BLT's "Oliver!" Delights Audience Members of All Ages
A review by William Mashburn (for the Transylvania Times, Brevard)
After its last two plays, which provided heavy doses of emotionally-charged drama, it's
great that Brevard Little Theatre is doing a musical, particularly one as entertaining as
Oliver! The musical comedy by Lionel Bart, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, is
cleverly directed by Al Edick, who manages to get the huge cast of more than 40
characters on and off the stage without bumping into each other. Actually, the show is
really a team effort, and the production crew, led by Maureen Edick, deserves as much
credit as the delightful and entertaining cast.
The costuming is especially good, as are the innovative stage set designs. The stage
lighting was also very well done.
Unlike some previous BLT-staged musicals, which had to rely solely on a piano to
accompany the singers/actors, this show has a small but very effective orchestra, which
includes Patti Black on piano (she's also the musical director for the show), Diana Zerby
on violin, Fern Barber on clarinet, saxophone and flute, and David Fox handling
percussion. Linda Runion was choreographer for the show.
It is impossible, within the context of this review, to comment on every individual actor's
performance in Oliver!, but there are a few that should be noted.
Jack Williams, a newcomer to BLT, portrayed a very sweet Oliver who is a real survivor.
I predict that we are going to see a great deal more coming from this young actor in the
future.
Andy Thompson, as The Artful Dodger, and counterweight to Oliver, finely crafted this
role, as he has done with his many character roles in previous BLT productions. His
cockney accent was perfect.
The role of Fagin, who "manages" the street urchins, surely was written with Joel Munch
in mind. He is superbly entertaining as the master con man and the protector and
provider for the street children. His solo, "Reviewing The Situation," greatly enhanced
by solo violin, was incredibly funny, and was one of the highlights of the show.
Christine Eide, a recent theater and music graduate of Brevard College, also did a very
good job with the role of Nancy. Her beautiful solo, "As Long As He Needs Me," was
another highlight in the show.
Terri Upton did a masterful job with the role of Mrs. Sowerberry, the undertaker's wife.
Terri always puts a lot energy and animation into whatever character she is playing.
Mark Thompson, who usually plays hero or romantic types, was very convincing as the
villain, Bill Sykes. It's just difficult to ever conceive of Mark as the bad guy.
Andrew Lovelace, who forcefully plays Noah, demonstrates that he is a very professional
and accomplished actor.
David Vandre and Sarah Moser, as the wicked and sadistic proprietors of the notorious
orphanage, were especially entertaining.
Rounding out the cast, and all contributing much to the success of this production, were
Allie Cagen as Bet, Leanna Hall as Charley, Kerry Purselle as The Rose Seller, Scarlett
Royal as Charlotte, Dick Thompson as Mr. Brownlow, David Gibbs as Mr. Sowerberry,
Renee Braun as Mrs. Bedwin, Ed Daigle as The Chairman, Sandi Thompson as Old Sal,
Sonia Arnold as The Matron, Molly Brewer and Abby Arnold as Bumble's Assistants,
Scott Arnold and Molly Brewer as the Keystone Cops, and Joe Carvajal as Dr. Grimwig.
The orphans and Fagins's kids were delightfully played by Elli Adair, Kathleen Elliott,
Julie Estep, Taylor Galloway, Katie Hatter, Abby McKee, Casey Mesaeh, Anna Moser,
Jennie Moser, August Layne Nye, Ellie Rudd, Lauren Patricia Tooley, Meridith Grace
Tooley, Grace Williams and Amparo Wright. Almost stealing the show at times, was the
production's youngest actor at five years of age, Brian Hatter. Keep an eye on this little
guy; he's a natural.
Chorus members included Abby Arnold, Sonia Arnold, Scott Elliott, Sandi Thompson
and Ameran Skerrett Tooley.
For a wonderfully entertaining and delightful evening, you can't beat Oliver!
Performances continue this weekend at 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and at 3:00 p.m.
on Sunday, in Dunham Auditorium on the Brevard College campus. For reservations,
call 884-2587.