Absolutely brilliant. I've been in Oklahoma and seen it countless times and yet it was like seeing it for the first time. Loved the set, the feel and the complete lack of vibrate gingham... fantastic production yet again Chichester, well done. - E Reeves
15 Jul 09
superb indeed, it is indeed a wonderfully diferent approach, mature, human universal.
I will go next year again - Alejandro
13 Jul 09
Seen it a few times now and i must admit on first viewing i wasnt to impressed - found it very static and the set very boring (2 sheets pft !)
However, on more viewings ive started to enjoy the show more and more Michael Xavier & Leila Benn Harris are fantastic and bring a touch of class to the production.
Natalie Casey as Ado Annie has great comic edge yet her voice always goes at some point either in "i cant say no" or "all or nothin" Put her patnering with Michael Matus & Michael Rouse (Will Parker) is excellent !!!
If you like the songs enough not to be bothered by bad set or are not fussed by endless dropping of petals and leaves ...ooo and apples (twice lol) , go ahead, if not give a miss ! - Daz
03 Jul 09
Excellent !! LOVE POPS !!! Alex Gianinni rocks ! - Eileen Martin
01 Jul 09
natalie casey my favourate. she delivers
a great performance as usual. - alan j waterworth
30 Jun 09
Deadly and slow moving, static performers filling in for no scenery. No punch in the vague storyline. "Fame" style dance routines.
First half very boring. Picked up a little second half. Pleased when it ended! - Graham Anthony
27 Jun 09
I saw a preview and must admit i wasnt entirely empressed but i saw it again on press night and it really blew me away. A few things changed that really made a difference. Loved it! seeing it again next week and hopfully more. - ben l
26 Jun 09
Just to help Sono above and nothing more.
That is an Act One 'dream ballet' when Laurey in her mind thinks what might happen, she then gets off the swing, having been woken up and the act ends.
Hence her concern when Curly and Jud fight in act two - her fears coming true.
It is a divice R&H; use in other shows. - jamie t
26 Jun 09
I went to see the show on the opening night and as someone who has never seen Oklahoma before I cannot compare it to any other version. But then as a newcommer to the story it did leave me a bit left in the dark as to what was happening at times, for example the aforementioned song about coyboys and farmers being friends, Jud apparently klilling Curly at the end of Act 1 and then it all being forgotten by the time Act 2 started. Curly trying to convince Jud to commit seemed completely out of character too. I also could not understand the apples on the stage except that the very last scene was a replay of the first scene. Confusing? You betcha. The production needed tiding and pulling together, the blank drapes and lack of any set made knowingf where scenes were set confusing to work out too. Saying that I did enjoy the show, especially Natalie Casey (who I didn't realise was in the show till she appeared on stage) and Michael Rouse. The comedy between them was just perfect with a miriad of faces from Natalie. And a final note to Michael, anyone who can kick that high and backflip across the stage for no reason as you do in the show definately needs my phone number. - Sono Luminus
26 Jun 09
I went to the press review and was bowled over by the production - I hadn't expected to be; it was possibly one of the best 10 things I have ever seen on stage; not sure what the other reviewers went to, but it was definitely not Oklahoma! @ Chichester! The apples, the petals, the gentle movements when they were called for and the energy when it was needed were all exemplary in terms of stagecraft. Outstanding! - Paul Reed
26 Jun 09
Poorest musical at Chichester for some time. Weak conception - if the director wanted a black version, why not play up the cowboy v farmer divisions much more, with West Side Story as a victim? Poor set and staging, lighting and even sound not good, wooden direction, miserable-looking cast (deliberate, but why?), rather unimaginative choerography, mixed acting and singing performances. As the review says, complete failure to use the cowboy v farmer division makes the eventual song about being friends come almost as a surprise. A poor rendition, despite the usual excellent music.... the only good aspect was some nice chorus work on the big songs. Felt sorry for the cast - a waste of a good musical. It did however get a good reception, so some folk liked it! - Mike D
26 Jun 09
What was John D thinking? apples tipped all over the stage at the start and the end, lots of rose petals....the cast on stage all the time (well almost) Aunt Eller left on stage to just drift and watch every scene.
This has nothing to do with where this show is set! hello Oklahoma.
The two 'white sheets' which are all the set is made up from form a very dull vision for two and half hours.
Projections might have helped.
I can only sum it up as a 'Donmar type show' with many more in the cast and the band.
Sorry a waste of talent. - jamie t
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