Consider Yourself In Luck With APA’s ‘Oliver!’

Welcome to 1850s London where the stage is set for “Oliver!” at the Academy of Performing Arts. 

The classic musical is adapted from the Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist” with music and lyrics by Lional Bart. Both the musical and the movie are famous for having West End, Broadway and massive Academy Award-winning success. 

The APA production of “Oliver!” is directed by Jennifer Kangas, with music direction from Chris Morris, and absolutely wows with an expansive, multi-generational cast of 45 local actors. Oliver is a shared role between Jack Baumrind and Zoey McBride, who switch off every other night. Both are tasked with singing the heartfelt, unforgettable number “Where is Love” and both young actors nailed the role.

Depicting the evil Bill Sikes is Ryan Van Buskirk, who plays the character with a sinister and downright frightening perfection. John Weltman as conniving master pickpocketer Fagin could not have been cast more perfectly. Weltman’s charm and physical humor captivates the audience in every scene he steals. Sharing the role of Fagin’s righthand man and Oliver’s closest friend the Artful Dodger are Tristen Alper and Will Olean.

The wildly talented Denise Page, who plays Nancy, delivers the jawdropping solo performance of “As Long as He Needs Me” and believe me, it will leave you with chills. Another wonderfully arranged song, “Who Will Buy,” features the magnificent trio of Suzanne Fecteau (Strawberry Seller), Fred Carpenter (Knife Grinder) and the irresistibly adorable Naomi Betts (Rose Seller). 

“Oliver!” is nothing without its show-stopping and insanely talented brigade of Orphans and Fagin’s Gang, all played by Evangeline Bonwit, Calvin Riley, Finley Smith, Fiona Betts, Cabi Castro, Paxton Glidden, Cora Goers, Brodie Peters, Samantha Kelley, Sybil Kremer, Alexa Martin, Mia Nadeau, Kailey Sears, Grady Sneed, Sylvie Weimer and Gus Van Buskirk. The show has so many kids, they even have a “dad crew” led by David Betts, Ralf Kremer and Billy Weimer, who are tasked to help wrangle them all backstage.

Rounding out this expansive and talented cast is Caroline Gerety (Bet), Lizzy Smythe (Mrs. Corney), Rob Grady (Mr. Bumble), Michael McCartney (Mr. Sowerberry), Katie Beatty (Mrs. Sowerberry), Tim Burroughs (Mr. Brownlow), Louise Betts (Mrs. Bedwin), Ben Bearse (Noah Claypole), Erin Walsh (Charlotte/Milk Maid), Charlie Tobin (Charley Bates), Mickey Oldon (Mr. Grimwig/Hussar) and the adult ensemble featuring Ann Carpenter, Todd Cashdollar, Chiara Castro, Keren Castro, Nashira Glidden, Liam Goley and Justin McGee.

Attending this performance with me were my dad, Jeff, and my 11-year-old daughter, Rebecca, and her friend, Maeve. “Oliver!” has always been one of my dad’s favorites and we loved sharing this experience with a younger generation of new fans. The girls were singing along to “Consider Yourself” with us all the way home and well into the long weekend. 

Theatergoers are in for a special treat in the delivery of this timeless tale. You’ll be saying, “Please sir, I want some more” when this spectacular show ends!