"Oklahoma!" has been around for 60 years, but its popularity is renewed as it returns to Broadway, and to Artpark in Lewiston through July 20. The first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, it is set in the territory of Oklahoma at the turn of the last century, and tells the story of young love set against the rivalry between cattlemen and farmers. Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs, "Oklahoma!" brings to life some memorable characters: Laurey, the winsome farm girl, and the two rivals for her affection, the cowboy Curly and Jud, the brooding farmhand. There's also Ado Annie, who loves whomever is with her at the time. "I never think of no one unless he's with me," she says. We all know the music: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "People Will Say We're in Love," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," and, of course, the title song, "Oklahoma!" They are all unforgettable songs.
Make no mistake, Artpark's "Oklahoma!" is a winner, holding your undivided attention from the first scene to the ending, which arrives about three hours latter. Ellen Douglas Schlaefer returns to Artpark to direct her fourth production there. Last season she directed "The King and I" and "The Merry Widow."
There are some stand-out performances. Julie Burdick as Laurey is simply wonderful, combining pluckiness and vulnerability in the lead role. Burdick, a recent graduate of the Niagara University theater program, is familiar to Artpark audiences. Through her four years at NU, audiences have seen her in leading roles. Last season she appeared as Lola in "Copacabana." She played Tuptim in "The King and I," as well as Maria in "West Side Story," Sandy in "Grease," and Iris in "Fame." Burdick's Laurey is the culmination of her work at Artpark. In August she joins the national tour of "Fame" in the role of Iris.
Brandon Andrus is excellent as Curly, Laurey's suitor, who sells all his possessions to woo her -- his saddle, horse and gun. A graduate of Ithaca College, Andrus has performed in New York City and on television. This is his first appearance at Artpark.
Paul Todaro stands out in the role of Jud, the sullen farmhand who lives in the smokehouse and is determined to have Laurey. Todaro, a chilling, commanding villain, is familiar to Western New York audiences. He appeared as the King in Artpark's production of "The King and I," and starred in "Showboat" and "Man of La Mancha." Locally he has performed with Studio Arena, Irish Classical and Kavinoky theaters, as well as Shakespeare in Delaware Park.
Others in the cast are also excellent -- Christian Donnelly as Will Parker, David Autovino as the peddler Ali Hakim, and especially Michele Maier as Ado Annie Carnes and Mary McMahon as Aunt Eller.
Kudos to Lynne Kurdziel-Formato for some wonderful choreography throughout.
Opening night brought the audience to its feet. "Oklahoma!" has been around for a long time, but Artpark's reprise breathes new life into the classic musical.
Tickets are available at the Box Office, located at 450 South Fourth St. in Lewiston, or by calling 754-4375. You may also purchase tickets online at Artpark's Web site at www.artpark.net.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | July 15 2003 |