TCS was proud to present the classic musical Oliver! as our Fall 2011 musical. Based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, it has book, music, and lyrics by Lionel Bart. It tells the story of an orphan boy making his way through both the poorest and richest parts of Victorian London. The original production ran on Broadway for six years and won three Tony awards. It has been revived several times. For a synopsis and more information about the show visit: http://tamswitmark.com/musicals/oliver.html.
Oliver! was directed by Tom Ostrowski (who appeared as Juror # 4 in our recent production of Twelve Angry Jurors). Music direction was by Sarah Byrne for rehearsals, and Shawn Gelzleichter or Julia Scott-Carey for performances. Choreography was by Jamie Horban.
The performances were on the weekend before and the weekend of Thanksgiving, 18, 19, 25, 26 November 2011, with matinees on 20 & 27 November. The performance location was Saugus High School.
As a way to give back to our community and give our patrons a break on ticket prices we had special discount offers on our Friday performances. Bringing a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy got you $2 or $3 off your ticket. The food was donated to the local food pantry and the toys to Toys-for-Tots.
A large company of Theatre Company veterans and newcomers made up the cast. Principle players included Frank Hildebrand of Beverly as Fagin, Stacy Kadesch of Lowell as Widow Corney; Michael Saracco of Melrose as The Artful Dodger; Saugus residents William Fafard as Oliver, Matt Huffman as Mr. Bumble, and Bobby Imperato as Bill Sykes; and Lauren Amaru of Winthrop as Nancy.
Supporting players included Make Fay of Hampton, NH as Mr. Brownlow; Melrose residents Nick Doucette as Charlie Bates, and Julia Talbot as Bet; Saugus residents Amanda Allen as Mrs. Bedwin, Meghann Breton as Charlotte, Kathy Rapino as Old Lady, and Phyllis Scalia D’Eon as Mrs. Sowerberry; Stoneham residents Eddie and Lisa Pizzano as Noah Claypole and Old Sally; David Roberts of Wakefield as Mr. Sowerberry; and Larry Segel of Winthrop as Dr. Grimwig.
Youth playing the Workhouse Orphans or Fagin’s Pickpockets included Nathan Goulart-Pasco of Brookfield; Lynn residents Alayna D’Amico and Meghan Turner; Chelsea residents Kylie and Talia Lemerise; Yesenia Arango of Revere; Saugus residents Gigi Bretton, Eliana Coppola, Saige Curiale, Mary D’Eon, Jenna Linehan, Molli Motroni, and Koze Wonokay; Phillip Dragone of Stoneham; and Max Roberts of Wakefield.
The adult Ensemble and Featured Chorus included Yvonne Goulart of Brookfield; East Boston residents Ashley and Carol Aceto; Cory Bogard of Lynn; Raquel Doucette and Wayne Talbot of Melrose; Saugus residents Ayah Abdessemed, Fred Nuzzo, and Sherri Raftery; Susan Roberts of Wakefield; Grace Meidanis of Winthrop; and Chris Lahey of Woburn.
Theatre Company of Saugus 