Oliver!
July 14, 15, 16; 21, 22, 23; 28, 29, 30; August 4 & 5 & 6! Musical magic is back in Playmakers' 'Oliver!' Oliver! delights Playmakers’ audiences
Who's Who
Musical magic is back in Playmakers' 'Oliver!' The "musical magic" is back in full force at Covington's Playmakers Theatre. Last weekend the collective talented team of directors Lynn and Randy Perkins, musical director Judith Krogsgard, choreographer Jessica Boudreau, and set artists Melanie Burck, Susan Burck and Cecile Aymani gave an appreciative overflow opening crowd a magical experience with "Oliver!" The book, music and lyrics are by Lionel Bart and based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." Outraged by his request, Mr. Bumble sends the orphan into the cruel world where he falls in with a band of juvenile pickpockets who are under the control of Fagin (Ladson Déyne). Thankfully, Oliver is rescued from this seedy existence and surroundings by wealthy Mr. Brownlow (Ron Rome). Newhouse is confident in his portrayal of the title character. Vocally he captures the essence of the character, most notably in "Where is Love?' Waldron is hilarious as the comedic, bumbling Mr. Bumble. His lovey-dovey courtship scene with the Widow Corney (Missie Arata Noel) tickled the audience's funny bone as they sang "I Shall Scream" in between some cute, cuddly business. Weston Twardowski's masterful performance as the cockney, streetwise thief The Artful Dodger is smartly achieved. Paul Newhouse (Mr. Sowerberry) and Arianne Binnings (Mrs. Sowerberry) are quite entertaining as they join Waldron with "That's Your Funeral." Jeff Falkenstein is right on target with his portrayal of the villainous, evil scoundrel, cutthroat Bill Sykes. But among these solid performers are two actors who excel. Carrie Helm (Nancy) and Déyne each make their individual portrayals things of beauty to witness. Helm sensitively captures the agony of Nancy's dilemma as she vocally brings "As Long As He Needs Me" to life. Déyne's makeup, coupled with his slick moves, physical characteristics and delicious nuances enable him to achieve a Fagin that brings back memories of what Oliver Twist fans envision the character to be. There is some satisfying work from Hunter Christopher, Samantha Schott, Lauren Baiamonte, Ron Rome, Cory Wehner, Bob Coates, Wendy Schneider, Cheri Noto Karlin, Jill Lane, Melanie Burck, Susan Marie Foil and pint-size Oliver Sibley, who almost steals every scene he is in. Others in the large cast are Austin Smith, Gia Erichson, Aaron Falkenstein, Gabby Filiberto, Calla Harper, Megan Maloney, Joshua Nunez, Katy O'Connell, Mathew Sens, Alexander Sibley, Nicholas Sibley, Kurt Thompson, Gabrielle Wehner, Kayla Willie, Krista Willie, Kate Zenor, Kurt Thompson, Joshua Nunez, Lisa Erichson, Catie West, Emily Bennett, Kirsten Lapuyade, Meredith Bennett, Chase Binnings, Cecilia Falkenstein, Nina Marie Foil, Mary Claire Hessemer, Libby Labranche, Anne Labranche, Annie Noel, Dylan Veal, Hannah Waldron, Lucas Waldron, Kara Willie, T.J. Willie, Theresa Carollo, Hunter Christopher, Lisa Erichson, Kirsten Lapuyade, Corey Wehner, Catie West, Meredith Bennett, Nina Foil, Dylan Veal and Kara Willie. Kudos to costume designer Melanie Burck and set designers Lynn and Randy Perkins for helping to create London in the 1850s. Season tickets will be on sale during the run of "Oliver!" Additional performances will be Friday and Saturday and July 28 and 29, Aug. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. There will be matinees Sunday and July 30 at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 893-1671. Playmakers is on Playmakers Road just off Lee Road. . . . . . . . Stephen B. Cefalu is The Times-Picayune's St. Tammany Parish theater reviewer. For information, call him at 882-7066 or leave a message for him at The Times-Picayune offices in Covington, 898-4826, or Slidell, 645-2857. Fagin, played by Ladson Déyne, ponders his options as he sings 'Reviewing the Situation' during a scene from Playmakers Theatre's production of 'Oliver! St, Tammany Farmer
