Everything's Up to Date at Hale Centre
Reviewed July 7, 2005
Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Michael Bryce
Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert
(480) 497-1181
July 7th - August 20th, 2005
$20.00 - $22.00
The prospect of a full musical at Hale Centre Theatre is generally not a happy one, with visions of circle dances and half-heard interludes. They’ve had successes, such as their Pirates of Penzance and some moments in My Fair Lady, but trying to fit the territory of Oklahoma! on a 12’ x 12’ stage with 30 cowboys and cowgirls doesn’t seem like a natural fit. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s seminal 1943 musical calls for “plenty of room.” Room, however, is a state of mind as much as a physical space, and what Michael Bryce has done is to bring together a wonderful cast with a spirit that is as big as all outdoors. This isn’t the most polished production of this well-worn warhorse, but it’s one of the spunkiest I’ve seen, and a joy to watch.
The strength of the central characters of Curly (Douger Opie) and Laurey (Emily Baker) lies more in their gorgeous voices and earnestness than in the depth of their performances. Opie is a cute Curly, and his strong voice matches his heart. Baker has one of the loveliest voices around, and she’s captured her character’s coquettishness perfectly. Hilary Hirsch’s Aunt Eller is a scream. Once again, it’s not that she’s overpowering in her performance, but rather there’s an easy sweetness that makes her so charming. Alex Gonzalez’s Jud Fry is an excellent balance of creepy and empathetic, and his strong voice and presence make him a formidable balance to Opie. Patrick Salazar and Toni Fioramonti are a hilarious couple as Will Parker and his Ado Annie. Salazar is all “shucks” and high kicks, and Fioramonti is pleasantly over the top. There’s nothing subtle about any of their roles, and they both work them to maximum effect. Jack Pauly seems to have been made for the role of traveling salesman Ali Hakim. He is just the right mixture of slimy and sweet, and despite a questionable accent, he is an absolute scream.
As good as the regular show is, their dream ballet is amazing. Choreographed by Brent Thomas Mills and Maryann Gregg, Laurey’s dream becomes a fog-shrouded vision worthy of professional companies. Gregg and Dream Curly Nathan Turley (alternating with Brent Mills) perform excellently. The remainder of the ensemble is filled with strong singers who are investing everything in making this show work.
John Autore and Jonathan Odom have created a wonderful design element featuring a barn, a farmhouse, even a water tower and tree that allows for full usage of the space. Jonathan Odom’s lighting devises some interesting looks, though it does call attention to itself with dramatic changes during equally dramatic moments. Sandy Bishop’s costumes are up to their usual high standards, full of gingham and jeans. Though microphone problems kept some lines from being heard, the overall design is solid.
Summer in the valley usually means hot temperatures and little reason to brave them. Hale’s Oklahoma! is more than enough reason, once again proving themselves the little company that could.
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