"As directed by Patrick Nims, Stumptown Stages' production of the 1960 show brings out the rousing cheer of Lionel Bart's music ... even as villainous adult characters cackle over their mistreatment of unfortunate children. With a book, music and lyrics, by Bart, Oliver! is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1838 novel Oliver Twist, and Stumptown has projected chapter titles that evoke the thrilling satisfaction of turning the pages of a beloved leatherbound book."
"When the famished boy dares to ask for a second serving of gruel, Mr. Bumble sells him to the undertakers, Mr. Sowerberry and his wife (Adam John Roper and Tiara E. Primus), who are also nasty but very funny as well. I especially enjoyed the way Roper referred to Mrs. Sowerberry as "my sweet," then picked some food out of his teeth."
Patrick Nims directs a Stumptown Stages production of the 1960 musical Oliver!, emphasizing Lionel Bart's rousing score while preserving the story's dark criminal elements. The adaptation follows an 11-year-old orphan who endures a workhouse under the heartless Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, is sold to undertakers Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, then escapes to a den of cheerful pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. Performances highlight Ainsley Brown as Oliver (alternate), Brian Kennedy as Mr. Bumble, and a spirited CJ Bradford as Dodger. Michelle Kiyoi's costumes, Steve Coker's mobile sets, and evocative lighting and sound create a picture-book theatrical atmosphere.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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