Oliver
--Reviewed by Lisa Farrall

I saw Lionel Bart's musical, "Oliver," directed by Bryan Bergeron on opening night at Surfside Players.  There were some opening night jitters, but I think this will become a great show.  For those who don't know the story, it is based on Dickens' story, "Oliver Twist."  Oliver is an orphan in a workhouse and when he asks for more food, he is sold to a funeral parlor.  He runs away from the funeral parlor and ends up mixed in with a group of pickpockets and meets some other members of the criminal element. After an attempted pocket picking, Oliver is taken in by a wealthy man.

There were some stand-out performances in this show:  Terry Girard as Fagin (head of the pickpockets), Malinda Myers as Nancy, Donna Furfaro (Widow Corney), and Rob Dickman as Mr. Bumble.  Mr. Girard truly became Fagin and his song, "Reviewing the Situation" was well-done. Ms Myers was strong in her role and sang "As Long As He Needs Me" with great feeling. Ms Furfaro and Mr. Dickman were hilarious together, especially when they sang "I Shall Scream." 

Daniel Grest (Oliver) is an adorable boy and has a sweet voice, but unfortunately, I could not hear him well.  I recommend that he wear a body mic.  John Kurowski and Jeanine Henry as Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry fit their parts and put forth a good effort.  I also enjoyed Ryan Cornell as the Artful Dodger and Gene Hayes as a snarly Bill Sykes.  I found the orphans very strong in their chorus numbers which was great to hear.  The ensemble was also very strong, especially when singing "Who Will Buy?" and "Oom-Pah-Pah."

Back to opening night:  there were several dancing/movement missteps in the ensemble numbers and the stage right curtain (leg) was open most of Act 1 which revealed electronic equipment and various cast members milling around. 

The set was quite inventive.  By moving various set pieces in and out, the stage was transformed into Fagin's den, Brownlow's home, and the Three Cripples Pub.  Scenery showing the London skyline (by Pamela Jones Aamodt) was well-done. Sound and lighting were very good; I especially liked the lighting on the cast as they came down the aisles.  Music Director John Kurowski really drew out some good singing with the ensemble.  The track was good, but I prefer a live orchestra.  Arlene Sutherland put together some interesting movement and choreography.  Some of the performers had the proper makeup for this show, but others were too well-groomed.  More scruffiness is in order, especially for the orphans and pickpockets.

Costumes by Susan Dupree were true to the period, although some of the performers wore shiny new shoes.  Nancy's dress was attractive, but not ragged enough for her station. 

I was seated next to a couple who had moved to the area and they told me that they had never been to Surfside Playhouse.  After the show, they said they would definitely return and that they enjoyed the play.
 
"Oliver" closes on 8 March 2009.

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