Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!

St. Ann’s Warehouse

October 13, 2018

Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

If you’d have told me that a production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! could have a gut-wrenching emotional impact and offer a brutally honest point of view as to who we are as Americans, I’d have said that is not conceivable.  Yet, the Bard Summerscape production at St. Ann’s Warehouse in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, does just that.  Director Daniel Fish reframes this American classic, making it startlingly relevant to a present day audience.  The production revels in the idealistic goals of the characters, then puts a truthful spotlight on the length they are willing to go to achieve them.  More importantly, it illustrates how their bond tills the soil for future incongruity.

Rebecca Naomi Jones as Laurey & Damon Daunno as Curly
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The cast creates one honest moment after another, showing the power and quality of Oscar Hammerstein’s book.  They deliver layer upon layer of richness, depth, humor, and intensity to these well-known characters, who we have seen over and over.  This phenomenal work gives us an opportunity to meet them for the first time.  There are riveting performances by Damon Daunno (Curly McLain), Rebecca Naomi Jones (Laurey Williams), Mary Testa (Aunt Eller), Ali Stroker (Ado Annie), Patrick Wail (Jud Fry), James Davis (Will Parker), Michael Nathanson (Ali Hakim), Gabrielle Hamilton (Dream Laurey), Mitch Tebo (Andrew Carnes), Mallory Portnoy (Gertie Cummings), Anthony Cason (Cord Elam), and Will Mann (Mike).  Their chemistry, timing, physicality, and vocal characteristics are flawless. 

Damon Daunno as Curly with the Band
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

Daniel Kluger re-orchestrated the Richard Rogers score for a seven piece country/western style band.  His work puts a strong focus on the vocals, luminously highlighting the Hammerstein lyrics.  The small, diverse, and powerful cast shines vocally, both in skill and styling.  The newly conceived choreography by John Heginbotham rides on the structure and story advancing format set by Agnes DeMille, yet delivers it in a powerfully visceral and original manner that is both engaging and deeply psychological. 

Mary Testa as Aunt Eller & James Davis as Will Parker
Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The interpretation of the ending is shocking.  Once the main characters achieve their goal, the community bond allows them to get away with the murderous actions they felt justified to execute.  They carry the weight of that burden forward as they begin their lives together and their territory becomes a state.  The finale is sung with brutal determination while characters are covered in blood.  It is upsetting… and brilliant, bringing new and darker meaning to the lyrics, “We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand.”  

The Bard Summerscape production of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is running through November 11 at St. Ann’s Warehouse.  Do whatever you need to do to get a ticket.  It is a bold, risky, and brave production that will sit with you for a long time.

Domenick Danza