Frazier Drama Club to present ‘Oliver’
PERRYOPOLIS – The Frazier Drama Club will present the musical “Oliver” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 16-18, in the Frazier High School Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, call 724-736-4426.
The classic by Charles Dickens is the basis for Lionel Bart’s stage play about a door and abandoned boy named Oliver Twist (Matthew Carson) whose plea for “more food, glorious food” generates his exit from the workhouse of Widow Corney (Cayla Ross) who shall scream and Mr. Bumble (Brandon Diederich) and into the establishment of the Undertaker Sowerberry (Matthew Deabner), Mrs. Sowerberry (Heather Priester), Charlotte (Sara Toth) and Noah (Eric Deabner).
This might have been Oliver’s funeral, but a quick escape puts him on the road not to find “Where Is Love?” but rather to Fagin (Cody Inman) and his dean of thieves.
Led there by The Artful Dodger (Rebecca Harmon) who tells Oliver to “Consider Yourself” at home, Oliver soon learns he must “Pick a Pocket or Two” in order to survive.
Enter Nancy (Stephanie Smith) who tells all that it’s “A Fine Life” with help from Bet (Chelsea Gallo). These ladies sing about the closeness of the young thieves in “I’d Do Anything” and lead the troops off to their daily pick pocketing as Fagan sings, “Be Back Soon!”
Joyously singing and enjoying themselves to the old club song, “Oom-pah-pah,” Bill Sykes (Michael Kriss) enters and fear ripples through the crowd.
This man’s name strikes fear in the hearts of all except Nancy who will love him “As Long As He Needs Me.”
News that Oliver is missing, with the help of the Bow Street runner (Ricky Emery), upsets Fagin, though Oliver is in safety and sings about “Who Will Buy” the wonderful day he is having.
Mrs. Bedwin (Roberta Emery), Mr. Brownlow (Tristan Bartolomucci) and Doctor Grimwig (Sara Toth) care for Oliver, but his safety is not guaranteed. A surprise revelation by Old Sally (Sara Toth) and another workhouse lady (Shannon Mattox) makes things even more dangerous for Oliver.
The end of the story round up all who must “Reconsider the Situation.”
Joanne Cushman, director, says this is one of the most enjoyable musicals the group has done. She commended the cast and crewmembers for their hard work.
The supporting cast of actors, singers and dancers include Jenna Boyles (the Rose Seller), Elizabeth Layhew (the Milk Seller), Kimberly Deabner, Sarah Adams, Renee Martin, Alayna Lincoln, Alyssa Lincoln, Emily Stark, Giovanna Bitoni, Amanda Pato, Jenna Gardner, Sammy Chuboy, Gabby Muzina, Franchesca Uhar and Nikki Partain.
The sound crew is Anna King, Mike Kriss and Chris Kmetz.
The stage crew includes Seth Nicholson, Sergey Berkebile, Tristan Bartolomucci and Brandon Diederich.