On stage Feb 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24
(ROCKWALL-January 16, 2013) The cast of Oliver has been hard at work on the stage of Rockwall Community Playhouse this month in preparation for opening night, February 8. Rousing tunes like Oom Pah Pah; Food, Glorious, Food; and Consider Yourself generate boisterous energy, while sentimental favorites like As Long As He Needs Me, I’d Do Anything, and Where is Love? tug on one’s heartstrings.
The musical is based on Charles Dickens’ play Oliver Twist, the story of a poor orphan who gets mixed up with a gang of thieves led by the wily Fagin and his apprentice, the Artful Dodger. The original British production, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, premiered in theWest End in 1960 and opened on Broadway in 1963. The play was made into a film in 1968.
Director Pamela Whittaker has worked as a professional actor in Dallas and Los Angeles, appearing in commercials, film, and television. She has mounted and directed over 50 musicals and plays. She received her BFA in Theater from TCU and her MA in Dramatic Art from the University of California Santa Barbara. In addition, she has taught at Westmont College, and Redland College. When she returned to Dallas, she started Studio B Performing Arts Theater in Highland Village where she developed a drama curriculum and performance program for children, as well as a Community Theater. When asked about her current undertaking she said, “The talent in this cast and crew is a director’s dream.”
The cast and crew of Oliver is made up of nearly 50 members. Tommy Redfearn and Roger Hester have constructed an ambitious multi-level set. Choreographer Kristin DiFrancesco has developed challenging dance routines, and Music Director Phil Alford is fine-tuning the many musical numbers. Assistant Director Monica Phillips, Stage Manager Christy Brown, Assistant Stage Manager Lauren Alexander, and Stage Hand Nick Claggett are attending to all the details to ensure that Oliver is a first-rate production.
Starring as Nancy, Whitney Rosenbalm is a seasoned RCP performer. She was recently seen on stage as: Judy in 9 to 5 and Grace in Annie. She is joined on stage by her daughter Maddie who is playing the Strawberry Vendor.
Oliver is played by Matt Carew, who although just 12 years of age, has the resume of a veteran. He has appeared in commercials, films, and television shows in addition to his theater work. His sister, Tori, is sharing the stage with him and was last seen at RCP as Beth in Little Women.
Steve Golin stars as Fagin, while his son Camryn plays the Artful Dodger. Steve made his directorial debut this December with Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas. His most recent acting roles include: Franklin Hart in 9 to 5 and Daddy Warbucks in Annie.
Dennis Gullion plays the villian Bill Sykes. Dennis was last seen at RCP in the role of Rooster Hannigan in Annie. Bet is played by Anne-Marie Thacker who was previously seen at RCP as Amber in Hairspray and Amy in Little Women. The Widow Corney is played by Darci Ramirez. This is her debut on the RCP stage. Her son, Rylan, plays one of the orphans. Mr. Bumble is played by Dane Hoffman who has appeared at numerous theaters around the metroplex including: Theatre Three, Dallas Summer Musicals, Casa Manana, Dallas Children’s Theatre, and Collin Theatre Center.
Other cast members include: Nick Messick as Charlie, Lindsey Williams as Charlotte Sowerberry, Ed Hromatka as Dr. Grimswig, Al Wall as Mr. Brownlow, Lloyd Turney as Mr. Sowerberry, Tori Carew as the Milk Maid, Steve Niksih as the knife seller, Mary Thacker as Mrs. Bedwin, Kristy Moore as Mrs. Sowerberry, and Brook Feldman as Noah.
Orphans include: Jahleel and Nailah Jappah Vaughn, Olivia Archibald, Caden Iradi, Matthew Kula, Rylan Ramirez, and Paulet Cueller. Hannah Moore, Rachel Whalen, Kenedy Matthews, Riley and Parker Niksich, Stuart Hall, Kate Larman, Isabella Brothers, and Abby Thompson are pickpockets.
There are also five actors appearing in Oliver who were a part of RCP’s STAR program, which provides opportunities for adults with Down Syndrome and Autism to experience the joy of being onstage. They are: Allison Elliott, Shannon Harrison, Jack Hopkins, James Taylor, and Zachary Wincent.
The play will run February 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24 with 8 pm performances Friday and Saturday evenings and 2pm Sunday matinees. Tickets can be purchased online at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org.
Submitted by Mary Thacker.
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