If you ever saw Oklahoma as a production I promise you that you haven’t seen it quite like this. The original by Rogers and Hammerstein was definitely an explosion of what it is to do a musical. However this production mirrors where we are in America. So if you are expecting it to be like the one you did or saw your child perform in school, get ready to clutch your pearls.
Safety Precautions
You are still required to show your vaccination card, identification and wear a mask. The Forrest Theatre also has a metal detector for you to go through. I was happily glad to see it. So give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive to show your appropriate items. Masks must be worn the entire time of the show.
Show Review
I loved this rendition. It made me think that’s for sure. There were instances of brief violence. I wouldn’t recommend anyone under the age of 12 there. There was a kid that was about 8 in front of us. I am not sure how much she understood. The acting is spot on. The way the cast interacted with one another was dynamic. I thought they would have their moment to come on and off the stage more. This is a story of two romantic interest (Curly played by Sean Grandillo and Farmhand Jud Fry played by Christopher Bannow) in the pursuit of Laurey played by Sasha Hutchings. Sasha is amazing in every way. She definitely commanded the stage and her voice is impeccable.
Also another romance or two is budding between Ado Annie played by Sis and Will Parker played by Hennessy Winkler. Ado Annie is all about the men. Sis played that part and snatched the stage like it was her own. I loved seeing the sexual liberation. In these days and then it’s alarming how so many didn’t want to see women as inviting or have a sexual appetite. I lived for the vocals of Sis. I mean she needed no microphone.
This interaction of what is real and even moments of what’s not was beautifully intertwined. What is mental illness? You will see this played out and unfortunately someone will lose their life. Also the concept of tolerance. I saw a few people in the audience display uncomfortableness. The best way to hear the real way people feel about a production is to listen to people during the end and intermission.
Musical Explosion
It’s good to note that Oklahoma was one of the first productions to introduce the musical style that we are now used to today. The vocals in Oklahoma are not to be played with. Everyone in that cast had chops. If you love musicals as much as I do you will not be disappointed. The singing is truly unmatched.
Changing of Times
Many of that time wouldn’t have had such a colorful class of actors and actresses. In this production, the cast is represented by all races, sexual preferences, and more. I loved that. I saw people switching in their seats and I won’t tell you why. When you see it you will get it. As I looked on the uncomfortableness its a sign that the world whether they are ready for it or not, is changing.
Thank you to the staff of Forrest Theatre as well as Bryan Buttler Media Relations. The hospitality shown was amazing. From the ticket handlers to the bar staff it was a great tine. For this play I took my husband who played in Oklahoma as a High School student. Its safe to say it wasn’t the production that he remembered. I had to remind him that going to a Catholic school, I am sure some of the themes like drug usage, rape, violence and more was contained for a suitable audience. In this production it is not.
Ticket and Vital Information
Make sure you get your tickets. The show is in production until Sunday March 20, 2022. It opened up to an almost showed out show. Little information you may need:
- The bar has quite a great selection-choose a double never a single trust me. The double wine of Pinot was what I needed
- Also the cup can be brought back for any show at the Forrest Theatre for a drink discount and that includes the night of your showing
- The show is 2 hours and 45 minutes long with one intermission
- Please as always silence your phone. They remind you and there’s always one that doesn’t adhere.
- Make it a night or experience-there are several restaurants and bar close by as well as a city parking deck near by
All photos are courtesy of Forrest Theatre by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
You can also see my reel as a recap of the night.
