OLIVER!

BRITISH MUSICAL WITH MUSIC AND LYRICS BY LIONEL BART

    The final offering in the 2007–2008 season of the Tyrone Community Players is the stage favorite, Lionel Bart's Oliver!
 
    Oliver! is the classic story of a young boy searching for a family and a meaning to his life. Adapted from Charles Dickens' beloved novel, Oliver Twist, Oliver! is a Tony Award-winning musical that has been a favorite on the world stage for the past 40 years. Laced with such familiar and loved songs as, "Where Is Love," "As Long as He Needs Me," "Food, Glorious Food," and "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" — just to name a few — Oliver! uses music and witty dialogue to transport the audience to London and on a quest for love.
 
    Making up a segment of this cast are 45 talented area youngsters portraying orphans and pickpockets in the dark and seedy London of the mid-19th century. Among these young thespians are Jared Wood as The Artful Dodger and his brother, Eli, as Oliver Twist. Local favorite Darcy Wilson portrays Nancy, Bill Markley as Bill Sykes, Ralph Harris as Mr. Bumble, Kathy Fink as the Widow Corney, Paul Mills and Betsy Beck as Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, and Emily Wilson as Charlotte Sowerberry. The protagonist for this musical, the dark and sometimes despicable character Fagin, is expertly portrayed by Steve Helsel.
 
    The show is under the direction of Cindy Bennett, with musical direction provided by Karen Mayhew and choreography by Emily Decker.
 
    The Tyrone Community Players are thrilled to be offering this classic theater work on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, in the auditorium of the Tyrone High School. To reserve tickets — only $10 for adults and $8 for children — phone the ArtsLine at 684-ART2 (2782).