College of Lake County stages ‘Oliver!’
Take a quick trip to 19th century London by attending one of the most beloved British musicals, “Oliver!” at the College of Lake County.
The departments of theater, music and dance will present the summer musical over two weekends, July 15-24, on the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts.
“Oliver!” brings to life the timeless characters from Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist.” After running away from an orphanage run by the heartless Mr. Bumble, young Oliver meets the Artful Dodger and is recruited to pick pockets for a criminal named Fagin. Among thieves, Oliver finds a friend in Nancy, but neither she nor the boy are fit for a life of crime.
A smash hit in London and on Broadway in the 1960s, with revivals every decade since, “Oliver!” is packed full of memorable songs, including “I’d Do Anything,” “Where is Love?” “Consider Yourself,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Who Will Buy?” “Reviewing the Situation” and “Food, Glorious Food.” The music, lyrics and book were written by Lionel Bart. The 1968 film version won six Academy Awards, including best picture.
As with past summer musicals, the 60-member cast includes several family groups of siblings and parents and children, according to Thomas B. Mitchell, director/set designer and professor of theater.
“The summer musical brings together a mix of performers of all ages — from elementary, high school and college students to adults in the community. It brings them to the college, gives them a feeling for what the theater department and the college are like, promotes CLC’s theater program and builds our audience and student base,” Mitchell said. “We try to hit different demographics when we choose the summer musical. ‘Oliver!’ was chosen because it’s a good musical, is still timely and it’s not done very often in Lake County.”
Inspiration for the scenery comes from sepia drawings and photographs from the late 19th century and the watercolor drawings of London by William Moser. About 40 students from CLC summer theater classes are working on sets and costumes and in other behind-the-scenes roles.
In addition to director/set designer Thomas B. Mitchell, the rest of the crew includes Jean Boylan, assistant director; Joey Brennan, tech director/light design; Jean Hersey, vocal director; Paul Hefner, music director; Mike Goldman, accompanist; Nancy Krause, property master; Valerie Alpert, choreographer; Lamaiya Lancaster, assistant choreographer; Matt Godlewski, sound design; Bill Roberts, costume design; Taylor McMonigle, stage manager; and Shirley Schultz, assistant stage manager.
Six performances of “Oliver!” will be given in the Mainstage of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the Grayslake campus at 7:30 p.m. on July 15-16 and 22-23. Matinees will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sundays, July 17 and 24.
Tickets are available at the CLC Box Office in the James Lumber Center on the Grayslake campus, 19351 W. Washington St. Tickets are available by phone at (847) 543-2300 or at www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. Tickets are $16 for the general public and $13 for CLC students/alumni/staff/seniors 65 and over. Ticket prices include a $1 per ticket JLC facility fee. For group sales information, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu. To request sign language interpreting, please contact the CLC Box Office at least two weeks in advance.
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