Tag: Oklahoma

A Five Exclamation Points ‘Oklahoma!’ at Reagle Music Theatre!!!!!

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Cast of Reagle Music Theatre’s ‘Oklahoma!’ Photos by Robert Pascucci

Oklahoma! – by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Direction and Choreography by Rachel Bertone. Music Direction by Dan Rodriguez. Scenic Consulting by Cameron McEachern. Lighting Design by Frank Meissner, Jr. Costume Design by Emerald City Theatrical. Sound Design by Sebastian Nixon. At Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston, Waltham, through July 2.

by Linda Chin

With award-winning director and choreographer Rachel Bertone and music director Dan Rodriguez at the helm, Frank Meissner, Jr. (Lighting Design), Cameron McEachern (Scenic Consultant), Emerald City Theatrical (Costume Design) on the creative team, Reagle’s production of Oklahoma! was bound to be a feast for the senses. From the moment the overture begins, the 19-piece orchestra envelops you with lush sound. The bright yellow drop (adorned with figures of cowmen and farmers) that welcomed you to the theater rises to reveal a world of yesteryear – a farmhouse with a front porch, white picket fences, and a hand-painted backdrop of the open sky that is both realistic and dreamy – you can imagine the sweet breezes and smell of hay.

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North Shore Music Theatre’s ‘Oklahoma’ Is a Rollicking Kick Off to its 64th Season

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(Photos: Paul Lyden)

By Shelley A. Sackett

‘Oklahoma!’ –Music by Richard Rodgers; Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Directed by Charles Repole; Choreography by Mara Newbery Greer; Music Direction by Mark Hartman. Presented by North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, through June 16.

Just when the cold, wet slog of spring 2019 was about to wear down all hope that summer would ever arrive, NSMT comes to the rescue with a first-rate production of the 1943 classic, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’  Perfect for theatre-in-the-round staging, this Broadway masterpiece has everything: a snappy, foot-stomping score, impressive choreography and a captivating story that is more complex and bleak than many may remember.

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NSMT’s ‘Oklahoma’ – A True Classic

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(Cast of NSMT’s ‘Oklahoma’)

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

“Oklahoma” is the classic Broadway musical that launched Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration back in 1943. So to celebrate North Shore Music Theatre’s 64th season, owner and producer Bill Hanney brings it in as his opening musical of his 10th season at this historic theatre. The story is about Curly, the cowboy, and Laurey, the farmer, who pretend they dislike each other until another unsavory suitor, handyman Jud, makes a play for her. Curly then becomes the hero who must step up to save the damsel in distress. Laurey is guided by her strong willed Aunt Eller. She also is supported by her flirty friend, Ado Annie, who likes to keep many beaus on a string, including handsome, dancing Will Parker who has seen the big city lights and the womanizing peddler, Ali Hakim. Throw in Annie’s strong willed father, Andrew and a singing and dancing chorus that will knock your socks off and you have the ingredients for this sensational high energy musical extravaganza.

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