Consider yourself ... invited to ‘Oliver!’ at Conant High School

Under the direction of Josh Nilsson, more than 125 students and faculty have worked for months on the classic musical “Oliver!”, which opens Friday, Feb. 24 at Conant High School.

One of the most beloved musicals of all time, the music, lyrics and book were written by Lionel Bart based on Charles Dickens’ tale of Oliver Twist. The score includes “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two,” “I’d Do Anything,” and more. The cast is the under musical direction of Choral Director Tim Koll and the live orchestra is under the direction of Carlos Esquivel, assistant band and jazz band director. Conant alumni and Schaumburg On Stage choreographer Danielle Zyrkowski created all of the dance numbers.

Oliver is played by Karolina Rys, joined by Alyssa Peterson as the Artful Dodger and Jeremy Gentry as Fagin. The villainous Bill Sykes is played by Conrad McLaren with Geanna Fank as Nancy. Creating the world of Dickens’ characters, the cast features Mike Pirovano as Mr. Bumble, Rana Alcheikh as Widow Corney, Ali Roller as Bet, Frankie Rose as Mr. Sowerberry, Ramey Morris as Mrs. Sowerberry, Angel Real as Mr. Brownlow, Simrin Dhillon as Mrs. Bedwin, Tucker Nevel as Noah Claypole, Allie Wessel as Charlotte, Alexis Coates as Charlie, Jeremy Theer as Dr. Grimwig, Leah Stortz as Old Sally, Carlie Gurrieri as the Old Lady, Daria Derda as the Rose Seller, Emily Miller as the Milk Maid, Ally Rajewski as the Strawberry Girl, Alex Vito as the Knife Grinder and Chandler Lantern as the Long Song Seller.

The chorus includes Andrew Hanes, Yuka Wada, Noelle Abujafar, Casey Krause, Aly Alexander, Emily Forster, Melissa Schroeder, Kristina Bozhanova, Eddie (Andre) Serbia, Kristen Serbia, Mike Hamrick, Caroline Golbeck, Matt Emery, Katrina Miley, Bianca Melone, Mollie Schroeder, Jackie Schumann, Matt Mussman, Luke Cunningham, Audrey Rose, Natalie Betz, Shannon Peterson, Jessica Davis, Danielle Hughes, Mae Catic, Mei-lin Schreiner, Jessica Vivirito, Matt Canistra, Casey Troccoli, Amanda Gade, Vicki Rose, Dunni Olaiya.

An army of students are producing the sets, costumes, lighting, sound and marketing for this production, under the direction of Linda Goergen, crew and art director); John Braglia, set director; Jennifer Lange, costumes director; Kevin Shane and Mike Brandt, tech directors and Lisa Gentry, art assistant.