Milford-based Pantochino Teen Theatre will present the Broadway musical, Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” freely adapated from Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” with three performances on Aug. 8 and 9 at Arts Hall on Audubon Street in New Haven.
In “Oliver!,” the streets of Victorian England come to life as the malnourished orphan in a workhouse becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker, escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow, takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family. The musical features familiar tunes such as “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself” and “As Long as He Needs Me.”
“We’re delighted to give these young actors the opportunity work in an immersive two-week rehearsal process – it’s fun and exciting and provides an amazing learning experience, said Bert Bernardi, who is co-producing the show with Jimmy Johansmeyer.
The cast includes 42 young actors from Milford, Orange, West Haven, Stratford, Seymour, Wallingfod, Trumbull, Shelton, Beacon Falls and Monroe.
Pantochino Teen Theatre allows young actors the opportunity to work with professional directors and designers outside the academic setting, on a schedule matching that of professional theater. The production has been cast, learned and rehearsed in 10 rehearsals. Bernardi directs the show with Justin Rugg as musical director and Becki Arena as choreographer. Lighting and sound for the production is by Seth Harris and costume design is by Johansmeyer.
Performances are Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Information and tickets are available at pantochino.com.