Live Arts Maryland delivered with gusto last weekend two performances of " Oklahoma!" that were undamaged by the delay caused by winter storms. Richard Rodgers' music and Oscar Hammerstein's poetic lyrics remain fresh and undimmed by time, gaining additional luster under the direction of J. Ernest Green. The show also featured the Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, nine stellar soloists, the Annapolis Youth Chorus, and a bright dance troupe from Stage Workz.
"Oklahoma!" changed the Broadway musical forever when it opened there in 1943. It ran an unprecedented 2,248 performances over more than five years at a time when shows typically ran for fewer than 500 performances. It was the first musical to integrate songs into the narrative, and it marked the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration. It also featured the first full-length ballet, "Out of My Dreams," staged by ground-breaking choreographer Agnes DeMille.
The title song was adapted as Oklahoma's official state song. And its opening departed from the conventional stage filled with chorus girls to a single voice first heard offstage - cowboy Curly singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' " in a new all-American style.
Much has changed in the 67 years since its debut, and not always for the better. In recent decades, 18-piece pit orchestras have often been replaced by synthesizers. But Green's "Broadway in Annapolis" series always features full-size orchestras that create a magical overture and score.
Last weekend, the overture was just the start of some great entertainment. Stage Workz dancers Tabitha Thornhill, Justin Rodgers, Andrea Crino, Solon Snider, Caleb Williams, Andrew Gordon, Danielle Greco and Anna Hanley leaped and kicked higher and twirled more energetically than seemed possible on the limited stage space. They added exuberance and joy, which intensified when they were joined by the Annapolis Youth Chorus.
Another surprise was the performance by Molly Moore Green as Aunt Eller. She used her acting talent and comedic ability to deliver the plot entertainingly, making it easy for audience members to follow the plot.
As Curly, baritone Troy Clark created instant magic with his rendition of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'. " He also proved to be an adept actor, displaying a winning warmth, easy grace and obvious rapport with the cast.
The magic intensified when Clark was joined in the duet "People Will Say We're in Love" by soprano Ashleigh Rabbitt Sekoski as Laurey. She not only possesses a voice of rare beauty, but she invests every word she sings with genuine emotion.
Baritone Jason Buckwalter delivered another stellar performance as Will Parker, unwavering in his devotion to Ado Annie (Katie Hale). He not only sang impressively and displayed his flair for comedy, but he also held his own in dance with the Stage Workz troupe. And Hale brought high energy, skilled singing and needed comedy to her characterization of Ado Annie.
J. Austin Bitner offered a compelling portrait of the villain Jud, and delivered a moving rendition of "Lonely Room" that benefited from his operatic training.
And Annapolis actor and musician Tim King stole more than a few comic scenes as peddler Ali Hakim.
Annapolis Chorale shows Annapolis Chorale will perform J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" under J. Ernest Green's direction at St. Anne's Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. March 26 and 8 p.m. March 27. Tickets are available by calling the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts box office at 410-280-5640.