Posted on August 4th, 2009 at 10:28 pm by 
Seeking an escape from the rain that has become Summer 09, I headed south through the glorious South Downs towards Chichester Festival Theatre in search of a bit of southern comfort, in the guise of Oklahoma. Nothing like the ‘feel good factor’ I thought to myself, remembering those good ol’ belt ‘em out Rogers and Hammerstein numbers, and thinking I was set for an evening of wicker baskets and gingham frocks.
Well, that’s where the dream ended but reality began. And take it from me, the reality was much, much better than any nostalgia.
Oklahoma is a fresh, contemporary production, with definitely more substance than froth and with only the merest hint of cute blonde pigtails. The amazing score hits the same resonant notes and yes, the boy gets the girl in the end, but of all the productions I’ve seen, this delivers the message of new states in America and the conflict and struggle that was farming in the early1900′s better than any. There are some very powerful performances – I loved feisty Laurey (Leila Benn Harris -no blonde highlights, take note casting directors) and Michael Matus as Ali Hakim, the peddler, but Craige Els as Jud managed to deliver something very special into a hitherto unglamorous role. The simple set was highly effective as the background of Oklahoma skies, the lighting fantastic and original dances by Agnes de Mille would surely have thrilled those who remembered the original production. The night I went there was an audience spanning several generations – I loved it, but some may well have hankered after a more traditional feel. Oklahoma has always had its dark side, but perhaps in Chichester the shadows are longer yet the light brighter.
Mama Mia in gingham this ain’t – but book now and you will be assured of something much, much better.
