Though the play premiered over 50 years ago and is based on a novel that was published 175 years ago, Oliver! remains an inspiring and relevant tale.
And Drayton Entertainment’s version of the rags-to-riches story, on stage now at the Drayton Festival Theatre, is no exception.
Directed and choreographed by Tracey Flye, the musical is a must-see production for all ages, including both first-timers and those more familiar with Charles Dickens’ beloved story about Oliver Twist.
Born into a life of poverty, a half-starved Oliver (played by 12-year-old Aidan Tye) is sent away from a workhouse by Mr. Bumble (Jordan Till) and Mrs. Corney (Marcia Tratt) simply for asking for a second helping of gruel.
Oliver seems hopeful that his relocation will work out for the best, but optimism soon turns to despair when he is apprenticed to undertaker Mr. Sowerberry (Christopher Wilson) and his wife (Amanda Leigh).
Soon Oliver manages to escape and ends up in the city of London. There he meets the Artful Dodger (Joshua LeClair), who invites Oliver to live with a number of other children in the lair of Fagin (Steven Gallagher), a criminal who teaches young boys to pick pockets.
Other characters Oliver meets through Fagin are Nancy (Stephanie Roth), her younger sister Bet (AJ Bridel) and her boyfriend Bill Sykes (Curtis Sullivan), an abusive burglar.
During his first foray into thievery, Oliver takes the fall for the crime and is captured and eventually sent to live with Mr. Brownlow (Robin Ward), a wealthy man who immediately takes a liking to the boy.
However Bill, joined apprehensively by Nancy, abducts Oliver and returns him to Fagin at the first opportunity. Nancy has an immediate change of heart and vows to return Oliver to Brownlow, setting up the play’s exciting climax – which we will not ruin here.
The story is greatly enhanced by the creative talents of set designer Jean-Claude Olivier, costume coordinator Jessica Bray and lighting designer Simon Day. And the large cast has obviously received great direction from Flye and music director Michael Barber, as every scene and song is pulled off fabulously and with flawless transitions.
The children’s chorus, divided into two groups of 12 that rotate through performances, is adorable and delightful – and vocally talented.
Ensemble members Justine Clark (strawberry seller), Stephen Findlay (chairman/knife grinder), Jason Franco, Joanna Guistini (Mrs. Bedwin), Grant Landry (long song seller), Christine Watson (milkmaid) and Sef Wood (Noah Claypole) round out the cast – and all are great in their supporting roles.
Previously mentioned cast members also are all incredible, particularly those in the lead roles: Roth, Tye, Sullivan, Gallagher and LeClair.
Tye is remarkable as Oliver, mastering everything from the smallest subtleties to the biggest musical numbers (most notably Where is Love).
Sullivan and Roth are phenomenal, both individually in their respective roles and also together in scenes depicting their characters’ clearly-dysfunctional and doomed relationship.
LeClair is outstanding as the Artful Dodger, infusing the role with flair and light-hearted enthusiasm, but the real star of the show is Gallagher.
Playing Fagin could be intimidating for some, given the vital role of the character and the superb quality of the material written for it, but Gallagher makes it look easy. His humour and heart, on display most prominently in the musical numbers Pick a Pocket and Reviewing the Situation, result in a performance that could be one of the greatest in Drayton Entertainment history.
Gallagher alone, who is playing Fagin 40 years after seeing his father in the same role as a seven-year-old kid (which he says turned him on to theatre), is worth the price of admission.
Overall, Oliver! is spectacular. It’s a must-see musical romp that will entertain audience members of all ages.
Ticket information
Oliver! plays at the Drayton Festival Theatre until Aug. 31. For tickets visit the box office, call 519-638-5555 or toll free 1-855-372-9866 or visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
