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Oliver!
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart
Directed & Choreographed by David H. Bell
At Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Milwaukee Ave & Rt 22
Lincolnshire, IL
Call 847-634-0200, tickets $30 - $45
Tuesday (select) at 1 PM
Wednesdays at 1 & 8 PM
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 PM
Sundays at 1 & 5 PM
(call for holiday blackouts)
Running time 2 hrs, 30 min with intermission
Through February 12, 2005
Stellar cast propels Oliver!
Perhaps no one utilizes Marriott Theatre’s in-the-round stage better than David H. Bell, who has mounted 30 productions in the Lincolnshire based theatre. His production of Oliver! is exquisite. Using two upper level catwalks, minimal period suggestive sets by Thomas M. Ryan and terrifically effective lighting by Diane Ferry Williams and early 19th Century costumes by Nancy Missimi, Bell’s Oliver! creates the proper atmosphere to tell Charles Dickens Oliver Twist saga.
This is a smart, nicely paced, well-sung production that features many “A” list Chicago performers led by Greg Vinkler as Fagan, Kate Fry as Nancy with a golden voiced new comer Michael Notardonato as the orphan, Oliver and the ever-youthful Matt Raftery as The Artful Dodger.
Oliver! is Lionel Bart’s 1963 masterpiece adaptation of Dickens stinging attack on child abuse, urban decay and indifferent social institutions. Bart takes a lighter treatment than Dickens yet the cruelty come thru. From the early scenes when the workhouse orphan, Oliver asks for more gruel, he is sold to an undertaker, escapes to London and falls into Fagan’s pick-pocket teen gang, we witness Oliver’s adventures through a collection of memorable, ‘take-home’ songs that include ballads, marches and anthems.
All the colorful Dickens’ characters are present from Mr. Bumble (Michael Lindner at his sinister best) to Matt Raftery’s exuberant pick-pocket,The Artful Dodger to the loveable gang leader Fagan (Greg Vinkler in a tour de force, funny, delicious performance), Oliver is surrounded by colorful characters.
Bart’s score contains many tunes that are now Broadway standards. The beautiful, haunting “Where Is Love” sung in full emotional range by the talented 7th grader, Michael Notardonato was a knockout. Matt Raftery leads the ensemble in the rousing “Consider Yourself,” a showstopper up-tempo march that was cleverly staged. Greg Vinkler comically introduces Oliver to the world of petty crime in “Pick A Pocket or Two.”
Kate Fry (Chicago’s top leading lady) is an awesome Nancy combining her terrific comedy skills, warm smile and wonderful voice to give Nancy hero status. Fry leads the gang with ”It’s A Fine Life” a satirical catchy spoof of criminal life. Raftery leads the gang in the cute “I’d Do Anything” tribute to Nancy’s motherly caring for the group. “Be Back Soon” is Fagan’s loving salute to his boy pick-pocket gang.
Bell has the talented ensemble open act two with an English tavern song, “Oom-Pah-Pah” followed by Kate Fry’s stirring ballad “As Long As He Needs Me.” Fry brings the house down with her amazingly emotional delivery. Greg Vinkler debates his future as his gang disintegrates in the cleverly written and difficult to land song “Reviewing The Situation.” Vinkler delivers the subtle nuance-driven song effectively with the craft of a true pro. It’s almost like the role was written for him. He is a fabulous Fagan.
David H. Bell and the Marriott Theatre staff should be proud of this wonderful, family friendly, slick production. Oliver! plays fresh and lively. Consider yourself informed!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show
This show is eligible for a C.ST. Equity Theatre Award
December 7, 2005
Jeff Recommended
Buy the DVD from this show now:
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