Published: July 18, 2008 02:03 am            

PCT brings Oliver Twist to life in ‘Oliver!’

PALESTINE — The Palestine Community Theatre will bring to life the classic musical “Oliver!” the timeless story of a well-meaning young orphan boy who stumbles into a life of crime in Victorian London, to the historic Texas Theater stage for two weekends starting July 25.

‘“Oliver!’ really is a wonderful show and I have enjoyed being in this show so much,” said cast member Amelia Cook. “This is the first time my husband (Michael) and I have actually played husband and wife on the stage of the Texas (Theater) and we are having the best time.”

Opening night for “Oliver!” will be at 7:30 p.m., July 25. As usual, opening night festivities, including a wine and cheese reception, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Opening night tickets are limited to 267.

“There is something magical about this show: Sandy Hanson has assembled a great cast, Trish Couch has choreographed some beautiful dance numbers and John Lamb and Jim Vincill have constructed a two-story set complete with staircase. Music director Cleve Walker has assembled the best sounding orchestra and vocal ensemble we have ever seen,” Cook said.

The story begins in the dark and dirty workhouse where we first meet the story’s protagonist, Oliver Twist. With some encouragement from the other orphans, Oliver gets up enough courage to ask the imposing Mr. Bumble, played by John Lamb, for a second helping of gruel. It is then that calamity suddenly breaks loose. Oliver is banished from the workhouse for his rudeness and sent to work for an undertaker and his bossy wife. However, only when young Oliver escapes from the cruel clutches of this apprenticeship and runs into the tricky hands of the Artful Dodger, played by Jared Cook, and his gang, does the adventure really start.

While in London Oliver meets Nancy, the sassy heroine of the show, played by Jan Sykes. Caught up in the murky underbelly of the city, this streetwise woman is trapped in a bad relationship with a barbarous boyfriend. Though Nancy takes to Oliver straight away, can she really shield the boy from the dangerous climate of their surroundings and the criminal lure of the gang?

Lionel Bart’s spectacular conversion of Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” first hit the London stage in 1960. Instantly successful, the musical was turned into an Oscar-winning film just eight years later, following countless triumphant revivals all over the world. “Oliver!” is back but this time in the historic Texas Theater in downtown Palestine.

“The show is filled with dance routines and catchy show tunes that will have you humming for weeks,” Cook said. ‘“Oliver!’ will be an experience that will not easily be surpassed nor forgotten.”

Tickets will be $12 at the door, or $10 in advance for adults and $6 for students 18 and under. Opening night tickets will be $12 at the door and in advance.

Fig Tree Manor is once again offering a special dinner for opening night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner and a show are $30. Dinner tickets are limited to 45.

There is something special in store for this show. The Downtown Bistro at the Redlands will remain open after both Saturday night performances for dinner and/or dessert, a PTC news release said.

“This will be a unique opportunity to sit back and have a late supper, dessert or just visit with the cast of ‘Oliver!’” Cook said.

The show dates are July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. Season tickets and dinner tickets are available at Education Unlimited and single show tickets are available at Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce as well as Education Unlimited.

“Oliver!” is sponsored in part by Century 21 agent Mary Alice Largent, Ben E. Keith Beers, Zoom advertising and 98.3 KYYK Radio.

For more information, call 903-723-8383 or visit www.thetexastheater.com.

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Cheril Vernon may be contacted via e-mail at community@palestineherald.com

        

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