Playmakers' production of Oliver! combines spirited acting, outstanding vocal performances, and fantastic costumes into an evening of delightful entertainment for the whole family. The musical, which is based on the classic by Charles Dickens, takes the audience through the journey of a young boy who runs away from an orphanage and falls in with a gang of London pickpockets. Known for its heart-tugging plot and witty lyrics, the production is skillfully directed by Lynn and Randy Perkins and expertly produced by Russell Krogsgard. Its run will continue through Aug. 5, with 8 p.m. performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday. The curtain rises in a shoddy lunch room, where a group of young orphans with smudged faces and tattered clothing, are waiting for their measly serving of gruel from the workhouse beadle, Mr. Bumble, played by Robert Waldron, and Widow Corney, played by Missie Arata Noel. The pair ably display their musical talents by singing “I Shall Scream” and “Boy for Sale.” As he approaches Bumble with his empty bowl raised and utters the famous line, “Please sir, I want some more,” the audience catches their first glimpse of the humble Oliver Twist, played by Christopher Newhouse. The breadth and scope of the 11-year-old’s acting skills are apparent as he aptly conveys the goodness and inner strength of Oliver. His youthful voice is both sweet and sad in “Where Is Love?” Young Newhouse, who shares the stage with his father, will attend Fontaine-bleau Junior High in the fall as a talented drama student. Paul Newhouse and Arianne Binnings, as Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, portray funeral home directors who purchase Oliver to assist them with children's funerals. Paul Newhouse, making his theatrical debut, and Binnings captivate the audience with “That's Your Funeral.” Playing both a gentleman and a tramp, Weston Twardowski, as The Artful Dodger, is a delight. No stranger to the role, having portrayed the character in an SLU production, Twardowski brings excitement to his characterization and showcases his vocal skills in “Consider Yourself” and “Be Back Soon.” Ladson Poole, as Fagin, displays his considerable dramatic and musical talent. He ably adopts the finger twitches and suspicious nature of the rascal Fagin, who has a penchant for other people's pocketbooks. He parades around the stage captivating the audience with his character's trademark songs, “Pick a Pocket or Two” and “Reviewing the Situation.”
Carrie Helm, as Nancy, hits the high notes with perfect precision and the sincerity of her character shines through in “I'd Do Anything.” Her heartfelt rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me” charms the audience. Jeff Falkenstein was born to play the role of Bill Sykes. His exceptional acting abilities make him the character the audience loves to hate, and his considerable vocal talent is apparent on “My Name,” which he sings as he brazenly shakes a crowbar. Samantha Schott, as Charlotte, and Hunter Christopher, as Noah Claypole, plus chorus members Lauren Baiamonte, Jill Lane, Melanie Burck, Cheri Noto Karlin, Ron Rome, Cory Wehner, Kurt Thompson, Joshua Nunez, Lisa Erichson, Catie West, Emily Bennett, Kirsten Lapuyade, Susan Marie Foil, Bob Coates and Theresa Carollo do an outstanding job supporting the cast onstage. “Fagin's kids,” played by Aaron Falkenstein, Gabby Filiberto, Calla Harper, Megan Maloney, Katy O'Connell, Matthew Sens, Alexander Sibley, Oliver Sibley, Nicholas Sibley, Gabrielle Wehner, Kayla Willie, Krista Willie and Kate Zenor, add much to the musical's success. The pitiful orphans, portrayed by Meredith Bennett, Chase Binnings, Cecilia Falkenstein, Nina Marie Foil, Mary Claire Hessemer, Libby Labranche, Anne Labranche, Annie Noel, Dylan Veal, Hannah Waldron, Lucas Waldron, Kara Willie and T.J. Willie, are a delight as they sing the opening song “Food, Glorious Food.” Judy Krogsgard serves as musical director, Jessica Boudreau as choreographer and Lou Gavin as publicist. Barbara Brocato designed the poster and Wendy Schneider and Lisa Carey designed the program. Playmakers' theatre is located north of Covington, off Louisiana 437 (Lee Road), at 19106 Playmakers Road. For tickets, call the reservation line at 893-1671.
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| Ticket Prices Show times For ticket reservations call 985-893-1671.
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