If you are looking for a night of unforgettable entertainment featuring local faces, the Northport-East Northport Community Theater’s production of “Oliver” is just the ticket. “Oliver” has always been one of my favorite musicals, and you can catch the last three performances this weekend. This is one of the community theater’s strongest productions to date and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
At the heart of the musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel set in the dark-side of 19th century Britain, is the universal human need for love and acceptance. The show follows the antics of an irrepressible orphan born into poverty and his quest to fulfill these basic emotional needs.
According to Bette Silver, the community theater’s founder and the show’s producer, the production features an astounding 110 performers ranging in age from 3 to 83. Departing from the traditional, the role of Oliver is double-cast with two girls, Nikki Rampanelli and Meaghan Maher. “Nikki played Annie in the theater’s production of ‘Annie Warbucks’ and it is the first big role for Meaghan,” Ms. Silver indicated.
Northport’s Justin Autz, who starred in “Willy Wonka” and “The King and I,” is the Artful Dodger, the streetwise urchin who takes Oliver under his wing and schools him in the intricacies of pickpocketing.
The pack of young thieves is led by Fagin (Doug Carney), an aging criminal who acts as a surrogate father figure to the orphaned boys. Many may remember Mr. Carney from his role as the captain in “The Sound of Music,” Ms. Silver said.
Nancy, the street tart who remains upbeat despite her woeful lot in life, is played by Jessica Rae Schaefer, a substitute teacher in the Northport-East Northport School District who majored in drama.
Acting out of the box as Bill Sykes, Nancy’s cruel lover, is Dave Curtis, a school psychologist who usually takes on comedic roles. Curtis previously wowed community theater audiences as the flamboyant Willy Wonka, the pharaoh in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast.”
Sure to bring down the house is Mr. America, literally a show dog. Morgan Williams’ leonberger, who plays Bill Sykes’ canine companion, Bulls Eye, is known for his Broadway role in “Annie,” and has his own Facebook page!
“I love the family involvement,” Ms. Silver said of the powerful production directed by Jim Redding, who has been with the theater since its inception. Ms. Silver’s favorite songs include the soulful “As Long As He Needs Me,” and the life-affirming, “Oom-Pah-Pah,” which enlivens a bawdry tavern.
Shows take place at the Brosnan Administration Building, 158 Laurel Avenue, Northport. There are 8 pm performances on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18. On Sunday, May 19, there is a 2 pm matinee. Reserved seat tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. For tickets and information, contact Ms. Silver at (631)896-5970, bdsilver@optonline.net, or visit northportcommunitytheater.org.
