Oliver! Makes for a Rousing Evening

A Review by Cara Russell

Talented orphans from Oliver!

Nineteenth-century England was a time of political and social unrest, and the last place you would want to be born—especially if you were an orphan.

Charles Dickens’ Oliver!, directed by Deborah Sparks, opens with about fifteen orphans slowly marching into a workhouse, an empty bowl and spoon under each arm, singing “Food Glorious Food.” The workhouse is run by the pompous Mr. Bumble (Joe Babcock) and the materialistic matron Widow Corney (Lesley Liddle), who believe that it is only right to keep the orphans on a strict diet of gruel.

A small boy emerges from the group, approaches Mr. Bumble, and utters the famous line, “Please sir, I want some more.” Mason Scoggin who plays plays Oliver is both sweet and incredible. Outraged by the request, Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney sell him to the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry, a smaller role made large by excellent acting (Freddy Hinkle).

Living with the undertaker and his family turns out to be another disaster when the mean-spirited Nora Claypole, well-played by Claire Orser, relentlessly bullies Oliver, driving him to stand up for the mother he never met.

Oliver runs away to London. He immediately meets the clever and charismatic Artful Dodger (Matthew Laslo). And Laslo makes a cool Dodger, just the kind of kid who could do more than get by living on the streets. The two boys take to each other like old friends and Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin (Robert Hall), a conniving conman who takes homeless children and turns them into pickpockets. Hall’s Fagin is intriguing and lovable, and keeps your attention with every song, gesture, and raise of his eyebrow. And Fagin’s boys are crafty, endearing, and a joy to watch.

The young prostitute Nancy (Cali Bagby), is the true hero of the story. She tries to see the good in her corrupt life, including her bullying lover. She feels an instinct to protect young Oliver, but to what end? Bagby has a beautiful singing talent, and she brings moments of joy, sorrow, and depth to her character when she sings “As Long as He Needs Me.”

Nice guy in real life, Conrad Wrobel is completely transformed when he enters the stage as the murderous Bill Sykes. He remains scary and cruel until the curtain call, where he gracefully absorbs the boos and hisses from the crowd, and sings for the first time with the entire cast.

Every member of the ensemble brings old London to life, with their many roles and good ole gang mentality. Throughout the night we hear beautiful solos by Holly King, Mimi Anderson, and Stormy Hildreth, just to name a few.

There is a shout-out to the silent film era, the lighting is fantastic and eerie, the costumes are beautiful, and the wigs extravagant, taking the audience into the twisted larger-than-life world of Oliver!

Songs include “It’s a Fine Life,” I’d Do Anything,” and “Consider Yourself.” Oliver! will leave you humming, singing, and whistling these fun tunes even after you leave the theater.

Top hats and large wigs off to Deborah Sparks, who has directed a wonderful production.

Oliver! continues at Orcas Center Friday – Saturday, May 10 – 11 and Friday –Saturday, May 16 – 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Oliver! are $18 for adults, $11 students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm.

For more information about Orcas Center 2013 season events, please visit orcascenter.org.