Review: We ALL Want Some More of OLIVER! at CCTC

Have you ever seen a show that has rendered you insatiable for all the best theater has to offer because of the wonder you have just seen on stage before your very eyes? There are very few productions that can have this profound effect upon an audience, but it can be done, and when it is, it is nothing short of shocking what an utterly good show can do to both the unsuspecting and those who expect nothing but the best from the Cape Cod Theatre Company. Formerly the Harwich Junior Theater, CCTC may have changed its name but it has hardly lost its niche for bringing the Cape Cod community productions of the utmost quality, and its most recent production of Oliver! has done much more than provide a wonderfully entertaining time for children and adults alike: it has proven that the magnificence and professionalism with which CCTC instills its shows will remain an unchanged beauty in all the group's productions for years and years to come. If you were among the many fortunate enough to see Oliver! this past month, than you have witnessed only a smidgen of why what CCTC is all about, and why it is a wonderful place in which to behold what magic a memorable performance can bring.

With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and hereby directed by Susan Kosoff, who clearly has a keen sense of what makes a show work, CCTC's Oliver!, although it is now over, will remain in the books as an example of a spectacular production, adding to the list of shows that the group can and most definitely should be proud of. Even though I have repeated myself many a time this summer in regards to each CCTC production I saw, it merits my saying again that there is some sort of untouchable quality this theater group possesses that not only guarantees each show to more of a hit than its predecessor, but also brings with it a rather unique quality that allows this community theater to take pride in just that: " community." And when a community of people is so dedicated to bringing audiences memorable performances, it is a gift in itself that the shows reflect the enthusiasm and talent of all those involved in bringing shows on their feet. I have not seen this quality in many other theaters. When there is such dedication to the roles being played and such a strong relationship between actor and actor, it is so painfully evident how well this theater works together - and that, I believe, is a spark of which very few groups can truly boast.

From the talent of those who brought Dickens' story to vivid life, to the costumes, choreography, music direction and down to the ease with which each scene transition was executed, this is one show that audience members undoubtedly wished would go on past its written two acts.

For those of you not familiar with its plot, Oliver! tells the epic story of the young orphan who, after having enough courage to ask for more food from his superiors at the workhouse where he resides, is forced from his "home" and soon finds himself in the hands of everyone from the uncaring Sowerberry's to the mischievous Fagin, the adventures he finds himself on an unknowing quest towards where is he ultimately supposed to be. The musical rendition of the classic novel has it all, from somber songs about unrequited love to uplifting and boisterous melodies that are quite fun and catchy. There is such a contrast in feeling between those scenes of celebration and those of a darker nature - those that remind the audience of the bleak world in which Oliver takes place, and it almost comes as a shock that such violence can exist in a story of a misplaced child, naively seeking his place in the world. Yet, this musical is a tour de force because of Oliver's fight against those not meant to be in control of other people's lives and his place in the world by simply being who he is - there is no superhero here or someone trying to be greater than he is, but someone who may seem odd to those around him but quite exemplary of the human condition. Oliver! is a beautiful tale of love, bravery, loss and, most of all, a person's desire to live an exemplary life, even if each of us is a little wayward along the way.

Everything about this production is unique, from the Edward Gorey artwork on the program's front to the simultaneously charming and daunting set - from how the children come together in such an exemplary way during "Food, Glorious Food" to the heart-wrenching rendition of "As Long As He Needs Me," CCTC's production is lacking in absolutely nothing. It is honestly a gorgeous rendition of a show that can easily fall into the trap of being too charming or too morose, but what Kosoff does with this production is turn it into a roller-coaster of emotions that really pull at the audience's collective heartstrings. It is a unique thing to have the audience actually feel that these children are scared and hungry, obedient to the tyrannical Mr. Bumble, or sense the fear exuded from those who are within arms length of Bill Sikes as he makes his way on stage.

There is a lot of talk about the audience feeling a "part" of the world created on stage, but that isn't what I mean. The characters set before the audience are there to tell a story, and if that story is simply told without having some sort of lasting effect on those who witnessed it, than it is no more than a narrative that made its way straight to the main point: to reach the end. Yet, when a show is exhilarating because of how the audience can actually begin to understand the pain Nancy goes through when her character is beyond the point of rationalizing her love for the vicious Sikes, or Oliver's joy when he becomes part of Fagin's family even though he must sense that what he is about to become involved in is wrong, the audience can actually reflect on not only the story being told, but why characters make certain decisions, and ultimately why they are the way they are.

Without a dedicated creative team and a cast of actors who are noticeably passionate about what they do, Oliver! wouldn't be the hit it is, selling out many a time over the course of its run.

There are no small parts in this show, and everyone deserves recognition for his or her involvement in it. From the wonderful ensemble of youngsters who lend both their exuberant spirits and obvious talent to making this show such a joy, to watching the older set of ensemble members dance stunningly choreographed musical numbers, the actors really are superb! Although I cannot mention everyone, there are a few actors that I would like to recognize.

Rhyees Stump as our title character is perfect for the role, and plays so deftly plays the young boy who is seeking his way in the world. He never overdoes a scene, but instead has the unique ability to allow the scene to happen to him, truly allowing the story to run its course without possessing too much power over the situation. He really is quite the actor. Brittany Rolfs* as Nancy is really quite spectacular, and since she is probably used to hearing this often, let's leave it at this: if you haven't loved someone or even if you have, there is little you can do but let her words penetrate your soul. Jane Staab* as Fagin gives an exemplary performance and lends her talents to portraying this person who, although he must be frowned upon, must also be pitied and seen for more than the villain he is, training young boys to steal to survive as he does. She, along with everyone mentioned thus far, just does a wonderful job portraying the duality of each character, where each person is not as he or she initially seems.

Nick Romano as Mr. Bumble is quite entertaining to watch on stage, and makes young Oliver scared while also providing a bit of comical relief to the whole situation. Wil Moser as the Artful Dodger is awesome, as the energy he offers to this role is truly infectious and makes him that much more of a likeable character, even though his intentions are less than admirable. Ari Lew as Bill Sikes gives Oliver! one of its most memorable characters, not to mention one of the best entrances with accompanying music that an actor can ever ask for. He is undoubtedly threatening and seems to not have many redeemable qualities to his personality, and Lew seems a little too adept at playing this character to a tee. His performance is particularly striking because he is just such a presence on stage that both characters and audience alike have little choice but to hold their breath when he is around, such is the power Lew holds over his captive beholders. As mentioned, the entire cast deserves a shout out, as everyone really was riveting in this production.

Credit must also be given to Producing Artistic Director Nina K. Schuessler, who makes each of these wonderful productions possible, Musical Director Glenn Starner-Tate, Choreographer Laurel Conrad, Costume Charles G. Baldwin and all others involved who made Oliver! the spectacular show it is.

If you wish to see quality theater on Cape Cod, please consider becoming loyal patrons of the Cape Cod Theatre Company, home of the Harwich Junior Theatre. Upcoming shows include Shrek, the Musical (February 12-March 6), Little Women, the Musical (April 1-May 1) and Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash (May 12-June 12). CCTC is located at 105 Division Street in West Harwich, and tickets to all shows may be purchased by visiting the box office in person, by venturing over to Capecodtheatrecompany.org or by calling (508).432.2002. Whether you decide to see one or all, you'll without doubt have an unforgettable theatrical experience. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Nina K. Schuessler

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