Oliver: It's a fine musical
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Updated: July 07, 2009 5:09 PM
There is an amazing amount of potential in Bard to Broadway's production of the musical Oliver!
And that's saying a lot, as the show has launched the careers of many stars — most notably singers Phil Collins, Davy Jones and Steve Marriott — since its inception in London's West End in 1960.
Will it do the same in 2009 for the likes of Levi Blois who, at eight years of age, plays the title role? Or, for the powerfully-voiced Jennifer Kelly as Nancy, the girlfriend of evil Bill Sykes? Perhaps the energetic Darren Russell in the form of the Artful Dodger will emerge a star.
The lavish musical features some of B2B's top talent, with good performances appearing on all sides of the stage. Kelly, from Nanaimo, has the strongest voice of the production and comes to the summer theatre company with years of performance experience. When she's on stage, a good sound technician knows it's time to turn down the microphones and let Kelly do the work. Her solos in It's a Fine Life and As Long As He Needs Me were highlights of opening night.
Blois, who is quiet but whose voice in helped by a headset, is absolutely adorable as Oliver. His best moment in song came with Lorna McLellan (Mrs. Bedwin) during Who Will Buy. This small snippet of song gave hints to Blois' ability and made me wonder where I can see McLellan sing — I mean really sing — for her voice to my ear was spot on.
Who Will Buy stirred the soul, as performers entered the Chrysler Theatre from two sides, singing and merging harmonies on stage. Hilary Britton-Foster, Rose McNeil, Marie Sharpe and Nicolas Atkinson should be proud of this scene.
Speaking of Atkinsons, Nicolas was joined in Oliver! by two others: Rob (Mr. Bumble) and Jenny (Widow Corney). The latter Atkinsons provide much of the production's lighter moments — all while leaping over tables, singing to boot.
The physical nature of Oliver! is something to behold. It's Dodger (Russel) who sets this in motion in his first scene, seven songs into the musical. He uses the set well and it's at this point the production takes on a new energy. Russell, young but a B2B veteran already, is the right guy for this and immediately likable in the role.
Immediately detestable, so to speak, is Bill Sykes. As the character demands, Alex Brennan (with the help of a great wardrobe and makeup crew) gives us a really evil Sykes. Brennan looks like he gets into the role, lets himself be Sykes, and effectively sells the fateful scene with Nancy.
With nods to R. Alan Clift as Fagin and Gary Brown's Mr. Sowerberry, there are some really good performances in Oliver! I can't let this review pass, however, without noting the expressive work and enthusiasm shown by Ella Roger. She'll be stealing scenes in no time.
Will Oliver! launch some careers? My money is on the great futures of some of the younger performers in Bard to Broadway's talent pool.
For more details about Bard to Broadway's 2009 summer theatre series, visit www.b2btheatre.com.
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