ONE TWIST AFTER ANOTHER

This modernized " Oliver" is well worth the $13 senior price, even at its opening last night.

I took Laura Anderson's advice (YourHub.com/Castle Rock/7-13-2008 "Castle Rock Players Put Modern Twist on 'Oliver'") to see the veteran and 1st time actors of the Castle Rock Players excel in their opening night performance. It will only get better.

One actor in whom I take particular delight is Charlie Bates (played exceptionally well by 13-year-old Matt Droz). Matt, son of Doug and Kathi Droz (current President of the Board of the Castle Rock Players), gives a unique, yet best-fit performance, to one of Mr. Fagin's ( David Truhler) vagabond and orphaned characters. It is clear, to the delight of the audience, one of the twists to the play allows each character to develop his/her role beyond the choreograhpics.

Matt, like the other players, uniquely expresses his personality in his on-stage antics. Contributing to the whole of the play, young Mr. Droz comports "Charlie's" character walk as a 'chuckle-maker.' Matt creates a walk I describe as a twist on that of the self-confident "Fonzie" integrated with the comic gait of Richard Pryor. Matt gives enjoyable animation to Charlie, one background character in Lionel Bart's adaptation of the Dicken's novel. Matt's characterization, however, includes extraordinary facial and physical antics which are both entertaining and which appropriately compliment whichever cast member is speaking. I look forward to seeing Matt, himself, in a star speaking role.

I must confess I know Matt Droz personally. He and his family are former next door neighbors here in Castle Rock. Matt and his brother, Brandon, hauled and placed many retaining wall stones in my landscaping, one hot summer, responding to my Mr. Fagin-like directives, sans the singing encouragement (fortunately for them). Matt takes as much pleasure in his work ethic as he does his character performance. He simply enjoys what he does. I see his abilities leading him to a productive and artistic career, notwithstanding his parents told me so.

Incidentally, Brandon has also performed with the Castle Rock Players. Kathi Droz, their mother, performs several different bit parts in this production.

Excerpts from Matt's bio:

Another of the twists in "Oliver" spurs the audience to frequent appreciation, expectantly awaiting subsequent displays of Heelys (spelling of the shoes differs). Numerous characters, including Matt, wear sneakers implanted with the mini-rollers in the heels. Matt and others glide across the stage effortlessly and quickly, minimizing customary delays in the flow of theatrical plays. Mr. Stephen Paulding, Director, modernizes the play and solves one of the age-old tactical dilemmas of moving characters around on the stage.

To some extent, Heelys cut out the need for elaborately devised crutches to affect movement on, off and around the stage. Amazingly, they seem silent when put to use on the stage's wood flooring (no opinion offered however regarding moms' kitchen floors). Kudos to Mr. Paulding, and David Truhler, Artistic Director (Mr. Fagin) as well as the Production Staff for recognizing and artfully employing their use.

Oliver's ( Michael Sims) lines are delivered well, notwithstanding the voice change which is normal at his age. In fact, it's to Mr. Sim's credit as a young professional. No matter what intrepidation Michael may have felt, he exemplified the dedication to the "show must go on."

His solo performances were otherwise flawless. His voice clearly reflects the potential it will later achieve.

David Truhler plays a consummate Mr. Fagin. He illustrates Fagin as a caring, compassionate surrogate father to each orphan.

Bill Sykes' ( John Lech) villainous and violent portrayal captures the epitome of abuse.He scares me even at 60 feet from the stage. It's a relief to see his just end.

Artful Dodger ( Chris Maclean) is perfectly cast, and along with Mr. Fagin, carries the play. Young Maclean causes me to wonder if he indeed is not quite naturally British. I do not detect any fault in his portrayal of the "Dodger." Maclean's bio says he is quite the ham. He certainly gives a performance resplendent of a young professional.

If he is a ham, Maclean expertly redirects it. His portrayal of Dodger is replete with a contagious joy in the Dodger character. His vocal talent is superb. He sang many of his lines. I hope to see him not only in his dream role in the "Christmas Carol" but pray he takes on the Tom Sawyer role one day.

I laud the entire cast of 70 and hope that other writers will do a review of those just as deserving of accolades as these I've named. To my readers - go see this play.

Stay in the right lane, as you approach the high school on your right. Contrary to Mapquest, the road is now paved.