Local thespians return to the Livingston stage with a Dickens-inspired classic this month. The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts presents a production of Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical Oliver! from October 18th through November 10th.
Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – for love. When Oliver is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin.
When Oliver is falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results. With spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food” and “Where Is Love,” Oliver! is a musical classic [Stage Agent].
Oliver! runs weekends from Oct. 18th to Nov. 10th. Performances take place in the Dulcie Theatre. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, with Sunday matinees to follow at 3 pm. Tickets are $23 for adults, $17 for seniors/students/veterans, and $11 for youth 17 & under. Make reservations through www.theshanecenter.org or call the box office at (406) 222-1420.
Oliver! is generously sponsored by Sky Federal Credit Union, ASPEN and the Livingston Tourism Business Improvement District. •
