By Jennifer, Craig, and Caden Mustoe
Oliver! based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, first appeared in 1960, ran successfully on Broadway, and was made into a movie several years later. CenterPoint Legacy Theatre now brings this mega-hit to Utah in fine style. It’s the story of a young boy who begins life at the workhouse, is sold to an apprenticeship, ends up in a thieving group, then ends–wait. That’s a spoiler. See the show and you’ll know the ending.
Because the show is double cast, we reviewed the MWF group. As actors, we know what it’s like to see your name in a review, so apologies to the TTHS cast. I’m sure you’re just as brilliant.
The part of Oliver Twist, played by JT O’Reilly, shows off this young man’s incredible voice. O’Reilly looks the part with a waif-like face and sounds the part, as he sings like an angel. It’s a big stage, and this young actor does a good job. Surrounded by the many orphans (11!), Oliver starts the show with a bang and a fun dance number, choreographed by Sarah Martin. It’s hard to get a bunch of wiggly littles all to dance on cue, and this bunch was darling.
Stand out performances are Brandon Smith as The Artful Dodger. This young actor was dedicated to his character the entire time. With every movement, every mannerism, every Cockney word of his dialogue, I was absolutely transfixed. This kid has got it and I hope I can see him in many shows to come. Fagin, the leader of the thieves, played by Scott Butler was flawless. We especially loved him in the number about “Reviewing.” Watch what he does on the stairs–we laughed out loud. But he, too, was so comfortable in his character, his movements so smooth–I couldn’t stop watching what he did with this hands. They were never quiet, but very in character–not distracting. Emily Wells’ Nancy was great. Her solos were lovely and bawdy and she played Nancy with equal strength and vulnerability.
Director Liz Christensen had her hands full with this big production and did a fantastic job. The tableau created in each scene is lovely.
Scott Van Dyke’s sets are fantastic, as is usual at the CLT. Jennie Richardson’s costumes were sumptuous. Absolutely gorgeous. Lighting (Darren Maxfield) and sound (Alyssa Evans) were professional and done perfectly. It’s always nice that even on opening night, tech is perfect.
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Because this show has some ‘unsavory’ characters, CLT chose wisely to make this show completely family friendly. Nancy and her friend are prostitutes, who are wactched over by their abusive pimp. You do not see this in the show unless you already know the story. The costumes do not show this, the staging does not. Considering the audience at last night’s performance, I completely support this decision. Gobs of little kids were in the audience. However, there is one violent scene and it is toned down enormously, but if you have children who are easily frightened, you’d better pass on this show.
All in all, I recommend Oliver! I watched many happy faces leaving the theater, old and young alike.
Oliver! at The CenterPointLegacy Theatre
525 N 400 W, Centerville, UT 84014
4/14-5/13/17 M-Sat 7:30 PM
Tickets: $19.50-$25.50
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