The Orange County Performing Arts Center’s enormously popular "FREE Movie Mondays" on the community plaza continues its series with a big-screen presentation of the 1968 musical OLIVER! on Monday, July 26. The film is based on the hit 1960 stage musical of the same name (and exclamation point) with book, music and lyrics written by Lionel Bart. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards in 1969, winning 6 statues including Best Director (Carol Reed) and Best Picture. OCPAC's screening of OLIVER! is co-presented with media sponsor KCRW.
The Columbia Pictures film—and the stage musical that gave birth to it—are based on Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist, a tale that recounts the harrowing journey of young orphan Oliver through the gritty, mean street life of London. Some of the familiar tunes from the score include "Food, Glorious, Food," "Consider Yourself," "Where is Love?," "As Long As He Needs Me," "Who Will Buy?," and "You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two." Ron Moody reprises the role of Fagin, which he previously performed during the stage musical's original London engagements. The film also stars Oliver Reed, Harry Secombe, Jack Wild, Shani Wallis, Joseph O'Conor, and Mark Lester (in the title role).Videos