Take Two
After intermission, the show really hits its stride. A reprise of an earlier number entitled "Give a Man Enough Rope" sees a phenomenal collection of neon-colored rope tricks lit by black light, followed by some talented dogs doing everything from jumping to twirling on command. It's a follies show, after all, and the audience gets a bit of everything.
The stage is essentially one giant staircase lined with lights. For each scene, the lights are the background, stretching the gamut of color from hot red to the twinkling white of the stars around the moon. The dancers move up and down with skill, using the steps in every imaginable fashion and gliding within the well-timed and precise choreography of director Steven Minning.
Perhaps the most engaging moment in the show comes in the early 2nd Act as Will Rogers runs for President of the United States. The lights on the staircase glow red, white and blue as Gatlin and company belt out "The Campaign," concluding with a hand-tapping routine that has the audience applauding its perfection.
The stage is essentially one giant staircase lined with lights. For each scene, the lights are the background, stretching the gamut of color from hot red to the twinkling white of the stars around the moon. The dancers move up and down with skill, using the steps in every imaginable fashion and gliding within the well-timed and precise choreography of director Steven Minning.
Perhaps the most engaging moment in the show comes in the early 2nd Act as Will Rogers runs for President of the United States. The lights on the staircase glow red, white and blue as Gatlin and company belt out "The Campaign," concluding with a hand-tapping routine that has the audience applauding its perfection.
A Down Note
"The Campaign"
It's a difficult journey from that point, however, as the creators of the show as well as this particular production are saddled by the unfortunate events of history. After all, the end of Will Rogers' life came during the Great Depression and in the form of a tragic plane crash with Wiley Post near the Arctic Circle.
There is an inevitable loss of steam then as the show nears its end. Will's radio address about the plight of the nation and the suffering of the poor during the Great Depression is an empassioned plea, but it also slows the action. It serves to remind the audience, however, that Will Rogers was more than a funnyman. He was a truly caring man who felt for everyone and "never met a man he didn't like."
The down note is not altogether too severe, though, because the audience certainly knows it's coming. Through moments of humor throughout the show, we are reminded that his fateful trip with Mr. Post awaits. There is great emotion as the company appears, one by one, in spotlight to remind us of Rogers' legacy.
Will Rogers passed away, but he left the world a much better place than he found it. Just like his Dad would've liked.
There is an inevitable loss of steam then as the show nears its end. Will's radio address about the plight of the nation and the suffering of the poor during the Great Depression is an empassioned plea, but it also slows the action. It serves to remind the audience, however, that Will Rogers was more than a funnyman. He was a truly caring man who felt for everyone and "never met a man he didn't like."
The down note is not altogether too severe, though, because the audience certainly knows it's coming. Through moments of humor throughout the show, we are reminded that his fateful trip with Mr. Post awaits. There is great emotion as the company appears, one by one, in spotlight to remind us of Rogers' legacy.
Will Rogers passed away, but he left the world a much better place than he found it. Just like his Dad would've liked.
A Show with Just About Everything
The emotion at the show's close is different than much of the production, but that is its greatest attribute. The audience chuckles at Will's wit and cheers his story of a good guy making it big. But we also recognize that although we've been watching a flashy musical delight, there was an influential man behind the story, a man whose kindness and whimsical, everyday wisdom we should never forget.
From the large company numbers to the smaller, more dramatic solos, The Will Rogers Follies has it all, carried by fine acting and catchy tunes. Even though their voices are occasionally lost behind the orchestra, particularly in the more subtle songs, the vocals are Broadway caliber to say the least.
But the show isn't on Broadway. It's right here in Oklahoma City for one weekend only, a perfect place indeed to see a musical gem about Oklahoma's favorite son.
From the large company numbers to the smaller, more dramatic solos, The Will Rogers Follies has it all, carried by fine acting and catchy tunes. Even though their voices are occasionally lost behind the orchestra, particularly in the more subtle songs, the vocals are Broadway caliber to say the least.
But the show isn't on Broadway. It's right here in Oklahoma City for one weekend only, a perfect place indeed to see a musical gem about Oklahoma's favorite son.
