'Oliver!' is classic tale told with class
A classic tale delivered with class. That's “Oliver!” courtesy of Butler Summer Dramatics.
The show opens Friday at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College. Under the direction of Gordon Cavalero, the show does not disappoint.
The production opened with a rousing score by a very talented youth orchestra directed by Tyler Snodgrass. The piccolo and strings were most pronounced in this number.
The curtain opened as the urchins took the stage in a very sepia tone-themed number extolling the virtues of “Food Glorious Food.” Clever choreography and synchronized table banging added to the energy.
The song “Oliver” performed by Thomas Beblo as Mr. Bumble and Laila Tyler as Mrs. Corney was quite good. Tyler had an excellent grasp on the accent. The duo shone once again in the number, “I Shall Scream,” a comical duet between the pair.
In “Boy for Sale,” Beblo delivered the vocals in the sobering and haunting song about auctioning off a boy.
Sophia Cornetti in the role of Oliver offered up a tender lament about longing for his mother in the heartbreakingly well-sung “Where Is Love?”
Cornetti's stage presence and vocal ease was remarkable. Her poise during the solo and demeanor throughout were commendable.
The Artful Dodger played by Reilly Martin totally nailed the accent.
“Consider Yourself” was a delightful duet turned ensemble number with well-crafted harmonies. The Dodger/Oliver pair turned in convincing performances as it was easy to forget the young ladies weren't just a couple of boys roaming the streets of London.
Draven Stuart as Mr. Fagin easily dished up “You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” with the urchins. If ever there was a likable criminal it is Fagin. The audience chuckled as he introduced his treasures to one another with comic aplomb.
“Fine Life” was a fine romp headed up by Nancy, played confidently by Ruby Shearer, whose beautiful vocals were joined by the harmonious cast. The song conveyed coming to terms with life in the streets and transitioned into the entertaining, clever duet, “I'd Do Anything” where they pledge their loyalty.
Act Two opened with an energetic pub production of “Oom Pah Pah” followed by the dark “My Name” gruffly belted out by Jacob Hecht, a replacement for the role of Bill Sykes.
Shearer as Nancy gave an emotional rendition of “As Long as He Needs Me” with powerful vocals reaching deeply and dramatically holding each note for effect.
“Who Will Buy” was a wonderful blend of voices and harmonies featuring Cornetti, Tyler, Jessica Sentgeorge, Marie Pelliccionne and Dori Shearer. One of the more collaborative numbers, the ladies did an admirable job in weaving the melodies together beautifully.
In contrast was the disconcerting and disjointed reprisal of “Fine Life” featuring Sykes and Nancy in their violent offering, one of the most uncomfortable songs in the show.
“Reviewing the Situation” offered much needed comic relief by Stuart as Fagin, featuring a fast-talking retrospective and some great strings by the orchestra.
The score in the second half was full of reprisals performed equally as well with powerful precision.
Butler Summer Dramatics is an annual summer theater production featuring young people ages 10 to 24. Mentors work with the youth to promote the performing arts by utilizing their talents in the theater venue.
Cavelero and the cast can be proud of their production. It's a fine show.
WHO: Butler Summer DramaticsWHAT: “Oliver!”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15 for center seating and $12 for seating on the sides. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available at May's Music Shoppe or at the door when available.
