set was built up enough to support the show, but it wasn’t so busy that it was distracting. It portrayed the Oklahoma range charmingly. The lighting was used often to change scenes or moods, but the different colors were never disruptive or hard to follow. The music was lively and lovable, and it added what was necessary to the atmosphere – sometimes it added tension and misery, sometimes to the humor and cheer. The smooth melodies will have you humming “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” for the next two days.

The actors and actresses were fervent in their work and very convincing. The peddler, Ali Hakim (Brian Robinson) was witty and hilarious, and his Persian accent was priceless. From facial expressions to hand gestures to the way they walked, the leads all used more than just words to entertain the audience. The gentlemen in the chorus were playful and lively, and the ladies were sweet and polished. Altogether they were smooth and definitely played a key part in the atmosphere of the performance. The band was outstanding and their music sounded flawless.

Overall, the wild and exciting story of some farmers and cowboys was portrayed clearly and heartily.

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