'Oklahoma!' - Arena Stage Production

'Oklahoma!' - Arena Stage Production

To say this is an energetic production - might be an understatement.  The dancing is the sole reason and most entertaining aspect of Arena Stage's new production.  The actor's not only have to sing, but also give such a rousing dancing - it's almost exhausting but ultimately exhilarating for the viewer.  Since this is the first production in the new space for Arena - I haven't seen a production 'in the round' in quite some time, and that's where I find slight fault - because the actors have to project loud enough to the audience behind them, some of the actor's come across as a bit 'shouty' - notably Aunt Eller, who at times her vocals disguise what she's saying.  But, all in all though Arena takes the cake by giving this Roger & Hammerstein's classic tale an invigorating update - they had done an excellent production of 'South Pacific' in 2002 - here, again they strike gold!