This production takes a new approach on the enduring musical by embracing the dark comedic nature of the characters in the show. Inspired by various revivals of the production as well as the novel Oliver Twist itself, director Kristen Williams seeks to give the audience the highest of highs mixed with the lowest of lows. "The story is ultimately sad, but how often do we get to tell an unhappy story through comedic song and dance?" states Williams. "We were extrememly lucky to find some of the best comedic musical theatre actors the North Shore has to offer. Mixing them with the cast of extrememly talented kids allows us to bring this classica tale to life with a comedic perspective not often seen in OLIVER remounts." Williams is joined by Paul Scavone as Music Director and Bryan J. Wlas as Choreographer, who all together lead a 24 person ensemble, ages 11 - 86.
The theater at the Center for the Arts is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, and only minutes from Old Orchard Mall. There are numerous restuarants in the area and the theater has free parking available to patrons.
OLIVER! runs November 6 - 15th, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Performances take place in the Theater at the Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Tickets are $14.00 - $16.00 and can be purchased online at www.wilmettepark.org. For more information call 847.256.9686.
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