“Oliver”, the classic story of a young boy searching for a family and a meaning to his life and adapted from the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, will be presented by The Tyrone Community Players on June 20 and 21 in the auditorium of the Tyrone High School.
Set on the streets of a rather dark and seedy London in the late 1800s, “Oliver” includes such memorable musical treats as “Food, Glorious Food”, “As Long As He Needs Me” and “Consider Yourself”, all of which are delivered by characters so well defined and polished that they have become a treasured part of the American Musical Theater stage for over 30 years.
Oliver Twist, a young teenage orphan, dreams of finding a better life for himself than the workhouse home he is forced to inhabit. His dreams lead him through the dangerous streets of London where he encounters much adversity and little love, until he finds himself in the clutches of Fagin, who runs an academy for young pickpockets. Is this truly the place for Oliver or will his soulful refrain, “Where Is Love”, help him find the elusive object he seeks?
Auditions for this masterful musical will take place in “The Building”, home of the TCP, on Sunday and Monday, April 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. “Oliver” will be under the direction of Cindy Bennett with musical direction being provided by Karen Mayhew. A solo vocal audition is required for principle roles and an accompanist will be available at auditions.
“We are very excited to be preparing a musical of such high quality for our audiences,” stated Bennett. “It’s a cast filled with adults and children of all ages – an opportunity for families to work together onstage, as well as view the show as audience members.”
“The music is lovely, with a genuine tone of the period and very memorable lyrics,” added Mayhew. “Although it appears to be a very serious subject, ‘Oliver’ is freckled with bright humor and pathos.”
The cast of “Oliver” is large and varied, providing principle roles for children as young as nine and adults of all ages. If you would like more information about auditions, this script, or the TCP in general, phone the ArtsLine at 684-ART2.
