‘Oliver!’ production strives to be familiar yet fresh

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The cast of "Oliver!" includes (from left): Lily Dashiell, Noel Fary, Logan Corckwell, Isabel Blaney (seated), Devon Paul,Connor Gregg, Molly Dashiell, Logan Ozdyck, Rebecca Lane, Anna Fry (seated), Lilly Black, Bailey Barton (far back), Will Meyer (front) and AnnMarie Gandy. | Photo Provided

Updated: March 4, 2012 8:05AM

The musical “Oliver!” opened in London’s West End in 1960. It was last produced on the Memorial Opera House stage about a decade ago and another area production of the show is closing this weekend.

It is fair to say that “Oliver!” is not a stranger to theater-going audiences.

So, how do you make a show that most adult audience members have seen and that is based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel “Oliver Twist” memorable and original?

“Putting together such a classic show that many people have seen several times can be challenging because there are expectations to meet and as a director, I want the audience to experience this production like it was the first time they have seen ‘Oliver!’  ” said Kurt Gillins, director of this production.

Gillins directed the last production at the Memorial Opera House as well, so he is doubly challenged, but said every cast brings its own special qualities to a production.

“As I did the initial research on the show, I grew to once again love the songs from this show,” he said. “There are also such great characters that can be developed on several levels, which is unlike many musicals.”

Choreographer Amber Mills is challenged in similar ways as she tries to keep the dancing stylistically true to the production, achievable for the actors and fresh for the audience.

“It’s important to do your homework so that the choreography is true to the era and style of the show,” Mills said. “To be a choreographer doesn’t necessarily mean that you always want to make it difficult and elaborate. What makes the dancing in a show most exciting is when it makes sense, not how technical they are.”

With famous musical numbers like “Consider Yourself” and “Food, Glorious Food,” “Oliver!” provides plenty of opportunities for big cast numbers.

For the actors, taking these established roles and making them unique is part of the enjoyment of being in “Oliver!”

“The writing of the script tells the story perfectly,” said Antoinette Gomez, who plays Nancy in this production. “There also is enough left unsaid that the actors can envelope their own past life and relationships within the show without marring what is written.”

“ ‘Oliver!’ is a classic Broadway show adapted from a classic novel with a fun score and dramatic story,” said Gillens. “Everyone will enjoy it.”