Review: Oklahoma, by Kids Innerleithen Youth Theatre

Rogers and Hammerstein are two of the most recognisable names in musical theatre, although it is probably fair to say that most, if not all, of the children in Kids Innerleithen Youth Theatre had never heard of them or the beloved production that has hit stages all over the world for decades.

Having gone to the theatre to see it as a child, I’m intrigued to see how a young cast will deliver the happy, chap-slappin’, rootin’, tootin’ hoedown intertwined with a love story and a dark twist.

Innerleithen & District Operatic Society had considered reviving Oklahoma for the fourth time since 2002. Instead they handed the reins to their young protégés and I’m so very glad they did.

I’m surprised there was no tumbleweed flying across the streets of Innerleithen last week, for its townsfolk were nowhere to be seen.

Of course they were all at the Box Social, so with a pocket full of ‘bits’ for my ticket that’s just where I head.

As the lights dim in the hall, we enter into the Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the 20th Century. The sun is rising as the farmers are beginning their day.

Cowboy Curly, played by newcomer Fin Price, strides in, thumbs looped into his jeans belting out ‘Oh, what a Beautiful Mornin’. He’s got farmgirl Laurey Williams (Neve Scott) on his mind, but according to her feisty Aunt Eller (Angela Grant), ‘she ain’t paying him no heed’.

Fin captures the confidence of the handsome love-struck cowboy dismissed by the headstrong Laurey, who is fighting her feelings for him.

This sets the buggy wheels in motion for the delightful musical number ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top’.

Kooky cowboy Will Parker, played by George Brydon, lightens the mood, as he rides in from Kansas City and there’s one woman he’s hunting down, the promiscuous Ado Annie (Kirsty Macdonald).

With $50 dollars stowed in his chaps, he is two-stepping all over the ranch as his new-found fortune will guarantee Ado Annie’s hand in marriage, according to her father Andrew Carnes (Oliver Kennedy).

George plays the hapless young cowboy perfectly, singing tales of his capers in Kansas City, which lasso the audience in the first half, who are now hooked by his cheeky charm.

But one woman he can’t seem to tame is Ado Annie. Kirsty is sublime in the role of the flirtatious gal who can’t say no to the fellas when they talk purty to her. But the loveable cowboy lays it down straight, stomping across stage telling her it's 'All Er Nuthin’ for their fantastic duet.

Alongside George Brydon, as Will, and Owen Quayle, as Ali Hakim, who garners laughs a-plenty as the Peddler, the three bring heartening humour and comedy to the production.

Casting darkness over this is the farmhand who has his sinister sights set on Laurey. Nathan Pirie gives a haunting performance as Jud Fry. A newcomer to the KIYT family, he is definitely one to watch.

And who is the ‘old’ Cummin’s girl everyone is talking about? The casting of Laurey’s rival Gertie is nothing short of genius.

When Innerleithen’s very own answer to Shirley Temple arrives with Curly on her arm, hair in ringlets and dressed like Little Bo Peep, she looks like she’s wandered straight out of a nursery rhyme. And putting her own distinctive twist on Gertie’s infamous laugh, you would be forgiven for thinking she’s lost her sheep! Take a bow Emma Humphreys.

Fin and Neve’s singing prowess was put to the test with solos and duets such as ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’, but the duo proved more than capable of taking on these big musical numbers. There were also lovely harmonies from the company for girls who join Laurey for a pitch perfect rendition of ‘Many a New Day’.

During the foot-stomping classic ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ that unites the rivals, Aunt Eller cries out ‘I don’t say I’m no better than anybody else, but I’ll be damned if I ain’t just as good’. Never a truer word, as Angela Grant shines in her role as the wise-cracking aunt. (There I said it. You can put the double barrelled shotgun down and call off the farmhands with pitchforks!)

I must give mention to the amazing ensemble, dressed in well-worn checks, prairie dresses and cowboy clobber, by the talented wardrobe duo Rhona McGlasson and Susan McGinn – each of them brought the brand new state of Oklahoma to life.

The infamous dream scene was beautifully introduced by singing quartet (Katie Bryant, Ava Church, Carys Leslie and Sarah Whiteford) setting Laurey up for an enchanting and almost operatic solo before she drifts off to sleep.

The silent expression and choreography from this young cast was exceptional, as bride Laurey lets out a piercing scream when Jud replaces Curly as the groom and she collapses.

Jud wakes her and the two of them wander off, watched by a heartbroken Curly who wonderfully captured his emotions as the sun went down outside the idyllic farmhouse setting and brought an end to the first half.

Laurey Williams was played by my daughter Neve Scott. And while it would be amiss of me not to mention the leading lady, I cannot objectively review her performance. But I will say this as a mother and not a critic. On this very day 14 years ago Neve came into the world and was undoubtedly born for the stage. It is a privilege to watch her living her dream in musical theatre and a moment that I will cherish forever.

After a showdown at the hoedown, Curly wins Laurey and Jud is told to ‘pack up his dust and scoot’. He returns with revenge in mind at their wedding and when he goes to kiss the bride is knocked out by Curly.

As the cast break into song, boots are stomping and the audience comes to life. To my left an elderly gentleman in the front row is hollering ‘Yee-haw’, and to my right a young girl sits swinging her legs and clapping. The cast of Oklahoma did more than fine reviving this classic musical. They were grand. And the crowd, we were treated great!

I leave the Memorial Hall and can’t help overhearing a gentleman saying, “aye, the future of the Opera is safe with those young yins". That it is indeed. I smile and resist the temptation to punch the air and 'Yee-haw' myself!