REVIEW: Oklahoma! still as fresh as a daisy in Alhambra production

THERE'S nothing quite like the moment the house lights dim, the band strikes up the overture and the curtain rises on a traditional musical.

Not that Oklahoma! was that when it first opened in 1946, when it set a new genre for its time. It was the first musical by the legendary partnership of Rodgers and Hammerstein and set the standard for everything that was to follow.

And it's worn well.

Full of familiar, toe tapping tunes from Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, Kansas City and the rousing title song, to tender numbers such as People Will Say We're in Love, which are like old friends.

Director Rachel Kavanaugh's touring revival at the Alhambra this week is a heart warming, uplifting treat.

It's a real ensemble piece with slick choreography by Drew McOnie, a nifty set designed by Francis O'Connor and delightful performances all round. Ashley Day is a fine Curly, the likeable love-torn hero whose singing voice and balletic skills do the role full justice. Charlotte Wakefield as his gal Lourey is sweet and feisty at the same time and her melodic tones are equally pleasing.

Gary Wilmot, ever the cheeky chappie I first saw on the London stage in Me and My Girl, is delightful as the streetwise pedlar Ali Hakim.

Lucy May Barker's comical two-timing Ado Annie is full of verve and likeable slyness while her eventual beau Will Parker is energetically brought to life by James O'Connell.

Belinda Lang, she of TV's 2point4 Children fame, is a wonderful wise and witty Aunt Eller holding the whole story together.

This entire company cannot be praised too highly. Their vocal range, dancing skills and sheer enjoyment exudes across the proscenium arch.

The whole production is carried along by a fine band of musicians (in the orchestra pit as it should be) under the baton of musical director Stephen Ridley.

Familiar Oklahoma! may be but this version is as fresh as a daisy and guaranteed to send you home humming those well known songs.

On until Saturday - a few more bums on seats would be welcome.