One of the things you don’t expect when going to the theater to see an 80-year old musical comedy is that production to feel as fresh and new as a bright golden haze on an Oklahoma meadow. Yet that is what you get in Encore Musical Theatre Company’s Oklahoma! — the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that set a new standard for integrating music, drama, story, and dance. There’s a reason this classic musical has been passed down through the decades, and that reason is on stage right now at Encore.
This musical continues the collaboration between Encore and the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre program – call it SMTD’s “summer stock north.” But it is far crisper and cleaner than any summer stock you will see anywhere because of the long rehearsal period, and a cast that trusts each other intimately. Lots of these folks will soon be on Broadway guaranteed – so see them here first! (You’ll recognize some faces from the recent musicals at Power Center and the Lydia Mendelssohn).
Start with two incredible leads — Jason Mulay Koch is the best Curly I have ever seen. Yes, he’s better than Hugh Jackman’s rendition. He sings, dances, and acts with perfection. Aurora Penepacker is an ideal Laurie. You genuinely feel for these two in their teasing romance of two people long in love without being able to say so to each other; so they dance around it exquisitely.
Add a secondary pair of terrific singer/dancers with Maddie Dick’s hilarious comic timing as Ado Annie, and high-stepping shit-eating-grinned Anderson Zoll as Will Parker. Cody Dent is wonderful as Ali Hakim, the comic center of their love triangle in which the ultimate outcome is broadcast before any of them even appear on stage.
Supplement this with a strong, spunky, and funny Julia Glander as Aunt Eller, a very funny Keith Kalinowski as Ado Annie’s father, and David Moan as the most remarkable Jud Fry you will ever see. Local audiences have never seen Moan play a role like this, and he is incredible. Infusing his part with loneliness, anger, and mental instability, you can see why Aunt Eller had the heart to take him in all those years ago in the first place. Setting into motion the evening’s dramatic arc, Moan is simply astonishing. I am returning to see the show a second time partly to watch him again.
The entire cast is on point throughout the three hour production. (1:40 first act, 20 minute intermission, and 55 minute second act. You know, the way classic musicals do.)
Singing, Dancing, and performances throughout are exactly what you expect from folks in the finest musical theatre program in the country.
Dan Cooney directs with a fresh approach that keeps things moving swiftly and fills the stage (and at times audience) with joy. R Mackenzie Lewis’s musical direction highlights these voices and their perfect diction, and he conducts the 14-piece onstage orchestra which is lush and gorgeous and the concept here works wonderfully — and allows for a full orchestra in the limited space. Everything is beautifully lit and sound is excellent. Props and costumes are pretty and era-appropriate. Amy West’s choreography is exuberant, energized, tap-infused, and lovely to watch in solos, pairs, small groups, and sometimes the entire ensemble. Laurie’s Dream Ballet is focused and emotionally charged. Everything comes to life on Shane Cinal’s stunning wood set. He has found a way to bring Oklahoma to life without the clunky wagons of scenery often used in this show, yet designing a sense of place that is always present. Lights and scenic design work hand in hand here to create a world you will cherish and feel like you are part of.
Normally I try to include everyone’s name in my reviews, but quite frankly this production is so big I can’t list everyone in the review. Go see this show. Read the program. Look at who’s who. Read the bios of the cast and the production staff. Take a look at the enormous wealth of talent and the gift that these people are giving our local theatre scene.
Oklahoma! is family friendly although younger visitors will find their attention straying – this is a musical for adults. It takes it’s time leisurely getting you from point A to point Z. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. A+ my highest recommendation.
Oklahoma continues through June 30th. Tickets at theencoretheatre.org — 7714 Ann Arbor Street,Dexter, Michigan 48130 (734) 268-6200
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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