Review by M.T. Bennett, Front Row Reviewers
Traveling from Charles Dickens’ Pre-Victorian England to Kaysville is HopeBox Theatre’s production of Oliver!, written by Lionel Bart with special arrangements by Cameron Mackintosh. Entering the theatre, one is immersed in the intimate setting of a bleak workhouse into which Oliver was born. The constant rain and thunder of England sounds around you as spinning cogs and ticking clocks line the wall, and here is our twist. The setting for this production isn’t traditional 1800s, instead it has a slight steampunk coloring to the sets, costumes, and designs.
The show starts as one by one members of the live band meander their way onto the stage. Coming together with the twang of bluegrass music, they settle into their places. In fact, this is the only version of Oliver! I know of that features a rocking banjo solo. Once the band is situated, bedecked in top hats and brass goggles, the play begins in earnest.
The story of Oliver! is a bittersweet tale of the struggles specific to the poorer class of that period. It focuses on the titular character, Oliver Twist, who was orphaned and grew up in a workhouse. For the crime of asking for a little more gruel to eat Oliver is sold to be apprenticed as an undertaker. Going from one bad situation to another, Oliver runs away to seek his fortune in London where he falls in with a gang of young pickpockets who are looked after by the elderly Fagan. After a theft gone wrong Oliver’s fortune finally turns and it seems he may be accepted into a well-to do loving home. Fagan fears that Oliver may reveal his operation and starts events to kidnap him back leading to a series of tragic mishaps but ultimately culminating in Oliver’s freedom and finding a loving home.
This production is double cast, and I had the pleasure to attend the Teal Cast’s performance. Leading out as Oliver is young Graysen Eagle who seemed was embraced this lead role with the gusto of a kid having a blast. Even with the heavy subject material, there were plenty of laughs from the workhouse overseer Mr. Bumble (Jake Swensen) and his eventual wife Mrs. Corney (Timery Reis). Swensen also hits all the right notes in one of the best arranged songs, “Boy for Sale” which shows the horrific situation Oliver is in as nobody wants him and the “price” for him as a worker drops and drops.
The dangerous and sinister Bill Sikes (James Boley) brings a menacing energy enhanced by Light Designer Anna Reich’s use of deep red lights. Added to the band’s dim drumbeat theme, Boley as Sikes is indeed a frightening character. Courtney Fairbourn plays Bill’s optimistic and spunky wife Nancy and Fairbourn’s background as a voice teacher with a degree in Voice are evident in her solos.
True to his form as a master thief, Fagan played by Ben Stoneman, steals the stage and shines as bright as all his pretty things. With great presence and nailing every musical performance, I had to wonder how much of his role was scripted and what parts were well-played improv between audience members and cast alike. Stoneman works the audience as deftly Fagan works his army of pickpockets. With performances like this from all the cast I hope to “be back soon” to Hopebox Theatre.
Reich’s use of lights brings just the right tones to the characters and situations. Costume Lead Sadie Saunders Day embraced the fun steampunk for every character. Music Director Teresea Melendez provides the cast with expert advice–these familiar songs never sounded better. Set Lead Curtis Dalton makes great use of the space as it evolves through the production. All of this was brought together by Stage Manager Drew Anderson, Director/Choreographer Jan Williams, and co-director Wyatt Welch. This excellent production team has created a show that brings talent at its finest.
The Steampunk Band: Debby Cannon, Dave Hollerbach, Carrie Young, Kenneth Cobran, and Kendra Warner Reese are amazing. Live music brings another layer to this enjoyable production.
Steam Punk fashion is specific and let’s face it–so cool. Makeup and wig designer Ellie Stephenson brings a smoky, slightly spooky look that is very effective. Costume lead Sadie Saunders Day has created a style that works for the show and makes the good guys look wonderful and the bad guys really creepy. An excellent choice for this show.
When asked why Hopebox decided to present Oliver! director Williams said, “Oliver pulls at my heartstrings. As a mother who has adopted several kids of all ages, I always have a soft spot for a show that has a story of a child who is in need of love and a home. Every child deserves to be loved and cared for, no matter what circumstances they find themselves in. By opening your heart to others you find that your love increases.”
Thus, the production of Oliver! is not just for entertainment alone, but to share an important message for the audience to consider how our society treats the very young and those in need.
This goes right in line with the mission of Hopebox Theatre to use performing arts to help people heal. Williams is also the founder of Hopebox and is a four-time cancer survivor. She founded Hopebox as a way to bring healing to others in similar situations. Each production has a specific “Wall of Hope Recipient” who is undergoing cancer treatment and is essentially a fundraiser to help that person in their journey. This production’s Wall of Hope Recipient is Tad Packer and while I encourage you to go and see the play for yourself (proceeds will help with the donations), if your schedule doesn’t allow it, you can still donate for Packer on the Hopebox website.
I encourage you to go see Oliver!, a performance you won’t want to miss. With great costumes, sets, musical renditions, and performances, it is a provoking yet heartwarming show appropriate for all ages. Going to see it will do you some good, and something helpful to support Hopebox’s mission. It’s a win-win. “Who will buy the wonderful feeling” of seeing this show? You can, and you won’t miss out.
Hopebox Theater presents Oliver! By Lionel Bart.
Hopebox Theatre, 1700 S. Frontage Road, Kaysville, Utah 84037
June 21st-July 13th 2024: 7:30 PM with matinees at 2:00 PM, dates and times vary.
Tickets: Adults: $20, Senior/student/military: $18, Children (ages 3-11): $16, Closing night is an added $2 more.
Contact Hopebox Theatre on their website
Hopebox Theater Facebook page
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