O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A

Howdy, partner. If yer lookin´ for a jim-dandy evening, let me highly recommend the latest musical at the Glendale Centre Theatre. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Oklahoma, directed by Martin Lang comes alive with loads of dancing and singing and a marvelously talented cast. Choreographer Orlando Alexander created absolute magic with the dance routines that were so polished and perfect, you didn´t want them to end.

Robert Standley as Curley opened the musical with the rousing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" and made the famous song his own. With a wink and a grin he captures the heart of ol´ Aunt Eller played with infinite charm by Ann Rittenhouse. But it´s the reluctant Laurey whose heart he wants. The melodious Heather Lundstedt steals the show often with her magnificent voice. Even in dungarees, the gal is delightful.

Back from Kansas City, where everything´s up-to-date, Will Parker, played with boundless energy by Jason Keef, is ready to put his hard-earned fifty dollars down as payment on the affections of Ado Annie. But the mercurial Annie, played by the incredible Ann Myers, just cain´t say no…to any fella. And the fella who is in her sights at the moment is the Persian Flim-Flam Man, Ali Hakim, portrayed by multi-talented Danny Michaels who likes the ladies, but likes his freedom more.

He isn´t the only one. Kyle Kelley, who plays Pa Carnes, and the boys sing about how "every father has a daughter…and a gun" and it taint fair a guy just cain´t be free.

The box social is coming up and Curely wants to take Laurey in his "Surrey with the Fringe on Top," but she don´t rightly believe he can produce that there miracle, him a poor cowboy and all. Aunt Eller takes him up on the offer, so Laurey is left to go to the party with the hired hand, Jud Fry, played with dark, brooding appeal and a magnificent baritone voice by August Stoten.

Laurey mentions to Curley that she´s a might scared of ol´ Jud, so he moseys down to the smokehouse and tries to convince Jud that if he hangs himself everybody will come to his funeral. The guys´ duet of "Poor Jud is Daid" is priceless, and we see that Curley is pretty fast on the draw, too. When he is alone, Jud does a dazzling soliloquy.

The edgy "Dream Sequence" is a knockout. It features the ballet talents of Ms. Lundstedt and both Mr. Standley and Mr. Stoten. Often someone else plays the lady´s part, but Ms. Lundstedt managed beautifully.

The scene at the Skidmore Ranch when Curley has to decide what he´d give up to win Laurey will tug at your heart.

Everybody knows the story, but seeing Oklahoma on stage with the great dance numbers and wonderful songs is still a thrill. I did want to see Curley ride a horse down those stairs. Maybe next time. But as a bonus, Alex Rose Wiesel's incredible laugh just might be enough to make up for the missing horse. Go see what I mean.

The play runs through July 11, at the Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA. For tickets: (818) 244-8481 or www.glendalecentrethratre.com. Tickets range from $21-$26.