Fleetwood Community Theatre’s summer production of “Oliver!” celebrates FCT’s 30th season and happens one weekend only, July 20-22, on the Fleetwood High School Stage.
A wildly entertaining musical that brings Charles Dickens’ timeless characters to life from his novel, the story tells of a poor orphan and his associates scrambling to survive in Old London Towne and begging for “more … please.”
The sensational score includes “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Oom Pah Pah” and more. This family musical show truly gives meaning to singing for your supper.
Director Daniel Petrovich who has helmed FCT’s “Peter Pan” in 2014 and “The Addams Family” in 2015 is taking his vision to a classic telling. Memorable characters besides the title character Oliver Twist, played by Peyton Polanco, are the Artful Dodger (Ian Miller), Nancy (Jennifer Hartshorne-Hesketh), and Bill Sykes (George Kovarie). In a community theatre twist, Fagin is being played by the amazing Becka Malanios.
One of the great joys in any Dickens’ novel, is the characters. Oliver Twist is, at its very core, the story of one little boy’s search for family. He, unfortunately, is blocked at every turn by a vagrant group of supporting players. Watching those comically grotesque characters, a few of which veer off into true viciousness, take on a life of their own in the hands of some of the area’s best actors that we have cast, is a real treat.
Fleetwood Community Theatre’s Production Manager Tara Sands says the show depicts the classic Dickens story with some of the most recognizable music in show business. “It is the heart of the story that is so compelling, ” she also notes, ” It was the right choice to help celebrate a 30 year tradition in Fleetwood. An all ages cast with a great directing staff, we could not be more proud of this ensemble.
“Oliver!” July 20 – July 22, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m., and one matinee on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Get your tickets early so you are assured a good seat. There will be assigned seating for all shows. Tickets are $15 thru July 19, $18 at the door ($2 fee per ticket for credit card sales). Call the box office at 484-637-7067.
For more information on Fleetwood Community Theatre, visit the website fleetwoodcommunitytheatre.com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fFeetwoodTheatre.
