In the program for NC Theatre's production of Oliver!,president and CEO Lisa Grele Barrie proclaims that the theatre has “assembled the most outstanding Oliver! cast ever.” While that's certainly a bold statement, this production goes a long way in making it a valid one.
Bringing in both local and non-local talent, a strong, large cast helps to bring the 19th century Dickens classic to life. Young Sam Poon is cute-as-a-button in the title role, delivering his lines with the perfect mix of sweetness and spunk. His performance of “Where is Love?” is one of the show's tenderest and most heart-wrenching moments. Kevin Gray's Fagin slithers and charms his way through the role with a Johnny-Depp inspired appearance and a particularly feisty rendition of “Reviewing the Situation.” Heather Patterson King's Nancy breaks hearts with “As Long as He Needs me,” and with her realistic portrayal of the character's unwavering devotion to her abusive partner.
In addition to a fabulous cast, Richard Stafford's choreography is fast-paced and fun to watch. Even in musical numbers with a horde of characters parading about, things never get too cluttered or disorderly. As director, Stafford makes bold staging choices, effectively utilizing the auditorium's aisles several times throughout the performance.
Stafford chooses to go easy on the show's heavier themes, but the more melachonly ones are still there upon close examination. King's sad-around-the-edges portrayal of Nancy, Fagin's decision to remain in his life of crime, and the smirk of the Artful Dodger (Alexis Van Venrooy) as he moves up the crime-ladder all touch on the ugly side of the story, without ruining it for younger audience members or for those who simply want to be entertained. This production is one of the rare ones that truly can be enjoyed by people of all ages and with all types of motives for attending the show.
Bringing in both local and non-local talent, a strong, large cast helps to bring the 19th century Dickens classic to life. Young Sam Poon is cute-as-a-button in the title role, delivering his lines with the perfect mix of sweetness and spunk. His performance of “Where is Love?” is one of the show's tenderest and most heart-wrenching moments. Kevin Gray's Fagin slithers and charms his way through the role with a Johnny-Depp inspired appearance and a particularly feisty rendition of “Reviewing the Situation.” Heather Patterson King's Nancy breaks hearts with “As Long as He Needs me,” and with her realistic portrayal of the character's unwavering devotion to her abusive partner.
In addition to a fabulous cast, Richard Stafford's choreography is fast-paced and fun to watch. Even in musical numbers with a horde of characters parading about, things never get too cluttered or disorderly. As director, Stafford makes bold staging choices, effectively utilizing the auditorium's aisles several times throughout the performance.
Stafford chooses to go easy on the show's heavier themes, but the more melachonly ones are still there upon close examination. King's sad-around-the-edges portrayal of Nancy, Fagin's decision to remain in his life of crime, and the smirk of the Artful Dodger (Alexis Van Venrooy) as he moves up the crime-ladder all touch on the ugly side of the story, without ruining it for younger audience members or for those who simply want to be entertained. This production is one of the rare ones that truly can be enjoyed by people of all ages and with all types of motives for attending the show.