Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The Company Theatre’s epic musical for their Christmas season is “Oliver.” The show is a British musical with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and is based on the novel by Charles Dickens. It takes place in Victorian England and was the first musical adaptation of a famous Dickens work to become a stage hit. “Oliver” premiered in the West End of London on June 30, 1960 and ran for 2,618 performances. It opened on Broadway on January 6, 1963 and ran for 774 performances. The film version came out in 1968 and won six Academy Awards. The darkness of the Dickens novel is lightened up by the beautiful music. The storyline is about the well-known orphan, Oliver Twist who asks for seconds of the gruel served at the workhouse. The repercussions of this act find him being sold to a funeral parlor for three pounds and he then learns how to pick pockets with Fagin and his gang of thieves. This is where he meets the lovely barmaid, Nancy who is torn between her love for the dastardly criminal, Bill Sykes and her desire to do the right thing. Directors Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman infuse their performers with their knowledge of these Dickens characters and elicit superb performances from them while Steve Bass and his eleven piece orchestra supply a sumptuous sound to the singing voices of the cast. Sally Ashton Forrest’s marvelous dances stop the show with their brilliant execution. Their combined efforts create the must see show of this winter season.
Zoe and Jordie block their performers splendidly and their knowledge of Dickens true picture of life in these dark and bleak times comes through and is softened by the music and comic moments they incorporate. Steve not only taught the performers their individual parts but creates a terrific harmonic blend of voices especially in the intricate harmony of “Who Will Buy?” and the children shine in their numbers including “Food Glorious Food” and Sally’s dances add to the power of them with the kids dance up and down on tables as do the adults in “Oom Pah Pah” in Act 2. The hornpipe section in “A Fine Life” and the minuet section in “I’d Do Anything” are examples of her expertise. The violin section in “Reviewing the Situation” is incredible and Jesse MacDonald’s violin playing is breathtaking during it! 12 year old Matthew O’Connor captures the hearts of the audience as Oliver. He is terrific as he captures the essence of this fragile boy. Matthew is not only a marvelous actor but a talented dancer and vocalist. He leads the children’s chorus in “Food Glorious Food” and sings a verse of “Who Will Buy?”. Matthew stops the show with his heartfelt rendition of “Where Is Love” which leaves the audience in tears as he captures the vulnerability of this child yet later on has the courage and strength to stand up to Skyes in the confrontation scene. Oliver stands up to him when he tells the villain that the books and money belong to Mr. Brownlow. Matthew does an outstanding job in this huge role. Kudos to the children’s chorus who sing and dance up a storm in this show, too.
The heart and soul of this show is the character of Nancy. Brittany Rolfs returns in triumph to Company Theatre to do a fantastic job as Nancy. Her warmth and affection for the children especially for Oliver is displayed in “It’s a Fine Life” and in her quartet “I’d Do Anything” with Dodger, Oliver and Bet. Her comic side is displayed in the opening of the second act with the rousing number “Oom Pah, Pah” while drinking and carousing with the customers. One of the best dramatic moments occurs when Bill punches Nancy to the ground and then Brittany expertly sings the poignant love song “As Long As He Needs Me” which brings the house down with pathos. Her confrontations with Bill and her death scene are excellent, too.
Two of the comical evil characters are Christopher Hagburg as Fagin and Colin Paduck as the Artful Dodger. They both steal many a scene with their topnotch acting abilities and strong voices. Christopher excels as this smarmy crook who teaches the children how to pick pockets in “Pick a Pocket” which turns into a big dance number. Fagin loves his money and treasures but realizes he has to keep himself from being hung in “Reviewing the Situation” with both of his numbers definitely stopping the show. Colin gives a winning portrayal as Dodger who convinces Oliver to join the pickpocket gang. Only 8 years old, he has a bright future in show business. His duets are marvelous to behold including “Consider Yourself” with Oliver, “I’d Do Anything” with Nancy and “Be Back Soon” with Fagin. All three numbers turn into dancing extravaganzas with Colin leading the chorus in dancing up a storm in them. His Cockney accent is marvelous, too.The despicable and diabolical villain, Bill Sikes is well played by Damian Smith with his entrance number “My Name.” The physical abuse he heaps on Nancy is frightening to behold.
Other evil characters include Francis Sheehan as Bumble who sings “Boy for Sale” and “Oliver” with his topnotch voice, Julianna Dennis as Widow Corney that Bumble marries. She sings “Oliver” which is hilarious as is the scene when she berates Bumble. They make quite the comic duo in the show. The good characters include Davis Dassori as Mr. Brownlow, Maureen O’ Neill as Mrs. Bedwin and Aliyah Harris as Bet. So for a magnificent rendition of this classic tale, be sure to catch “Oliver” at Company Theatre before the run is completely sold out. I had a great time back in 1990 when I played Dr. Grimwig in “Oliver” for The Players.
OLIVER (23 November to 23 December)
Company Theatre Company, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, MA
1(781)871-2787 or www.companytheatre.com
