Oklahoma! comes to Perth
From IAJ International Pty Ltd | 08 Mar 2010
Western Australia’s only professional musical theatre company, IAJ International, will preview Oklahoma!,
the first production in its inaugural Season of Classic Musicals, this week at the Mandurah Performing Arts
Centre from March 11 ahead of the premiere season beginning March 17 at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth.
Presented ‘in concert’ mode with the orchestra on stage under the direction of highly respected maestro,
Ian Westrip, Oklahoma! is fully staged, choreographed and costumed with a cast of sixteen headed by TV
star, Penny Cook.
The director, John Senczuk, who has made a striking impact on the local scene in recent years with
acclaimed and innovative productions such as Irene with Debbie Reynolds, , Annie Get Your Gun, Les
Misérables and Two Old Queens said that the formation of IAJ was a remarkable opportunity to present
quality local productions to a keen and growing audience.
“I am thrilled that we are the first Western Australian professional musical theatre company to present a
season of musicals. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, considered to be the first of the modern
musicals will be followed by the nostalgic pastiche of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend and the dramatic
Sunset Boulevard by Andrew Lloyd Webber” he said. “Musicals are a supremely entertaining art form that
people of all ages can enjoy and they have been missing from the Perth theatrical calendar for far too long.
“Since moving here from Sydney in 2006, I have come to realize that there is a great demand for quality
musical theatre and an abundant supply of excellent performing talent in Perth. By connecting supply to
demand, IAJ intends to provide a regular showcase for our very talented performers, valuable experience
to emerging talents such as the latest WAAPA graduates, and excellent home grown entertainment to Perth
and regional WA audiences.”
With a famously sunny score which includes the hit numbers Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’, The Surrey with
the Fringe on Top, Kansas City, I’m Just a Girl Who Cain’t Say No, People Will Say We’re in Love and The
Farmer and the Cowman, Oklahoma! is a terrific tale of love, loyalty and revenge with some high spirited
rivalry between cowboys and farmers not only “for the girl” but for the land they call home.
There are three performance of Oklahoma! at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on the Thursday and
Friday, March 11 and 12 at 7.30pm with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday, March 13. Mandurah Performing
Arts Centre performances are from March 11 to 13. Bookings can be made online at www.manpac.com.au
or phone 9550 3900.
There are six performances of Oklahoma! at His Majesty’s Theatre (plus a sold-out Preview on March 16)
with opening night on Wednesday March 17 and running until Saturday March 20. All evening shows start
at 7.30pm and there are two matinees at 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday. Bookings are available
through BOCS on 9484 1133 and/or online at www.bocsticketing.com.au – with major discounts for group
bookings.