Oklahoma! - Youth Edition

Primadonna Productions youth edition of Oklahoma! is much more than OK - a great theatrical celebration and a showcase of emerging talent.

With minimal settings, the large cast fills the stage and is allowed to shine, looking lovely in “of the era” costumes, The show is sympathetically lit by Grace Crawford and Terry Peckover, and sound design is by Michael Rogers.

This show marks the final production with this youth troupe for three of the leading performers, with Steven Jones, a charming Curly, Lauren Daniels, a delightful Aunt Eller and Adam McWhinnie finding depth in Judd Fry (despite reduced stage time in this shortened production), taking their final bows after excellent performances.

Marnie Kelly is a very sweet leading lady as Laurey, singing beautifully, while the audience “cain’t say no” to Holly Creelman’s scene stealing performance as Ado Annie - simply gorgeous. Lucy Fortune finds the comedy in the role of Gertie Cummings.

Ruth Creelman makes a loveable and convincing Will Parker, with Billy Burnside a nicely layered Ali Hakim, showing good timing.

Lots of great performances in smaller roles, with Darien Peckover and Flynn Creelman working nicely together as Ike and Fred, and Max Bonner giving maturity and credence to Andrew Carnes, but every one of these performers worked hard throughout, with top-notch focus and commitment.

Lovely to see this taster version of the much beloved classic performed with passion, love and outstanding teamwork. Well done to director Carole Dhu and all of the Primadonna team,

Kimberley Shaw