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THE young cast of Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre’s Oklahoma bring energy to the show from the outset.
First performed as a musical in 1943, Oklahoma was also made into an Academy Award winning film in 1955.
While it is an old musical, many of the young cast may not have seen a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.
It follows four young lovers in 1906 Oklahoma Territory.
Independent young woman Laurie Williams lives with her respected Aunt Eller and, though she won’t admit it, is in love with cowboy Curly McClain.
Curly also loves Laurie but the two are so stubborn and teasing to each other that they have admitted their feelings to each other.
At the same time, flirtatious Ado Annie Carnes has feelings for a lot of fellers led by the slightly-simple cowboy Will Parker.
In the background, Persian peddler Ali Hakim provides comedy and mysterious farmhand Jud Fry vies for Laurie’s affections with Curly.
Eliza Turner takes on the role of Laurie in her first Nexus BYT show.
Her strong performance is helped along by Mitch Hammer as Curly. Oklahoma is Hammer’s third Nexus show and he looks comfortable on the stage.
Much of act one’s energy comes from Ado Annie and Will’s antics. Tyson Peautagitama as Will and Ashley Eadon as Ado Annie are highly entertaining and very talented.
Peautagitama’s dancing is a highlight as he leads the ensemble in Kansas City while Eadon’s rendition of Cain’t Say No is excellent.
Zedekai Thrope gets laughs from the audience as Ali Hakim, a salesman who is smitten with Annie but wary of her and her father.
The tone of the production changes with Mason Hingston’s grounded portrayal of Jud Fry. A key scene in act one with Curly is very well put together by both cast and crew.
Nexus has cast the most dancers ever in one production and their talent is clear right through from Laurie’s hypnotic dream sequence to the inevitable Oklahoma hoedowns, boot scoots and two steps.
The set is also cleverly constructed with very authentic looking pieces and props combining with costumes consisting of flowing skirts and dresses as well as chaps and hats for the lads.
It all makes for a very well set scene.
It is clear the next generation of theatre performers and talents in Bendigo is brimming with ability.
A huge ensemble brings Oklahoma to life with excellent vocals and even better dance ability.
For more information or to buy tickets head to www.thecapital.com.au/Whats_On/OKLAHOMA