Those who remember Oklahoma!, possibly from Trevor Nunn’s cracking production at the National in 1998, as a happy, tune-stuffed tale of thigh-slapping cowhands will have to think again. Director John Doyle certainly gives Rodgers and Hammerstein’s string of show-stopping numbers their due but elsewhere it’s undercurrents galore, as sexual frustration and societal exclusion are flagged up as high as that ol’ elephant’s eye.
"Bleached" is a word that springs to mind initially, and not just because David Farley’s set of draped white sheets looks more Glastonbury campsite than prairie corn field. The grandeur of the piece seems shrunken, with an oddly static cast sitting about on stage when they’re not singing.
The sheer power of those delightful early numbers, The Surrey with the Fringe on Top and Kansas City, keeps everything on track and, gradually, a so-so morning turns into a beautiful afternoon.
There’s depth in Doyle’s characterisation, and particularly fine work from the lively Natalie Casey as Ado Annie, the oversexed "girl who can’t say ‘No’". It’s not hard to feel that Annie and Will Parker (hard-working Michael Rouse) are going to have a better married time of it than Curly (Michael Xavier) and scowly Laurey (Leila Benn Harris), who unite after some rather shabby treatment of loner farm-hand Jud (Craige Els). Benn Harris has her share of shrill moments but Xavier’s rich voice is a constant treat.
There’s some admirably nimble choreography in the up-tempo numbers, and a haunting take on Agnes de Mille’s legendary "dream ballet", as Laurey ends the first half in a mire of indecision. One particularly poignant sequence here sees the billowing train of Laurey’s imaginary wedding dress swiftly become her shroud.
With a little more joy, all would be peachy in the 46th state of the Union.
In rep until 29 August (01243 781312, www.cft.org.uk).
Oklahoma!
Chichester Festival
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