Legendary tale Oliver runs Aug. 14 to 31

Drayton Festival Theatre will launch the classic rags-to-riches tale, Oliver as its fourth and final production of the 2013 summer theatre season.

“Oliver is a true classic in musical theatre,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas. “It’s a compelling and exhilarating production, and we’re thrilled to share this renowned musical with audiences in Drayton.”

The musical follows the adventures of Charles Dickens’ plucky young orphan as he navigates the mean streets of 19th century London.

Officials say theatregoers young and old will be captivated by the musical’s remarkable blend of humour and heartbreak, conveyed through exuberant dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as Food, Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything and Where Is Love?

Dickens’ second novel, Oliver Twist, has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations. The stage production has had incredible success since it premiered in London’s West End in 1960, where it enjoyed an extensive run.

Oliver is directed and choreographed by Tracey Flye.  The cast includes Joshua LeClair as The Artful Dodger, Steven Gallagher as Fagin, Curtis Sullivan as Bill Sykes and Stephanie Roth as Nancy.

Drayton Entertainment is proud to introduce Aiden Tye as Oliver. The Niagara Falls native was discovered through a province-wide video audition campaign. No stranger to the stage, this talented 12-year-old spent two years at The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake performing in Ragtime and My Fair Lady.

The show also features AJ Bridel, whom audiences will recognize as a finalist in Over The Rainbow, CBC Television’s reality show that saw young performers from across the nation compete for a starring role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz.

The family production also features 24 local young people performing as Fagin’s kids alongside the professional cast.

Regular performance tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for those under 20 years of age. There are tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $32. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Oliver plays Aug. 14 through 31. Tickets are available online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre box office, or by calling 519-638-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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