Fife seems to be a hotbed for Amateur Musical Theatre, over the years Geoff and I have been to many different companies in the district/area/county, but this was the first time I had been to see Markinch Amateur Operatic Society. Markinch Town Hall is the scene for Fife’s latest production of Oklahoma from Monday 22^nd to 27^th March 2010. Fittingly as you walk in both doors support the logo Saloon and you are transported back 100 years to America in 1906.

About to celebrate one of the biggest days in the Claremore calendar, it is obvious to everyone that Curly (Jason Roseweir) has set his cap at Laurey (Kirsty Anderson), and also obvious is that she feels the same. Will Parker (Derek Walker) has just returned from Kansas City where he won the $50 he needs to win the hand of Ado Annie (Laura Paterson). Annie’s ethos is to ‘fall for the man she is with’ and at that moment she was with peddler man Ali Hakim (Craig Spence). The only cloud on Laurey and her Aunt Eller’s (Claire Owens) horizon is farmhand Jud Fry (Scott Smeaton) the sleazy help even lingers below her window deep in to the night.

Curly

Laurey

Jud

With a show that is well known to many generations most of the story needs no explanation, it also requires a very large mixed chorus, which Markinch has and surprisingly the male contingent is almost half. In the ensemble numbers the stage is very full but such is John Gray’s direction and Valda Wicks choreography it rarely appears chaotic and never detracts from the action. In some of the dance numbers Valda and John have added comedy scenarios. This comedy became most apparent during the number ‘All Er Nothin’ between Ado Annie and Will. Joined by dancers Gail Miller and Margaret McKenzie, Laura Paterson and Derek Walker not only get to show of their considerable singing and dancing skills they get to show their comic timing.

All of the cast members with solo lines blossom for however long their moments last. Aunt Eller (Claire Owens) is superbly matronly yet as the matriarch she is well able to control most situations, her voice strong and stage presence commanding. Jud Fry (Scott Smeaton) sends scary shivers down the spine every time he crosses the stage and his interaction with the other characters mostly menacing. The only softening in his persona is seen when he is in the Smoke house with Curly during the musical numbers ‘Pore Jud Is Dead’ and ‘Lonely Room’ when his lovely voice is heard. Craig Spence as sleazy smarmy peddler Ali Hakim is joined by the male ensemble in his musical number ‘It’s A Scandal, It’s A Outrage’.

Kirsty Anderson as Laurey and Jason Roseweir as Curly the two leading roles both look the part and have lovely voices. They both manage to stay in character and react fabulously together.

Despite not feeling totally well I came out of the show on a high after thoroughly enjoying myself but must make a note not to sit in the balcony at Markinch town Hall again as the seats are tiny and cramp and the temperature phenomenal, despite having a perfect view. I believe there are a few tickets still available so try and get one if you can. 

Ado Annie and Will Parker