Wheaton Drama to present musical 'Oliver!'

Wheaton Drama Inc. is presenting "Oliver!" - the musical version of the Charles Dickens classic "Oliver Twist" - with memorable song-and-dance numbers and a large cast that adds new meaning to the phrase family entertainment.

When the 38 actors take the stage for opening night on Friday at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., in downtown Wheaton, members of six families will be among them, including the Fletchers of Wheaton.

Ron Fletcher has been in four productions of "Oliver!" dating back to 1969. He was 13 when he played the role of Oliver Twist, the abandoned orphan boy who seeks a better life beyond a London workhouse.

Fletcher, who now has more than 40 "Oliver!" performances under his belt, met his wife, Donna, while they both were acting in a production of the musical 22 years ago. Now the couple is getting the opportunity to act alongside their two children - Jacob, 17, and Renee, 12.

"When you're not on stage, sometimes you can be there for hours during the rehearsal process," Fletcher said. "We were able to spend some really good quality time with the kids and get to know them. It was a good thing to do."

The sense of family wasn't limited to the Fletchers.

From the time rehearsals started last month, Director Bruce Ebner promoted the idea that the entire cast and crew was a community working together to bring the production to life.

That teamwork is clear among Brian King and Casey Watson - two young actors who share the Oliver Twist role.

"They work really well together because they are sharing a role," said Carla Mutone, the production's assistant director and choreographer. "So they share ideas with each other. They are very gracious to each other when one is Oliver and one is not."

Ebner said that kind of cooperation is needed because "Oliver!" is a big production with a lot of challenges.

There are more than a dozen musical numbers that had to be learned. Numerous scene changes needed to be planned. And rehearsals had to take into account the fact that 17 cast members are under the age of 16.

"I have much more respect for teachers," Mutone said. "These children are fantastic. They're just noisy. When they are not working, they are noisy."

Still Ebner, who has never directed "Oliver!" before, said he's very pleased with how it has all come together.

"That's what I like about the big musicals," he said. "It's a challenge to put that number of people together and push them all toward a goal."

He said the children in the cast have brought a level of enthusiasm that's been "contagious."

And most importantly, he said, everyone is having a good time.

"If we're not having fun, there's a problem," he said. "Because that's the whole reason we're there - for the enjoyment of putting on a show."

While Wheaton Drama is presenting its own vision of the musical, Ebner said he realizes there are certain things audience members expect to see. For example, everyone expects a big dance number during "Consider Yourself." Other memorable songs include "Food, Glorious Food" and "I'd Do Anything."

For those who remember the bleaker parts of Dickens' novel, Ebner said there are a couple deaths that happen as part of the musical's story. But nothing happens on stage that jeopardizes the family-friendly nature of the production.

"There is an irony here," Fletcher said, "because on one hand you're talking about pickpocket thieves and prostitution. But then it's a great family show. It's got lots of singing, lots of dancing, lots of children - and a happy ending."

"Oliver!" is presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc. and is licensed by arrangement with Oliver Productions Ltd. and Oliver Promotions Ltd.

Performances will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from today through Dec. 13 with no show on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. Shows are at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays.

Ticket are $21, with a discounted rate of $18 on Thursdays. A family ticket package is available.

For tickets and information, visit wheatondrama.org or call (630) 260-1820.

If you go

What: Wheaton Drama's production of "Oliver!"

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Dec. 12; 3 p.m. on Sunday through Dec. 13; No show on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26

Where: Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton

Tickets: $21; $18 on Thursdays

Info: (630) 260-1820 or wheatondrama.org

Cast

Oliver Twist: Brian King, Casey Watson

Mr. Bumble: Jay Pauer

Widow Corney: Amy Royle

Noah Claypole: Jacob Fletcher

Mr. Sowerberry: Ron Fletcher

Mrs. Sowerberry: Donna Fletcher

Charlotte: Katie Kanturek

The Artful Dodger: Billy Jet

Fagin: Ken Kaden

Nancy: Bonnie Johnson

Bet: Traci A. Cidlik

Bill Sykes: William D. Nelson

Charles Bates: Jack Dentinger

Mr. Brownlow: Steven Merkel

Mrs. Bedwin: Genevieve Pastore

Dr. Grimwig: Andy Kanturek

Adult ensemble: Suzanne Compton, Scott Henry, Charmaine Jones, Jo-Ann Ledger, Monica Lewis, Michael Smid, Melissa Sokasits

Pickpockets: Leah Crandell, Brynn Frantz, Alissa Kanturek, Mitchell Kinn, Caroline Neidballa, Griffin P. Quigley, Margaret Richards, Nathan Sahly

Kids ensemble: Renee Fletcher, Shane Frantz, Emma Pauer, William Harry Richards, Brock Royle, Madysen Simanonis

Production staff

Director: Bruce Ebner

Assistant director/choreographer: Carla Mutone

Music director: Sue Kinney-Watschke

Production managers: Becky Poole, Jennifer Neidl

Stage manager: Debbie Trueblood

Assistant stage manager: Jessica Orozco

Master carpenter: Ben Aylesworth

Set design and decoration: Barb Giblin

Lighting designer: Jim Van De Velde

Sound designer: Genevieve Pastore

Costumes: Melissa Heischberg

Properties: Mary Engle

Hair and makeup: Annie Walker-Bright

Youth management: Melissa Sokasits

Tickets: Denny and Dolly Jamieson

Front of house: Becky Poole

Publicity: Dee Hicks, Jo-Ann Ledger

Program: Jennifer Neidl

Production photography: Ken Beach

Graphic design: Nancy Lovato