While the real state of Oklahoma has seen more than its share of recent troubles, at DeSales Universitys Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Rodgers and Hammerstieins iconic musical, 'Oklahoma', makes a person feel about as happy as it is possible to be in a theatre.
Under the vibrant direction of Dennis Razze, who auditioned several hundred people for his current production, the cream of the crop has been found to inhabit this pioneer country with the rousing spirit that built America.
The young characters of the company are very attractive and energetic; but, more important, all 27 cast members have prodigious talents for acting, singing and dancing.
The score is beautifully played, the dancing is exuberant and splendidly led by the prinicipal dancer, Will, (Sean McGee), and the love stories are as sweet as ever.
I cant imagine very many mature theatre-goers who arent familiar with the songs of this score, almost all of which are guaranteed to make you smile and want to sing along. (Fortunately, however, the audience respectfully restrained itself.)
The three lead actors, Curly, Laurey and Aunt Eller, (Doug Carpenter, Christine Negherbon and Anne Lewis) inhabit their roles with winning vibrancy, and Curlys splendid baritone voice delivers many a thrilling musical moment.
Two other memorable roles should be mentioned as well, that of Ali Hakim, the travelling peddler, underplayed with perfect comic timing by Fran Prisco, and that of Jud Fry, whose interpretation is much more nuanced than the standard villain of the story.
Brent Bateman is to be congratulated for investing Jud with a sense of humanity not usually associated with this character.
Costumes, set and lighting are all presented in a very naturalistic manner, thus contributing to the authentic feel of the production, which captures so well the joy and hope beyond the struggles of settlers lives in the early Midwest.
Judging by the very full house on the afternoon I attended, youd better get your tickets quickly (610-282-WILL.) PSFs 'Oklahoma' is sure to put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
'Oklahoma' runs through June 30. For ticket information, call 610-282-WILL or visit their website.