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Scene - Theater Reviews

Sunday, Mar. 22, 2009

Review: Oh, what a beautiful, musical day!

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In today's gloomy times, it's hard to remember that America once was an optimistic place full of promise.

"Oklahoma!" now running at Modesto Junior College, harkens back to a time when everybody automatically assumed that the future would be better than the present.

With a cast filled with good- looking, spirited young people, director Michael Lynch's production provides an escape from the endless stream of bad financial news.

Written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the musical debuted on Broadway in 1943. A movie followed in 1955 with Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae in the lead roles.

The simple story centers on a young woman who can't decide with whom she should attend a dance. Surrounding her are a wise aunt, a boy-crazy best friend, a Persian peddler and a colorful assortment of cowboys and farmers. Everyone is busy settling down, building up a community that will provide prosperity for all.

The somewhat dull plot is leavened by the catchy music, which includes the peppy title number and the sentimental ballad "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning."

Lindsay H. Pearce is perfectly cast in the starring role as Laurey. She's so beautiful, confident and smart, it's no wonder all the men are crazy over her. She's also a fine singer and harmonizes wonderfully with Keaton Williams, who plays her favorite beau Curly.

Sporting an appropriately curly hairstyle, Williams is charming and cocky, convinced that the world will give him whatever he desires. His bright smile and charismatic presence makes him impossible to dislike.

Joseph Hamilton is chilling as Jud Fry, the bitter hired hand at Laurey's ranch. He is competent at his job but has no social skills and feels mistreated by the world. Hamilton is scary when he's angry and makes every scene he is in a tense one.

Christopher W. Hamby and Emily Kay Shrader are hyper as puppies as dimwitted couple Will Parker and Ado Annie. Their hijinks are comical but sometimes go too far.

Robin Bjerke radiates kindness as Aunt Eller while Steven Linhares projects shiftiness as the traveling peddler Ali Hakim.

Choreographer Lori Bryhni has the cast do-si-doing all over the stage and comes up with a fantastic dream sequence ballet that shimmers in the fog. The dream ballet scene is one of the highlights of the show.

The set, by Ty Van Helton, is a stunner with a big blue sky, a windmill, cornfields and a shed. Anne Shanto's costumes are reminiscent of what would be found on "Little House on the Prairie."

The orchestra, directed by Cherrie Lewellyn, is competent but sometimes slips and emits a clunker note or two.

But the show ends on a high note with the audience feeling properly uplifted. The crowd at Friday's opening night performance leapt to their feet and rewarded the cast with a rousing standing ovation.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.