By Arielle Gervasi
Midway into the 5th Avenue’s season, they are still going strong with a colorful and lively rendition of Oklahoma!
This story follows the lives of a few southern guys and gals on the Indian Territory of Oklahoma in 1907 just before it was made into a state. It includes many elements, such as the traditional love story between Curly and Laurey, the scandalous tale of Ado Annie who can’t say no to multiple suitors, and the ever kind-heartedness of Aunt Eller, but also includes some darker themes such as racism and unrequited passion, as told through the story of the work hand Jud.
Of note this year, they have invited Donald Byrd of Spectrum Dance Theater to choreograph the dances. This unconventional pairing is stated best in the musical program: “Oklahoma!, the beloved musical featuring cowboys, farmers, and petticoats with a songbook known to every musical theater fan is a very bright contrast with Donald Byrd’s contemporary, dark, intellectual, political-psycho-sexual dance theater.” While the dances were notably very strong and expressive, Byrd’s unique element was likely best seen in Laurey’s Dream Ballet at the end of Act 1. This dance contains such surprisingly sharp psychological undertones and intensity that it almost seems out of place in the musical. However, those who are fans of modern dance and enjoy a brief delve into darker themes will appreciate what this dance offers to the story. Overall, the dances, in my opinion, were the strength of the show, and my only regret is that there weren’t more of them.
Another strength of the show lies within the superb acting that brings this wide array of characters to life to create a multi-faceted story. Ali Hakim, played by Daniel Levine, is notably hilarious as the travelling wares man who seduces Ado Annie while her fiancé-to-be is away, but realizes woefully later that the girls of the town are mostly interested in tying him down into marriage. Annie (Kirsten deLohr Helland) herself is pitch-perfect as the ditsy but lovable girl who can’t decide on just one man. Aunt Eller, played by Anne Allgood, captures everyone’s heart as the youthful mother-figure who somehow simultaneously knows how cheer everyone up, keep them in check, loves a good laugh, and isn’t afraid to use a shotgun! Lastly, Curly and Laurey, played by Eric Ankrim and Alexandra Zorn, have wonderful chemistry. Their characters have an unmistakable connection as they banter and tease like brother and sister, with a romance under the surface that Laurey is afraid to admit. I won’t give anything away, but their emotion and honesty in the People Will Say We’re In Love Reprise is enough to bring a tear to anyone’s eye.
Also, if you haven’t had enough Oklahoma! after the 5th Avenue’s performance to last you through the year or you just want to support local high school students, come see the Oklahoma! Project. This version features a cast, crew, orchestra, and support team of high school students. Come see them make magic on the 5th Avenue stage March 16th-17th. Tickets are on sale now for these three limited-time performances.
Oklahoma! now playing: Feb. 3rd- Mar. 4th
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