Theatre Memphis to Present OLIVER!, 6/10-7/3

Theatre Memphis' final production of the 2015-16 season, Oliver!, will open June 10 and run until July 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage. A wildly entertaining musical that brings Charles Dickens' timeless characters to life from his novel, the story tells of a poor orphan and his associates scrambling to survive in Old London Towne and begging for "more ... please." The sensational score includes "Food Glorious Food" , "Consider Yourself", "As Long as He Needs Me", and more. This family musical show truly gives meaning to singing for your supper.

Director Jason Spitzer who has helmed nine consecutive annual productions of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis (including the upcoming December 2016 version) is taking his knowledge and passion for Dickens' work to create this TM production of epic proportions with over 50 actors appearing in the show. Memorable characters besides the title character Oliver Twist, played by Nathan Morton, are Fagin (Robert Hanford), the Artful Dodger (Benjamin Chang), Nancy (Lindsey Roberts) and Bill Sykes (Justin Asher). The talented cast is one of the largest ever to grace the Theatre Memphis stage.

As TM's proclaimed and acknowledged resident expert on Charles Dickens, once Spitzer heard that Theatre Memphis was going to be closing the 2015-16 season with the musical Oliver!, he immediately threw his hat into the ring. According to Spitzer, "One of the great joys in any Dickens novel, is the characters. Oliver Twist is at its very core the story of one little boy's search for family. Unfortunately he's impeded at every turn by a veritable rogue's gallery of supporting players. Watching those comically grotesque characters, a few of which veer off into true viciousness, take on a life of their own in the hands of some of Memphis' best actors that we have cast is a real treat."

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch says the show depicts the classic Dickens story with some of the most recognizable music in show business. "It is the heart of the story that is so compelling ... ," she underscores, " ... and with Jason at the helm we know the story will be told so well and will be leaving audiences begging for 'more ... please.'"

To post a comment, you must register and login.