Review: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA at Jackson County Community Theatre

Oh what a beautiful sound that came out of the ASU Newport Center for the Arts when the Jackson County Community Theatre presented Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! this past weekend, June 20–22. 

Oklahoma! is the groundbreaking first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, and it forever changed the landscape of American musical theatre. Set in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows the spirited farm girl Laurey and her two suitors: Curly, a charming cowboy, and Jud Fry, a brooding farmhand. Amidst community rivalries between farmers and cowmen, a secondary romance unfolds between the flirtatious Ado Annie and her competing beaux, Will Parker and Ali Hakim. Mixed in with all the romance, everyone learns how to become a community as they prepare for their territory to become a state.  

Directed and choreographed by Savannah Parker, with musical direction by Susan Johnson, this production had all the humor and homespun charm you could hope for in a community theatre staging of this beloved classic. Every detail, from the lively dance numbers to the period-appropriate wardrobe, reflected care and creativity from a passionate team. 

From the very first strains of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” it was clear the audience was in for a treat. Leading the way was Jackson Williams as Curly. Though younger than what I was expecting, Jackson was an excellent leading man, guiding the cast through the story with charisma and impressive singing chops. His confident stage presence set the tone for the evening, and he found a lovely match in Anna Clark’s Laurey, who blended strength and vulnerability with grace. Their chemistry was sweet, especially during “People Will Say We’re in Love” and the ethereal dream ballet sequence. 

Jonathan Ward delivered a haunting and layered portrayal of Jud Fry. His solo “Lonely Room” was a chilling highlight, quiet, intense, and deeply humanizing. And in a complete surprise, the duet “Poor Jud is Daid” became one of the standout moments of the show. In the movie, I was never a big fan of that song, but Jonathan Ward and Jackson Williams won me over with their clever pacing and darkly funny interplay. Their performance gave the song a new edge, one that was both unsettling and strangely entertaining. 

My starry-heart eyes go to Madison Stewart as Ado Annie. No matter which beau she was paired with, be it Jake Eddington as the sly and slippery Ali Hakim or Malachi Gates as the sweet and eager Will Parker, she lit up every scene with her smile and the swoony looks she gave to the men. Stewart had the audience laughing out loud with her fearless comedic timing and big personality, especially during “I Cain’t Say No.” She was an absolute joy to watch. 

Malachi Gates brought an infectious energy to Will Parker, winning the crowd over with his wide-eyed enthusiasm and charming moves in “Kansas City.” Jake Eddington had the audience in stitches as Ali Hakim, delivering his lines with perfect timing and a thick accent that only added to the humor. Wally Smith played Andrew Carnes with delightful gruffness, especially when trying to keep his daughter in line. Ami Hopkins grounded the show as Aunt Eller, offering wisdom with warmth and bite, while Keelie McClellan’s scene-stealing turn as Gertie Cummings brought roars of laughter every time she exited with that laugh! 

The backdrop captured the rustic charm of early 1900s Oklahoma, with thoughtful set pieces and a palpable sense of place. Savannah Parker’s choreography embraced the folksy style of the original while keeping things fresh and engaging, particularly in ensemble numbers like “The Farmer and the Cowman,” which was a real crowd-pleaser. Susan Johnson’s music direction brought out the best in the cast vocally. And the costumes...oh, the costumes!....were absolutely fabulous, fitting perfectly into the turn-of-the-century style. Cindy Sides dressed the cast in prairie skirts and cowboy hats  that helped transport us right into the Oklahoma territory.  

With strong vocals and engaging storytelling, the Jackson County Community Theatre brought this beloved classic to life in the best possible way. It’s no small task to tackle one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals, but this team made it look as easy as a summertime breeze on the plains. 

For more information about upcoming shows, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCoTheatre. 

CAST 

Laurey: Anna Clark 

Curley: Jackson Williams 

Aunt Eller: Ami Hopkins 

Will Parker: Malachi Gates 

Ado Annie Carnes: Madison Stewart 

Jud Fry: Jonathan Ward 

Andrew Carnes: Wally Smith 

Ali Hakim: Jake Eddington 

Gertie Cummings: Keelie McClellan 

Kansas City Dancers: Landrey McCain, Keelie McClellan, Savannah Parker, Elizabeth Jones 

Postcard Girls: Nicole McCain, Amelia Falwell Smith, Sara Steel 

Ensemble: Judy Brannon, Emily Burns, Lizzy Burns, Ricky Jo Clark, Gage Cubit, Cruz Casteel, Lauren Driver, Emma Engler , Presley Falwell, Megan Ganz, Alexis Hall, Miles Hopkins, Zach Hopkins, Beth Jones, Eddie Jones, Charlie Jones, Sonya Pomtree, Taylor Robinett, Rebekah Teal Rogers, Amelia Falwell Smith, Michael Smith, Kayla Stanley, Abigail Whisenhunt, Gentrye Williams  

Production Team 

Director/Choreographer: Savannah Parker 

Musical Director: Susan Johnson 

Costumes: Cindy Sides 

Stage Manager: Michael Smith 

Marketing: Jake Eddington 

Hair & Makeup: Cherry Johnson 

Carpentry: Zach Hopkins 

Sound: Anthony May, Abby May 

Lights: Bridget Collins