The stage for Syracuse University Drama’s ‘Oklahoma!’ is painted in muted reds and beiges, a nod to the lazy horizons and flat, dusty farmlands of pioneer times. But the show is anything but dull. SU’s ‘Oklahoma!’ is colorful, fun and irresistibly hum-able.

The show opened Friday night to a sold-out crowd and runs through Oct. 24.

‘Oklahoma!’ follows the lives of settlers in the 1887 Oklahoma Territory. It’s the first show from legendary theatre duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, which debuted on Broadway March 31, 1943. David Lowenstein directed this year’s SU production and appeared in it when he was a student at SU in 1982.

SU’s production of the classic American musical did not disappoint with stand-out performances, impressive choreography and toe-tapping group numbers, despite a few shortcomings in its more serious moments.

‘Oklahoma!’ was quick-paced from the start – a true testament to the direction and energy of the actors during the three-hour show. As the orchestra played the overture, the cast literally ‘settled’ on stage, constructing a simple wood-frame farm house in choreographed sequences.

The first big group number, ‘Kansas City,’ delighted with tight choreography. Cowboys and pioneer women two-stepped and stomped every which way while Will Parker, played by senior John Garry, tells of the marvels of modern Kansas City – seven-story skyscrapers and telephones.

There’s whooping and hollering, heel-kicking and constant energy, as well as a slower 10-minute ‘Dream Ballet.’ Classics like ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,’ ‘The Surrey with the Fringe on the Top’ and ‘Oklahoma’ were performed with near-professional quality by a well-chosen cast.

Senior Seth Danner stood out as Curly – the love-struck cowboy who’s got his eye set on farm girl Laurey. Danner has an irresistible charm but lacks some of the toughness one comes to expect from a rough territory cowboy. As Danner’s love interest, senior Emma Ritchie has the soprano range and sweet temperament to play a memorable Laurey.

The chemistry between the stubborn but clearly smitten pair builds as the show progresses from their childlike flirtation to when they proclaim ‘Let people say we’re in love’ during an impassioned ballad in Act 2.

Midwestern puppy love aside, the most fun character to watch on stage is the brassy, fun Aunt Eller, played by senior Sarah Olbrantz. Eller is Laurey’s older aunt, but her playful personality makes her one of the most youthful people around. Olbrantz hobbles around stage one moment and twirls and spins with the ensemble the next.

Playing an older person when you’re a college student has its challenges, but there’s no noticeable heavy age makeup and bad silver hair spray. Olbrantz’s attention to character detail is what does it. She creates a character tough enough to keep up with the cowboys but tender enough to be Laurey’s mother figure.

Junior Mary Kate Morrissey is an audience favorite as the sexy, oblivious and boy-crazy Ado Annie. Morrissey creates a lovable pioneer ditz. When told ‘There’s sometimes women ain’t got no need for men,’ Morrissey replies, wide-eyed and confused, ‘Yeah, but who wants to be dead?’

The group numbers, big personalities and the energy of the show were so delightful that, in contrast, some of the darker moments felt out of place.

When lovable Curly threatens loner farmhand Jud Fry, played by senior Brendan Cullen, the interaction feels out of character. A melodramatic song glorifying Jud’s death brings some dark humor to the otherwise uncomfortable scene.

Though inconsistencies in accents were often distracting, the southern feel remained. You have to give credit to actors who can make such dated, campy country lines such as ‘jumpin’ toadstools’ feel natural.

The musical trip to the colorful pioneer past makes for a feel-good show from the opening notes to the final ‘Yeeow!’

jmterrus@syr.edu

Published on October 11, 2009 at 12:00 pm