OLIVER!
Book,
Music & Lyrics by Lionel Bart
Based
on Charles DickensÔ "Oliver Twist"
Directed
by Robert Ennis Turoff
Golden
Apple Dinner Theatre
25
N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-5454
March
27 through May 6 (except Mon. & Fri.), 2012-04-03
Reviewed
by Marie J. Kilker
Oliver, glorious
young Stevie Romero! Fagin, glorious Steve Dawson! Nancy, glorious Dianne
Dawson (the best IÕve ever heard sing the part)! Both pompous Mr. Bumble and murderous Bill Sykes, goriest
Robby May! Most Artful Dodger (especially singing), Matty Colonna! ItÕs the
cast, well directed, that makes The AppleÕs version of "Oliver" so
much fun, no matter how many times one may have seen the musical. And thereÕs
that tasty score, where eight cute orphans singing "Food, Glorious
Food" make one wish one had saved something from the preceding buffet to
slip them as they parade through the audience to their sorry bad-house gruel.
In fact, thereÕs not
a bad song in the lot, each fitting the characters and action perfectly.
Reprises are welcome because theyÕre of songs that can be enjoyed both as part
of the show and per se: "As Long as He Needs Me" and "Where Is
Love?" are fine examples. Despite the sizeable cast, there are a few very
suitable doublings, such as by Steve Carroll as OliverÕs kindly grandfather
preceded by CarrollÔs not so kindly Mr. Sowerberry. Trez ColeÕs set has levels
of piping to allow swift interior scene changes as well as walks and chases
throughout vintage London, with use of an upper side stage and the full
proscenium as well. Jared WalkerÕs costumes in various fabrics,colors, and
conditions are all appropriate to their wearers. Robert Ennis TuroffÕs
direction and Erik GregoryÕs choreography result in fast pacing throughout.
Michael Sebastian has
returned to assume musical direction at The Apple after a guest appearance in
Ohio. HeÕs joined in an upper stage by Don Sturrock on keyboard and John
Januszewski supplying percussion. Alex Torres has made Stage Management look
easy. The 2 hour, 20 minute production with a 15 minute intermission seems to
fly by.