Young People's Theater Opens 35th Season with Charles Dickens' 'Oliver!'

The Young People’s Theater (YPT) in Ann Arbor is kicking-off its 35^th season with the musical Oliver! based on Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist” Nov. 17-20.

About 70 young actors are taking to the stage to inhabit Dickens’ world of pickpockets and swindlers, which is no problem for director Jayme Kelmigian.

“Oliver is my favorite shows,” she said. “I love shows with large casts, which is what YPT is all about. We have a ton of kids who want to act and we try to accommodate as many as we can.”

Kelmigian, who previously served as assistant musical director for the all-volunteer organization, said working with the children has been an honor.

“The challenge is working with so many elementary age children on a show that calls for intricate dancing and choreography,” she said. “A majority of the kids are not trained in choreography and staging, so it’s neat to push them and see what they are capable of.”

Talia Akiva, a fourth grade student at Eberwhite Elementary School in Ann Arbor, plays Oliver and leads the cast of children, ranging in age from 5 to 17.

Talia has performed in YPT’s productions of The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan and was one of the von Trapp children in the production of The Sound of Music. Recently she was featured in the political thriller movie The Ides of March opposite George Clooney.

“I love performing at the YPT,” she said. “It’s fun meeting new people and singing and dancing on stage.”

Talia’s mother Rachel said she is excited to see her daughter in her first starring role.

“She’s been with the YPT group for several shows and it’s really been the best part of her life in every way,” Rachel Akiva said. “Being in a movie with George Clooney was neat, but it’s nothing like this. For these kids, live theater is their world.”

Emily Manuell, a freshman at Saline High School, said this will be her first show with the group.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “I’ve always had an interest in acting. Everyone at YPT accepts you, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable.”

Alex Schwartz, an eighth grade student at in Dexter, plays the show's villain, Fagan.

“It was a huge leap for me from where I was,” he said. “In the past I’ve been part of the ensemble cast and for this show I will be my own character. I’m very excited.”

Kelmigian said a big challenge with the show is dealing with the dark undertones of abuse, murder and violence with younger children.

“There’s some pretty deep dark stuff that the kids handle beautifully for seventh and eighth graders,” she said. “They are open to taking risks and have come to rehearsal with open minds every day. It’s not easy to tell a little kid to threaten someone’s life. I’m really proud with how far they’ve come.”

Oliver! opens Nov. 17 at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre at the University of Michigan. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mutotix.com or at the box office, 530 S. State St. The box office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information visit www.youngpeoplestheater.com.