Preview of "Oliver! The Musical"

This weekend at the Wilmette Theater, the Actors Training Center is performing "Oliver! The Musical". This musical brings Dickens' timeless classic to song and dance with numbers such as "Food Glorious Food", "Consider Yourself", and "As Long As He Needs Me".

"'Oliver! The Musical' is a story of a young boy who gets kicked out of an orphanage and travels through London with thieves unmasking the story of the ugly world around him" said recent New Trier graduate and assistant director, Jenn Maley. This musical is recommended for ages 6 and up and is "not a Disney musical, it doesn't have a happy ending but it is about life and the hardships and the entire preview audience was transfixed" said producer, Phillip Markle. 

The show is directed by Janet Lauer who, according to Markle, "works every of the 22 actors to their core and challenges every single actor to go deeper". Some of the actors in the show are as young as 11 years old however that doesn't prevent the show from being complex and intricate. 

"The choreography was hard to learn at first but we picked up on it and it's very upbeat and precise, I think the audience will be out of their seats and they'll really enjoy it," said 12 year old, Emma Bliwas. The actors have worked tirelessly to create a musical that accurately recreates Dickens' in a exciting and alluring way.

"It's not about acting but about being someone. When we are all in character it'll make [the audience] feel like [they're] in the 1800's in London with Oliver" said 12 year old Keaton Schiller. 

This musical is suggested for children from ages 6 and up and is expected to be a charming, elaborate tale of the hardships of life and "staying pure and good even in your surroundings," said 13 year old, Emma Flannery. This musical will be performed at the Wilmette Theater on Saturday, July 7th at 12:00 pm and on Sunday, July 8th at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at http://www.wilmettetheatre.com/events/ or at the door.