Theatrical Review in the Hendersonville, North Carolina, Times-News
August 25, 2006 (in the CORE Entertainment Magazine)
Children Impress in Adaptation of Bart's "Oliver!"
By Doris Whalen
Special to the Times-News
Brevard Little Theatre and Al Edick have done it again! This latest production, Oliver!,
by Lionel Bart and based on the novel by Charles Dickens, showcases so much talent it
is impossible to name them all.
The title character, convincingly played by 11-year-old Jack Williams, is the picture of
vulnerability and innocence. His clear, sweet, boy-soprano voice is a delight -- as are all
the children who sing with "gusto" and dance in well-choreographed numbers beginning
with the familiar opening, "Food, Glorious Food."
Linda Runion has creatively managed to handle 15 young boys and girls into a
well-organized and impressive troupe, including the 5-year-old Brian Hatter who
unwittingly kept the audience laughing.
Impressive also was the Widow Corney, effectively played and sung by Sarah Moser in
a scene in the Workhouse Parlour with her fellow worker, Mr. Bumble, well-sung by
David Vandre, in "I Shall Scream." Both had a professionalism and stage presence that
is especially noteworthy in community theater.
Also, Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry (David Gibbs and Terri Upton) in the Undertaker's
Parlour, have wonderful singing voices and created such believable characters in their
duet, "That's Your Funeral."
The Artful Dodger (Andy Thompson) looked the part of the head of the little thieves but
was not quite comfortable in his role. However, this was only the dress rehearsal and
hopefully the director will tell him to relax and enjoy himself.
Fagin (Joel Munch), the teacher in this den of pickpockets, was perfect in the role. His
character strode and danced and sang in a manner depicting his "circumstances." His
"Pick a Pocket or Two" was particularly effective.
The romantic pair, Nancy (Christine Eide) and Bill Sykes (Mark Thompson), have
good, trained voices but they were difficult to understand and did not convince us of
their great passion. "As Long As He Needs Me," the signature song, needs to be
believed.
Allie Cagen as Bet, Leanna Hall as Charley and Scarlett Royal as Charlotte were also
noteworthy.
In Act Two, the street scene with the production number, "Who Will Buy?" was well
sung and choreographed. Kerry Purselle, the rose seller, the milkmaid and the
strawberry seller have beautiful voices and blended in this difficult trio and chorus.
Joe Carvajal, who is usually behind the scenes at BLT, did a good cameo in the role of
Doctor Grimwig, as did the old nurse, Mrs. Bedwin, sung by Renee Braun.
The period costumes, by Sonia Arnold and Sandi Thompson, were appropriate and
well-fitting; especially the women's.
The music, directed and played by Patti Black and her four-piece orchestra was
especially impressive and kept life and bounce in the show. The violinist was enjoyable,
as was Black's piano accompaniment and direction.
Al Edick and his wife, Maureen, must be commended for a very challenging and
rewarding production, even to solving the "curtain problem" in a very ingenious and
entertaining manner!
Go see this show ! It's well worth the trip to Brevard College!
See Bill Mashburn's Review (for the Transylvania Times)