OLIVER! MARKS YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

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“Heartwarming and uplifting” performance runs Nov. 10-20 at Encore! Theatre

By Megan McGlamery

November 13, 2011 (Spring Valley)--Ten years ago, Jean Isaac began a small after-school program for young performers based out of her living room. Today, that group has grown into the Young Actors’ Theatre (YAT) with a mission to provide specialized theatrical instruction to children of all ages. Each year, YAT hosts seven musical productions, two touring groups and one holiday piece.  

Marking the 10th anniversary season with a reprisal of their very first production, performers with YAT have successfully brought Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Oliver Twist to the stage in a vibrant and melodic musical.

The young performers, who range from ages 7 to 26, worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare for the British musical.

Oliver! follows the young orphan, Oliver Twist (played by Robbie Squier) as he navigates his way through the dregs of London society in the 1830s. Sold from a workhouse to an undertaker, Oliver flees to live on the streets of London.

There, he befriends the Artful Dodger, (played by Brandon Hurst) another orphan who takes him to his home, a school for pickpockets run by an older criminal named Fagin (played by Brandon Hitson).

Oliver is educated in the art of thievery by his new contemporaries. On his first pickpocketing job, however, Oliver is apprehended by the police and wrongfully accused of stealing from the wealthy Mr. Brownlow.

The stellar cast includes an outstanding orchestra, with Jim Tompkins-MacLaine on the piano, who played the original Oliver Twist in the 1966 nationwide tour of Oliver! “It feels wonderful to be back for the show,” says Tompkins-MacLaine, who played the title role for eighteen months. “Despite its somber moments, Oliver! has always been one of my favorite musicals and I’m so happy to be involved.”

Featuring well-known songs such as “Consider Yourself” and “Pick a Pocket or Two,” this production remains steadfastly loyal to the original piece while simultaneously adding a sense of 21st century charm.

YAT’s portrayal of this rags-to-riches story is heartwarming and uplifting. However, some material may be too dark for very small children.

All ticket purchases for Oliver! benefit non-profit YAT and its instruction of children in dramatic arts.

Located in Spring Valley at 9620 Campo Road, the Encore! Theatre has performances of Oliver! on November 10, 11, 12 17, 18 and 19 at 7:00 p.m. and November 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m..

For more information about Oliver! or to purchase tickets ($12-15), visit www.yatsandiego.org or call the box office at (619) 670-1627.

 


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