HUB REVIEW: Broadway At Music Circus’ Oklahoma! at the Wells Fargo Pavilion in Sacramento

By Michael P Coleman

Oh, what a beautiful day, indeed. 

As great as the dancing is in Broadway At Music Circus’ new production of Oklahoma!, I really wanted to tell you that the dance sequences were my favorite parts of the show. 

I really, really wanted to tell you that.  And I was close to being able to do that, due in large part to a gorgeous ballet sequence near the end of the show’s first half.  The transition from singing to dancing was enchanting, encompassing the best of musical theatre.  That part of last night’s opening performance rivaled any ballet I’ve ever seen. 

Similarly, all of the raucous hoofing, most memorably during “The Farmer And The Cowman” which opened the show’s second half, just about had me out of my seat. 

But as brilliant as the dancing and choreography was, I was most mesmerized by Emelie Kouatchou playing Laurey, every single time she opened her mouth to sing.  Last night, for the second time this month, I got to hear the voice of the angel live on a Sacramento stage.  The first time, it was classical tenor Andrea Bocelli at the Golden 1 Center. 

Kouatchou is that good. 

When she sang “People Will Say We’re In Love,” I couldn’t help but think they can say whatever the hell that they want to say.  I was smitten.  Yes, Kouatchou was singing that with co-lead Ryan Vasquez.  Details, details.

That’s not to downplay Vasquez or a couple of others with equally impressive sets of pipes.  John Rapson’s portrayal of Jud Fry almost overpowered his colleagues during “Lonely Room,” and I adored Jennifer Allen as Aunt Eller. 

Oklahoma! Is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and there’s a reason the show has been around for so long.  Well, there are two reasons: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.   It is utterly magical…as is this production.

You can catch some of that magic at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through Sunday, June 30. 

Tickets for Oklahoma! start at $45 and are available by phone at (916) 557-1999, online at BroadwaySacramento.com, or in person at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street in Sacramento. For more information, visit BroadwaySacramento.com.