WHAT A RELIEF: OKLAHOMA! IS OK WITH VOPA
The real stars of Oklahoma!, presented for two weekends only by Valley Opera and Performing Arts (VOPA) at the El Portal Theatre, are—no surprise—Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Hammerstein’s 1943 book remains solidly funny and sweet, avoiding the pitfalls of age with its lack of overt sentimentality, while his lyrics burst with poetic imagery and clever internal rhymes. Rodgers’ melodies? Unbeatable. A Rodgers waltz is like no other, and few Broadway composers can match the lush romance of “Out of My Dreams” or “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.” Every song in this groundbreaking show is a classic, and it remains one of the most-produced musicals for good reason: it’s darn near foolproof.
VOPA’s Oklahoma! is best described as community theatre on steroids. Directed by Dylan F. Thomas, this production is big—featuring two casts of over 40 performers alternating across eight performances, plus a full 23-piece orchestra led with frontier-sized gumption by Dr. Noreen Green. It’s an ambitious, high-energy staging that proves VOPA isn’t afraid to think big.
At first, the show seems to take a playful turn, with Mr. Thomas himself strolling onstage, leading the charge as Curly in the Cowboy Cast. Crooning sweetly before the action kicks in on a lovely set (designed by Mr. Thomas), it was quite a surprise to see that this Curly looked like he had already been married to his paramour Laurie for 30 years. But I allowed myself to remember the context here—this is a production born of love and the desire to enchant their audience, a full house of folks who were audibly in nostalgist heaven. Soon a divinely distinctive cast came on, all with wonderful voices, and even though the show ran over three hours, I was completely engaged. Special mention must go to dancers Chasen Greenwood and Damara Titmus as Dream Curly and Laurey, who positively wowed in the Dream Ballet. And a whimsical Emily Holz as Ado Annie carrying Andrew Landecker as Will Parker across the stage was worth the price of admission. I also adored Jennifer Kersey, who gave a wonderful spirit and great soprano as Laurey—her “Out of My Dreams” was magical.
This Oklahoma! is VOPA’s biggest production to date, performed on the Debbie Reynolds MainStage. With just a few performances left (February 22-23 at 1 PM & 6 PM), this is a high-spirited ride worth taking. Whether you’re a die-hard musical theatre fan or just looking for an evening of classic Broadway charm, giddy up and grab a ticket.
Oklahoma!
El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood
Debbie Reynolds MainStage
remaining performances: February 22 – 23 at 1pm & 6pm
for tickets ($32 – $90), visit VOPA
