By Kimberlee St. Clair
Draper Historic Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s award winning musical, Oliver!, with direction by Casey Dean. Based on Charles Dickens‘ book, Oliver Twist, this beautifully told musical tells a heartbreaking story of an orphan boy in 19th-century England. With all the odds stacked against him, Oliver finds friends in the most unusual places and overcomes the hardships of street life in London.
Oliver! begins in a 19th-century workhouse, with several rugged-looking children waiting for their meager meal of gruel. They hold their own as they use mugs and bowls as added percussion to their demands for “Food, Glorious Food!” Oliver (Owen Smith, also played by Nikos Mizantzdis) speaks for all the children, finishing the number with angelic clarity. He is met by the hard-hearted and aptly named Mr. Bumble (Todd Tharp) and Mrs. Corney (Ruth Rodgers), who quickly decide to be rid of Oliver. The camaraderie between Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Corney is quite comical, even with the difference in vocal strength; they both give a stellar performance.
After arriving at the Sowerberry’s funeral home to sell young Oliver to the undertakers, both Mrs. Sowerberry (Emily Jameson) and Sowerberry (Shylee Olsen) are a total twist to the traditional couple, playing the role of sisters. They keep the audience in stitches with their over-the-top banter throughout the show, especially during their opening number, “That’s Your Funeral.” These characters showcase the brilliant costume designs of Alayna Bria, as Mrs. Sowerberry dons a gothic vampire style while her sister wears brighter colors. After their sinister song, Oliver finds himself alone, delivering a beautifully sung and heartfelt question in “Where is Love?”
For such a small stage, the changes in the set design (Eldon B. Randall), including an upper walkway and balcony, create an amazing use of space while being the perfect setting for the smiling, dimple-faced, and sly Artful Dodger (Roman Southwick, also played by Jagger Weichers) to introduce Oliver to his family of thieves. If his smile doesn’t catch your attention, his energy and vocal strength will absolutely steal your heart as he invites Oliver to “Consider Yourself, Part of the Family.” Along with the adorable gang of thieves, Oliver is quickly introduced to a credible, almost uncle-like, Fagin (Don Smith). Fagin nearly steals the show between his incredible vocal talent and the connection he creates between himself and all of the children doing his dirty work. His kindness and affection far outweigh his greedy nature as he tells Oliver “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”
Nearing the end of Act I, Nancy (Kate Lyn Child, also played by Lydia Vance) and Bet (Bailey Ryan, also played by Tessa Ellis) pair up with the Artful Dodger, Oliver, and Fagin in a beautiful blend of vocal talent for “I’ll Do Anything.” The Act II opener showcases the choreography by Kimberly Webb, as the stage fills and the cast kicks up their heels while Nancy entertains them with her well-known “Oom-Pah-Pah.”
Commanding the stage and casting fear throughout the theater is the notorious and evil Bill Sikes (Bradly Duhom, also played by Mike Hafen). Bringing light to a dark place, Nancy is a vocal powerhouse in “As Long As He Needs Me,” where she confirms her commitment and love to the sinister Bill Sikes.
As the end of the show nears, the most captivating harmonies and stand-out performance comes during “Who Will Buy?”, sung by Oliver and chorus and bringing tears and hope for Oliver to find lasting love with a family. Kudos to musical director Warren Tharp for an outstanding vocal performance by the entire cast.
Just one week left to see Draper Historic Theatre’s production of Oliver!, by Lionel Bart. Join us, “for after some consideration we can state, consider yourself, one of us!”
Appropriate for families, one dark scene in Act II.
The Draper Historic Theatre Presents Oliver! by Lionel Bart.
Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 900 East, Draper, Utah 84020
August 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 2019, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $8 – $12
Contact: 801-572-4144, Draper Historic Theatre Website
Draper Historic Theatre Facebook Page
Oliver! Facebook Event
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