I guess I would like to remind Mr. Simmons that this is, indeed, community theatre. It’s not Broadway. Such a lengthy criticism that directly targeted a number of performers had to be disheartening for them. I hope the cast will not be discouraged by one person’s opinion, and that they finish their run with gusto, aplomb and the applause they so deserve.

Hopefully, this review will not deter folks from enjoying an evening of familiar songs, and a story with a happy ending performed by members of our own community. We need to celebrate and support our local arts, whether they be visual, audio or performance based.

Quite frankly, I would say this show is anything but a “typical, small community” theatre production. I agree whole-heartedly with Simmons comments about the set–it is quite stunning and colorful. The antique farm pieces incorporated into the backdrop not only enhance the overall feel of a small OK farm, but they are manuevered by the backstage hands effortlessly. The set buildings, created entirely from scrap at the onset of this season, are colorful and appear authentic. I could elaborate, but overall the stage is terific and believable! But if you have ever seen another GAP production, you will know this is most often the case–the stage surpasses any other community theatre I have seen.

As for the play itself, I think what the viewer must be willing to accept–as is true with a lot of live theatre–that it is often the vision of the director to produce a play that is relevant for today, one that is believable and embraced by today’s audience. In my opinion, this rendition of Oklahoma does not attempt to mimic the original, but parallel it to a string degree while adding some “modern” comic relief and updated elements. So, for example, the “twist” on Will’s charcter should be embraced for what it is–young, fun-loving, a bit comical and engaging.

As for the cast, I personally have spoken to a number of people who have attended the shows and everyone has given NOTHING but very positive reviews—from the captivating, animated portrayals by Hugh, Molly and Megan, to the believability of Kevin being a real cowboy, to the tremendous voices of Eric and Molly, to the dynamic energy and expression of Quentin and ALL those FANTASTIC cowboys and farmers, to Kathy’s tremendous ability to recall all of her MANY lines and her undying energy as she portrays Aunt Eller (oh my gosh, all of those animated faces she makes that just make us smile and laugh!), to Ali’s developing confidence in her first lead role and her poise embracing the dance in the dream sequence, to the dynamic townsfolk characters created by the supporting cast that totally rounds out and shapes the entire backbone of Oklahoma (pay special attention to Paul Griffin who is fabulously animated!)…

Keeping in mind that this IS community theatre and NOT professional, the cast does a wonderful job taking us back in time and sharing a love story set amidst a climate where “…the cowmen and the farmers should be friends.”

Certainly community theatre has a variety of performers and ability levels, but when it’s all said and done, you walk away from this production feeling good and humming the tune of Oklahoma throughout the rest of the day.

Each actor, actress and person involved with this summer’s production should hold their heads high and be infinitely proud of the many individual components that together creates a whole!

No good choreography? The dancing in the Kansas City scene, the Scandal scene (loved the pitchforks), the ballet scene, and the party scene were terrific – especially the party scene with the different groups dancing to different sections of the song with increasing difficulty. The kid’s square dancing was adorable, and the young adults doing the fan kicks and lifts were great! I think the choreographer did a great job of focusing on the actors of different ages in each part. And the ballet was just beautiful.

I do agree with you about the girl playing Ado Annie. She was simply awesome – her voice, the expressions on her face and her comedic timing were perfect.

I also thought Glyndon’s Laurey was sweet and charming and fit her role perfectly. And your comment about the young man playing Curly was that he “breathed noticeably”? That had to be a joke! Everyone I spoke to during intermission and after the show was simply amazed by his beautiful voice and his dead-on portrayal of Curly. And I loved his outfit and his strutting around in those chaps!

I find your comments about Aunt Eller were also wrong – the woman playing her was incredible! I don’t think she was over the top at all, except in a way that seemed to be on purpose. She seemed to me to be just the feisty, outspoken, old woman that you would have expected to meet in the Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s, especially since she was running her farm alone.

And the men’s roles – Hugh Carson as Ali Hakim was hysterical! I loved the accent. His scenes with Ado Annie were a riot! Jud came off exactly as I have pictured him – you state that he wasn’t menacing but he’d have scared me! The dark shadows of makeup alone were scary. In addition, his voice was beautiful. Will Parker was played differently than I’ve ever seen but was also very good.

You also comment that the ensemble was very good. I would agree that Ertel as Ike was very good – he’s very funny. And Gertie was also quite funny – every time she laughed, the entire audience laughed (both nights)! I liked that the director let the focus be on some of the minor roles at times – I think it’s good to recognize, especially in community theater, that the minor roles are also important.

I also agree about the set, the lighting, the costumes – they were just beautiful. The orchestra was very good. Your comments about the makeup seem odd – I don’t know that I even noticed makeup because I was more interested in the characterizations.

All in all, I thought the show was beautiful and beautifully presented. Perhaps the reviewer should acquaint himself with the Hugh Jackman stage version of the show rather than comparing this production to a 60+ year old movie. Glyndon Area Players – great job!!! I’m looking forward to next year’s Hairspray!

(Editor’s note: Ms. Carson is no relation to Hugh Carson, a performer in this production.)