The production poster promises "Ray Bans, Heelys, Faded Baggy Jeans, IPods - The Musical for the Modern Generation." With a contemporary twist, the musical classic is played with enthusiasm and charm by seasoned actors and adorable newcomers in Castle Rock Players' presentation of Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" This is not your father's "Oliver!"
David Truhler, Artistic Director for Castle Rock Players, leads the production as Fagin. With wistful charm, the conflicted aging vagabond consistently entertains. His rendition of "Reviewing the Situation," accompanied on the violin by the wonderful Emily Hetzler is theatrical magic.
Already a veteran at the age of thirteen, Chris Maclean plays the Artful Dodger with a spot-on British accent and a strong vocal performance. Newcomer Michael Sims will win your heart as Oliver. Comic relief is ably provided by Jacki Mangan and Damon Hein as Widow Corney and Mr. Bumble, as well as a fun bit in a funeral parlor, led by Alex Crosier as Mrs. Sowerberry. In multiple roles, Morgan Flandro is good as Bet, but absolutely delights as a hunchbacked ogre serving gruel to the orphans.
The strength of the production is found in visual surprises. The Fagin's gang skates onstage in their Heelys. The costumes are often wild and unexpected (how about Gothic funeral directors for a visual treat!). The song "Boy for Sale" is performed with just two actors on stage - the unscrupulous Mr. Bumble singing as poor young Oliver (on a leash!) performs a forlorn tap dance, complete with cane and top hat. Fog covers London Bridge for the fateful climax of the play, and Fagin's lair offers a shadow screen for Oliver's pick-pocketing instruction.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $13 for students. Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3:00pm, now through August 3, 2008, at Castle View High School. Contact Castle Rock Players at 303-814-7740 or
www.crplayers.org for more information.
This review has been submitted by Debbie Scharlemann, photographer for the production and parent of a Fagin's girl.