It’s a timeless, classic “Oklahoma”

Continued from page 5 role of the plucky adolescent, sometimes brash, sometimes bashful: and every raised eyebrow, every sweep of the hair, every mischievous grin is a measured, calculated choice by the actress; curating a singularly playful, strikingly memorable performance.

There are welcome returns to the Gem stage, in the forms of Ms. Hanson and Ms. Baldwin; and the latter’s chemistry with Fraser’s Curly is in a word, magical. The vocal talents of both actors are astonishing in their own right, and the pair are mesmerizing as they harmonize in both song and motion. Another stand-out performance is that of the menacing heavy of the tale, Jud; in Scognamillo’s hands, what could be dismissed as some kind of early “incel” – flaunting dirty pictures, with no manners or social niceties, with no ties (easily classified into the “lone wolf” camp), he becomes a man in want of respect, acceptance, love… even if he doesn’t have the faintest idea how to communicate that, or even selfreflect.

The outcome is a character who is not merely a “big bad,” as much as a tragedy waiting to happen.

Another entry for “favorite show, EVER” for Gem fans to consider and debate, “Oklahoma!” is a remarkable piece, that checks all the boxes: beautifully choreographed, expertly conducted, and guaranteed to overturn all expectations – as undoubtedly high as they may be.

“Oklahoma!” Erika Baldwin, Bryan Fraser and James Scog- namillo star in this masterful One More Productions staging of the beloved classic musical. Playing through March 26 at The Gem Theater, 12852 Main St., Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Appropriate for all ages.

Scott Stiles farewell tour

Continued from page 1 bathrooms were in City Hall.”

As his remarks drew to a close, he choked up and teared up, briefly. “The future is really bright,” he said. “There’s a lot of good stuff going on here.”

During his seven-and-a-half years at City Hall, Stiles played a key role in accomplishments both high profile and out of the public eye.

His fingerprints are on the erasure of the city’s budget problems, on the SteelCraft outdoor urban eatery, the transformation of the “rusty skeleton” into the Garden Grove Senior Village, an improved water filtration system, expansion of the police department and more.

He was lauded by several speakers and good-humoredly roasted by a few. Mayor Steve Jones, whose tenure in office nearly paralleled Stiles’ term as the city’s top appointed executive, said, “This is a night to celebrate Scott Stiles’ many accomplishments but it’s also a bittersweet time to say goodbye.

“Despite him making it look easy, Scott faced several challenges as city manager. The pandemic alone probably gave him most of his grey hairs, but fortunately he still has a good head of hair.

“Even when times were tough, he never lost his enthusiasm or his spirit for this community. He turned out to be an amazing choice.”

Replacing Stiles will be Lisa Kim, who will be elevated from her post as assistant city manager and director of community and economic development.