Oklahoma! – Drury Lane Concert

Is the programme worth it?

Another great concert by Forth Wall. They do seem to be the leaders in these concert performances.
Again it was almost fully staged (just missing the sets which weren't even necessary).
The LMTO sounded glorious and so nice to hear the musical performed by a big orchestra. If you are going do stay for the exit music as it is wonderful.
I thought the cast were all excellent and unlike the other posters I enjoyed Zizi Strallens performance. I had to Google Phil Dunster when I originally booked as had no idea who he was and he really did impress me both for his acting and his singing skills. He also really looked the part. Looking at his bio in the programme this seems to be his first musical and it was Hannah Waddingham who encouraged him to do this. You could tell the look of relief and surprise on his face by the audience reaction at the end.
The other leads were just as good but I do have to mention Tosh Wanogho-Maud as Jud who I thought was superb and had the most beautiful bass voice. You felt sorry for him but also quite scared.
I was really surprised at how much dancing there was in this concert and the ensemble were excellent. For someone who asked just now, yes the ballet scene is there and was excellent. Zizi is such a great dancer and the did the ballet scene bare foot.
I was surprised that the audience reaction was not as good as I expected. It was fine but I keep thinking back to 2 weeks ago when I saw Something Rotten and I don't think I have ever been in a theatre with such an enthuastic audience (or louder audience).
Seems that after a few months with lots of concerts they seem to be coming to an end for a while as I don't have anymore booked. Hopefully there will be more to come soon.

What time did it end, out of interest?

Yes, it did start a little late though. A long first half then a very short 2nd half.

Joanna Riding as Aunt Eller was incredible, stole every scene.

How was Christina Bianco? I think she's the only principal that nobody has mentioned, which is perhaps telling - although I've always thought of her as a brilliant performer so that would shock me.

She was good, very funny. Played the role with quite a high pitched squeaky voice.

I was initially sceptical about another Oklahoma, hot on the heels of the recent imported version at The Young Vic/Wyndhams. Although i understand why they picked it, being its 80th anniversary. But Fourth Wall always do " concert versions" well. Love Never Dies being particularly strong. And once again their production and staging was first class. Credit to The London Musical Theatre and Choir - lovely to hear the score with a 30 piece Orchestra and 20 voice Choir. Were they the original orchestrations I wonder. However, for me, despite having bundles of charm Phil Dunster was vocally lacking, especially on the title number. But he made a good fist of the role overall. Zizi Strallens voice lacked emotion and although she sung beautifully, it seemed her voice was almost too powerful at times. Hats off though [ or should I say shoes! ] to Jordan Shaw, who broke his shoe on his entrance! Of which much fun was made of, off script. And he had to do the tap routine in Kansas City with the ensemble, in his stocking feet. What a trouper. The crowd loved it. Joanna Riding was, as always, excellent and Tosh Wanogho-Maud playing Judd Fry displayed a rich and beautiful voice - which I hope we hear again in Robin Hood at The Palladium at Christmas, when he plays Little John. Interesting casting! So, overall a thoroughly enjoyable concert, without being outstanding. A shame it's not been more commercially successful,being heavily discounted on various platforms, but maybe it just lacked real stardust casting. Let's hope Fourth Wall continue to bring these annual concerts to Drury Lane, they are, in general, a treat.

As usual, production value and sound was great but this was such a bore. The casting, while fine, didn’t have any real standouts and orchestra or not, I don’t know if I needed to see Oklahoma! in the West End quite this soon.

I suspect the weak sales reflected that. Odd choice all round.

Oh goodness, glad she was okay!

We had a fly on the first night that would not leave the stage, and was visibly flitting about. I guess it added to the rural charm.

I have not attended a concert performance of a musical before. With a last minute offer of £25 for a great royal circle seat I gave it a try and enjoyed the experience very much


One bonus was that with a small number of dancers. I found it easier to focus on the choreography

I saw the fly on the stage but I also saw a mouse run up the aisle past me in the stalls. A few people saw it but fortunately there were no screams. I don't think it was part of the show.