Oklahoma! BYU production is energetic and fun

OKLAHOMA!; de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU campus; closes Feb. 3; 422-4322; running time: 3 hours with one 15-minute intermission.

PROVO — Brigham Young University's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma" comes at you like a powerful locomotive full of steam, action, music and high-stepping dancing. You don't want to miss this train.

The cast and crew of "Oklahoma!" are so well-timed and so packed full of energy the three-hour production seems more like two hours. From the first strains of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" to the signature song "Oklahoma!" the audience is fully entertained with no lagging, guffaws or missteps.

Since its stage premiere in 1943, "Oklahoma!" has been considered a music theater classic. It is also noted for its wonderful dance numbers and a script that focuses on the core values of the Midwest farmer and rancher.

The BYU production also illuminates the conflict with the Jud Fry character and his involvement in pornography and its destructive powers.

It's truly difficult to pick out one actor or actress over another as a standout. All were well cast and extremely talented as music, dance, theater triple threats. Perhaps that is because a great many of the cast are members of BYU's Music, Dance, Theatre troupe, directed by Tim Threlfall, also director of "Oklahoma!"

The principles include Emily Summerhays (Aunt Eller), Kevin Goertzen (Curly McClain), Andrea Williams (Laurey Williams), Geoff Reynolds (Will Parker), Brittany Anderson (Ado Annie Carnes), Preston Sadleir (Ali Hakim) and Oren Mauldin (Jud Frey).

The couples are well paired. Comically, Anderson, Reynolds and Sadleir are a kick as Ado Annie, Will Parker and Ali Hakim respectively. This trio never lags for enthusiasm or talent. Williams and Goertzen carry off the romantic leads without a hitch, and Summerhays makes Aunt Eller that much more endearing.

Familiar production numbers include "I Cain't Say No," "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," "Oklahoma!" "People Will Say We're in Love," "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "Kansas City" "Out of My Dreams," "Pore Jud is Daid," and "All Er Nothin."

The talent laden company completes the show with special kudos to the dancers in the ballet dream sequence. A large applause goes out to the orchestra for its smooth presentation and live music enhancement.

Of note is the beautiful yet simple set design and lighting.

This production closes in the next few days, but tickets are still available. Try not to pass this one up. And don't let the run time scare you off.

Sensitivity rating: May be too long and intense in some parts for younger children.

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E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com