During work on their next production OKLAHOMA, the Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society production team had to accept that their leading lady sometimes arrived late for rehearsals.
This was because 19 year old Charlotte May had been taking part in the BBC television period drama The Paradise, set in the 1870s and filmed at Lambton Castle. It is quite a distance from there to the state of Oklahoma in the South Central region of the USA, but Charlotte is now working hard learning her lines for the role of Laurey Williams, a young farm girl in love with cowboy, Curly McLain.
OKLAHOMA is set during 1906 in territory outside the town of Claremore, and this most popular of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals features instantly recognisable songs, including Oh, What a Beautiful Morning; The Surrey with the Fringe on Top; People Will Say We’re in Love; The Farmer and The Cowman; Many a New Day; Kansas City and I’m Just a Girl Who Cain’t Say No!
The original Broadway production of OKLAHOMA opened in March 1943, and is still – as the song says – “doin’ fine” after almost 70 years. Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society will present it at The Playhouse in Whitley Bay from 26th February to 2nd March (all performances 7.15pm with additional matinee at 2.15pm on 2nd March), and further information is available from Jancey Glynn, the Booking Secretary, on 0191 252 1827. Tickets can be ordered directly from the Playhouse Whitley Bay box office on 0844 277 2771 (box office service fees may apply).