'Oliver' play to help restock pantry shelves

Deerfield Family Theater will present “Oliver,” based on Charles Dickens' novel “Oliver Twist” with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, at 8 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19, 1:30 and 8 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 and 2 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21, at Caruso Middle School, 1801 Montgomery Road, Deerfield. One of most memorable songs in “Oliver” is “Food Glorious Food.” The theater group felt that incorporating a food and basic necessities drive would be a good way to give back to the community that has been so good to them. The cast and staff embraced the idea and have been bringing selected items to rehearsals.

The cast and staff now invite the community to participate in the “Food Glorious Food” project, benefiting the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry which operates a year-round food pantry for needy residents. Items will be collected at all performances.

Although all nonperishable food items are welcome there are specific food and nonfood items for which there is a great demand:

- Dry goods such as toilet paper, paper towels, paper napkins and facial tissue.

- Cleaning products such as laundry supplies, liquid dish soap and general cleaning products.

- Tuna fish, canned chicken, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauce and macaroni and cheese.

Deerfield Family Theater is a program of the Deerfield Park District. Tickets for upcoming performances are on sale now through cast members and at Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. For information, call Susan Redondo, at (847) 223-2659, or visit deerfieldfamilytheater.com.