Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesJud, Curly, Laurey and Aunt Eller (played by John Sanders, Wendell Hester, Larren Woodward and Autumn Denmark) gather in the Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance production of 'Oklahoma!' opening this week.

PLAY REVIEW

VALDOSTA — Older audience members may approach the Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance production of “Oklahoma!” like an old acquaintance — something they know well but may not want to seek out again any time soon.

The talents of VSU Theatre & Dance ensure the encounter is an acquaintance worth rekindling. And audiences new to “Oklahoma!” should have an enjoyable introduction to this venerable Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

Though the VSU production opened 73 years to the date that “Oklahoma!” premiered on Broadway, the university show is fresh, funny, and immediate. The love story between Curly and Laurey, a cowboy and a farm girl, remains relevant as are the jokes and the menace of Jud, the farmhand obsessed with Laurey.

The songs are still sunny, buoyant and toe-tapping. The dance numbers are as big and as sweeping as the plains.

Director Jacque Wheeler, choreographer Eric Brandt Nielsen and live orchestra conductor Joe Mason never let the show slow. Each aspect of the production runs like clockwork. The pacing is unflagging.

The show marks the end of Nielsen’s 30-year dance-choreography career at VSU. His choreography of the dream sequence, which moves the upbeat musical into dramatic depths, is masterful in its grace and storytelling.

The characterizations are spot on.

The entire ensemble cast presents a bravura performance.

Autumn Denmark is all rustic wisdom as Aunt Eller.

Haley Aguero, Brandon Chandler and Austin Vickers exhibit a full range of dance, voice and humor as the comical love triangle of Ado Annie, Will Parker and Ali Hakim.

John Sanders is a wonderful surprise as the spite-filled Jud. Sanders fills the stage with the sheer power of his physical presence; audiences have no trouble imagining the menace in Sanders’ Jud. But he also fills the Sawyer Theatre with his singing voice and comic timing.

Wendell Hester and Larren Woodward shine as Curly and Laurey. They have a chemistry that is inescapable, which helps the audience believe in their developing relationship. Hester and Woodward are also accomplished performers. They sing, dance, trade jokes and longing looks with impeccable pitch and timing.

Curly and Laurey are the heart of “Oklahoma!” and Hester and Woodward lasso the hearts of the audience early in the show.

“Oklahoma!” is well worth the trip and deserving of the standing ovation from the near-sellout crowd Thursday night.

The review is based on the Thursday opening night performance.

VSU Theatre & Dance’s “Oklahoma!” continues 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sawyer Theatre, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Reservations, more information: Call (229) 333-5973; or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts.