‘Oliver!’ comes to life on Kent Trumbull stage

July 25, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By STEPHANIE OTTEY

CHAMPION

Based on the famous Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver!” is coming to life at the Kent Trumbull Theater.

“Oliver!” tells the simple story of a young orphan boy named Oliver Twist. Oliver dreams of leaving the dreary London orphanage and daily abuse he suffers to live in a place where he is loved and wanted. As he’s sent from place to place, he hopes that the next one will be his destined happy home, but he instead meets some backward and evil characters who delay his happy ending.

One such character is the miserly Fagin, played by theater veteran Jason Green. Green triggers Fagin’s slight silly side, making him appealing to children and therefore all the more villainous.

Susan MonteCalvo plays a darling Widow Corney as she shuffles hurriedly about the stage and flirts with Mr. Bumble. MonteCalvo adopts a brassy, yet charming character voice that she maintains while singing and thus creates a memorable performance. Her interaction with Mr. Bumble, played by Tom Schaffer, provides some comic relief and tickles the audience.

Dave Wolford brings a menacing Bill Sykes to the cast, and Connie Cassidy fills the role of the unfortunate Nancy with ease. Hannah Gillespie, Emily Schrader, Aaron Brazofsky, Jim Courim Jr., Noelle Bowles and Jim Canacci also add to greatness of the cast.

Of course, the show would be incomplete without the talents of Donny Wolford in the title role. To see Wolford on stage is to see a young actor who relies on more than just his youth and cuteness. It is clear that Wolford connects with Oliver in a mature way from the moment he utters the famous line “Please Sir, can I have some more?” There is thought and energy in his performance, emotion in his singing and an overall professional presence on stage indicating that Donny Wolford is one to keep an eye on.

Wolford is not the only young actor to prove himself on stage. “Oliver!” requires a large chorus of young performers, and about 30 boys and girls of various ages act as Oliver’s fellow orphans. These kids fill the stage with an infectious energy, creating some dynamic group numbers, and many showcase some natural acting ability.

Director Daniel-Raymond Nadon casts and directs his show well. Every movement has clear motivation, and he cleverly uses the small space of the theater to accommodate the large cast. He is aided by Robert Katkowsky, associate artistic director. Katkowsky also acts as set designer for this production and creates a highly detailed set that transforms from scene to scene. From the painted brick floor to the window seat that Oliver inhabits for a time in Act 2, it’s obvious that a great deal of time and effort were put into this set.

The actors have a fantastic world to work in as well as beautiful costumes.

Connie Cassidy aids in creating the London scene with her well-thought-out costume design.

For the most part, the production doesn’t miss a beat. Unfortunately, the beats that are missing are all in the music. With an orchestra that is hidden behind the stage, it can be a struggle to get musicians and singers to synchronize. This minor problem arises for a few brief moments, but the cast and music director Nancy Anderson Wolfgang always recover quickly.

Aside from this minor musical dilemma, the cast and crew should be proud of what they’ve accomplished in “Oliver!”

“Oliver!” will be presented at the Kent Tumbull Theater today and next Sunday at 3 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Call 330-675-8887.