For the Holidays, Stageworks Theatre Presents the Touching Story of OLIVER!

How can one small boy defy cruel taskmasters, abusive authority figures, thieving friends, and even a heartless murderer? Join Stageworks for OLIVER!, now through December 18, to find out.

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With music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart, adults and children of all ages will enjoy renowned songs such as, "Food, Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," and "Pick-a-Pocket!"

The Garza Mainstage ushers you into Victorian England with a tri-level set -- complete with secret passageways, special effects, and amazing transformations! Join us as Oliver, a malnourished, workhouse orphan, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker, only to escape to London and find acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the cunning Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft he did not commit, the benevolent victim, MR. Brownlow, takes him in as his ward. However, fearing the secrecy of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap Oliver, threatening the boy's chances of discovering the true love of a family. Find out how Oliver makes it through ... with a little help from his friends! Join Stageworks now through December 18 for the Tony and Olivier Award-winning OLIVER!

Director Michael Montgomery explains, "I've worked hard to stay true to Dickens's social activism and Bart's bold musical storytelling, but mixed that with some of my favorite modern storytellers, such as Tim Burton, Michael and Janet Jackson, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The crisp movement, colorful costumes and scenic imagery is all inspired by some of my favorite musical productions, including LES MISERABLES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CABARET and HAMILTON. It should feel like a fun, familiar mashup of a classic story -- one which I hope inspires you to support and defend, with the Oliver grit, those less fortunate in our society this holiday season."

Victoria-era London is home to Stageworks regulars Clairey Townsend (Oliver), last seen as Zuzu in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE; The Narrator from INTO THE WOODS, Chris Conway (Fagin); also from INTO THE WOODS as the Baker's Wife, Jennifer Stewart (Nancy); Jana Ellsworth (Widow Corney), last seen as Vi Moore in FOOTLOOSE; Taylor Fisher (Bill Sikes), coming off his performance as Audrey II in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; playing another character of questionable morals is JT Fischer (Artful Dodger), last seen in FOOTLOOSE (Chuck); and Patrick Barton (Mr. Sowerberry), last seen as Clarence in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Other faces Stageworks fans will recognize are Eugene Griesbach (MR. Brownlow), Catherine Campbell (Bett), Chad Dyer (Noah) and ensemble members: Sam Balest, Kevyn Eddy, Jeff Hirt, Alex Kerry, Kendall Montgomery, Morgan Montgomery, Lindsay Scovil, Noah Sprague, Jett Thompson, Jenna Townsend, Peyton Wilkinson, and Alexandra Wiese. Rounding out the London scene are Stageworks newcomers Amanda Hart Basset (Mrs. Sowerberry), Ellen Evans (Charlotte), Jennifer Henzler (Mrs. Bedwin), Scott Johnson (Mr. Bumble), Zachary Salich (Dr. Grimwig), Faith Taylor (Old Sally) and ensemble members: Thomas Brown, Ethan Chumley, Brennan Ellsworth, Enrique Gomez, Adrienne Guss, Daniel LeCheminant, Chelsea Lerner, Lili Longden, Meghan Longden, Patty Lozano, Caleb Walker and Henry Wolfe.

This Dickens classic come to life with the leadership of Michael Montgomery (director), Jana Ellsworth (music director), Adam Delka and Dru Wiser (choreographers), David Dean (sound design), Ron Putterman (light design), Barbara Terry (costume design) and Stephanie Wisdom (stage manager).

Remaining OLIVER! performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays; and 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17. Through December 18. 10760 Grant Road. For more information please call 281-587-6100 or visit stageworkstx.org.

Photo credit: Casablanca Productions

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