Harvest Christian Academy presents 'Oliver!'
Tickets are now on sale for Harvest Christian Academy's production of “Oliver!” which will be performed March 15-17 inside the chapel at the school, 1000 N. Randall Road, Elgin.
“Harvest Christian Academy has been investing in growing and developing a strong, dynamic theater department over the past three years,” said Karen Gronowski, drama director.
“The result of this investment is certainly displayed impressively in our upcoming production of ‘Oliver!'
“We have a talented cast and crew of over 50 students from third grade through high school.”
“Oliver!” which originally opened in London in 1960, is the Lionel Bart musical adaptation of Charles Dicken's “Oliver Twist.”
The production brings to life familiar songs such as “Consider Yourself at Home,” “Food, Glorious Food” and “You've got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”
“We've also worked hard to examine the overall story of hope and redemption, as well as Oliver's quest to find someone who will love and care for him,” Gronowski said.
After studying the themes and storylines at the first read-through, the cast chose Jeremiah 29:11 as a foundation verse for the show, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The youngest cast members portray the orphans. Desiring to relate to the needs of orphans, the 18 young cast members collected basic-need items for modern day orphans.
Over the course of two weeks, they collected more than 400 items to be sent to orphans living in poverty. Third-grade student Alexa Pupich of Algonquin described this opportunity as, “A great way to help other kids in need and realize how blessed I am.”
Jake Mickel, a sixth-grader from Elgin and a newcomer to theater, is cast in the title role. He is enjoying the many aspects of preparing a quality production.
“Playing Oliver has been so much fun and has taught me so many new things,” Jake said.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 15 and 16 and 1 p.m. March 17. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Parking is available in the parking garage. Call the HCA Theater Department Box Office at (847) 214-3500, ext. 3505, for details or visit harvestchristianacademy.org/Oliver.
If you go
If you go
What: Harvest Christian Academy present “Oliver!”
When: 7 p.m. March 15-16; 1 p.m. March 17
Where: 1000 N. Randall Road, Elgin; inside the chapel; parking available in the garage
Cost: $8 advance; $10 at door
Details: (847) 214-3500, ext. 3505, or harvestchristianacademy.org/oliver