Oklahoma!

It's show-time again this week for me. Hull Musical Society are performing the classic musical Oklahoma at the Hull Collegiate School, Tranby Lane, Anlaby, Hull. Performance dates are Thursday 1st November, Friday 2nd November and Saturday 3rd November at 7.30pm. There is an additional matinee performance on Saturday 3rd November commencing at 2.30pm.  I will be singing in the chorus, so am not missed so much if I'm not at rehearsal - which is a good job, since I've missed a couple this time due to illness, not something I like to do!! Anyhow,  yesterday was the last rehearsal held at my other Society's home, the Bilton Theatre. We've been rehearsing there on Sundays for the past 4 weeks, as an additional rehearsal to the weekly Tuesday nights in Sutton. As we are so near the production now, many of us did the rehearsal in our costumes, which always helps to create the right mood and focus for the show. Here are a few shots taken at the rehearsal (thanks to Andy Collinson):

You can just see me on the extreme right of this shot!

My face is hidden, but I'm 2nd on the left here!!!!

Neal Edlin and Richard Foot, playing Ali Hakim & Will Parker, love rivals of Ado Annie.

In case you don't know Oklahoma, it is the classic musical, which is the story of Laurey and the two rivals for her affections: Curly, a cowboy, and Jud, the hired farmhand. The play takes place in 1906 in an Indian territory of the American West during the time when Oklahoma was established as a state. It tackles class issues between the farmers and the cowmen in the still-developing, rugged landscape of a state in its infancy as characters struggle to find hope, love and the fulfilment of "the American Dream." It is also a romantic tale of love. Curly and Laurey both have feelings for each other but have difficulty expressing it because of their stubbornness. Just to spite Curly, Laurey accepts an invitation to the local dance from the evil Jud Fry. Eventually, Curly and Jud duel it out, with Jud ending up falling on his own knife and dying. Meanwhile, Will Parker has returned early from his trip to Kansas City. Unfortunately, his girlfriend, Ado Annie, just can't seem to say no to other men. All turns out well in the end as both couples end up happily married.


Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for children and can be booked in advance by ringing Jo Blanchard on 07879817583, or bought on the door each performance.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) we will be rehearsing at the venue for the first time, then we have a Dress Rehearsal on Wednesday prior to the 4-performance run. Tonight, I will be rehearsing for the next play at Bilton - which will take place in January. So this week is a busy one, I guess Sunday will be a very lazy day indeed!

There's something about being involved in any team event, whether it's a play or a musical, that I love, despite any drawbacks that you may encounter along the way (there's always one or two!). I think it's the feeling of belonging and all being in it together that I like - and the fact that you share the buzz of performing with others who all enjoy it, too.

Please do try and get to see the show if you are in the area and have an interest in musicals, it is great value for money and an entirely different way to spend your evening (or afternoon, if you like the idea of a matinee).