Theatrical Review: Oliver!

OLIVER!
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Lionel Bart
Directed by: Susan Jordan
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pocono Lively Arts* (www.poconolivelyarts.org) production of “Oliver!” by Lionel Bart based on the novel “Oliver Twist“ by Charles Dickens. As reminded through the director notes published in the play‘s program, Dickens‘ novels often explored the social ills which inflicted the otherwise puritanical Victorian era. His novel “Oliver Twist” is no exception as it deals with issues relating to abuse and exploitation. However, those seeking commentary on society won‘t find it embodied in “Oliver!”

While The Pocono Lively Arts* (www.poconolivelyarts.org) production of “Oliver!” was typical of their high standards of theatrical presentation, the play itself glossed over some of the major plot elements that could have made it a great play. Instead, the play focuses on the adorability of the characters in the book while adding light hearted tunes merely designed to please an audience into a sense of delight. This often lead to confusion why some parts of the play were occurring.

One example of this came early in the play in which Oliver (portrayed by Phillip Benefield) is met by Mr. And Mrs. Sowerberry (portrayed by Steve Hille and Janice Brightman) to whom he is sold to by Mr. Bumble (portrayed by Luke Ackerman) after his parents pass away. The cuteness and comedic elements of the Sowerberrys makes little sense in Oliver’s singing the song “Where is Love?” If the play overcame its fear to offend people by portraying the Sowerberrys abuse and desire to exploit Oliver in a more realistic manner, the song would be a very appropriate addition to the scene.

However, while there were many similar instances throughout the play, there were many for which the actions taking place in a scene lent itself to the songs that accompanied it as the production progressed. This led to a more enhanced understanding of the human condition explored by Dickens of his time and ours. That’s the good news. The bad news is, even these portions of the play were quickly done away with long before the audience had an opportunity to take it in.

An example of this is towards the end of the play when Nancy (portrayed by Tracy Gross) is brutally killed off stage by her abusive boyfriend Bill Sykes (portrayed by Bill Dogherty). What could have made this scene more poignant was a reflection on how Nancy decides to stay and love the man who abuses her. It is a condition many abused women in our time find themselves in and often leads (as it did for Nancy) in death. Instead, the play deals with Bill Sykes quickly and the remaining cast breaks into song.

The huge cast are too many to mention as their numbers are excessive. However, the play was well acted and the actors should be congratulated on a performance well done. The play had it’s flaws but the production was of a high quality and the actors helped make it so.

The Production was Directed Susan Jordan and Stage Managed by Mary Ellen Van Camp. Missy Benefield served as Costumer and Naomi Naughton served as Choreographer. Bob Riday served as Musical Director while Darcy Chamberlain served as Property Manager.

This production of “Oliver!” will continue its run at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA until November 18th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-420-2808. The Pocono Lively Arts* (www.poconolivelyarts.org) next production will be “Cabaret“ taking place June 27th through 29th. “Oliver!” is recommended to those who would like to enjoy show tunes and good acting without thinking about the issues the novel by Dickens comments on. If you want that, read the book.

Numerous Photographs from the production can be found in The Forwardian Arts Society Oliver at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.