If you go
› What: “Oliver!”› Where: Lee University, Dixon Center, 1053 Church St., Cleveland, Tenn.› When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 31-April 1; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 6-8› Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children and senior adults› For more information: 423-614-8360
The Principals
Oliver: Isaac Buck and Slate PattersonNancy: Caitlyn OvertonFagin: Caleb SilerDodger: Marybeth DavisBill Sikes: Nathan ChamberlainMr. Bumble: Jordan Hope
Dan Buck made his stage debut 30 years ago as a pickpocket in "Oliver!"
"It was my introduction to the stage," says the Lee University assistant professor of theater. "I've performed in, directed or written 58 productions since that day. So when I went back and listened to the music once again, I was immediately sentimental. I was surprised by the sheer number of familiar and catchy songs. I knew our Lee audience would love it."
Now he's directing "Oliver!" in six performances in Lee's Dixon Center, beginning Friday, March 31. There are 23 Lee students cast in the production, as well as 20 community children playing "workhouse kids" in the opening scene.
The title role is double-cast. Buck's son, Isaac, a student at Lake Forest Middle School, will play the orphan on March 31, April 2 and 8. Slate Patterson, a student at North Lee Elementary, is Oliver in performances April 1, 6 and 7.
For Patterson, who has had no professional dance or vocal training, "Oliver!" is his first production outside of church or school. The son of Mike and Patti Patterson says he auditioned hoping to be part of the ensemble, and ended up landing a lead role.
"Oliver!" is Lionel Bart's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." It made its debut in London in 1960, on Broadway in 1962 and then was made into a 1968 film.
The musical follows young Oliver through London on his search for love, a family and home. He's taken in by the kind-but-shady Fagin, who runs a street gang of pickpockets and introduces Oliver to London's underworld of theft and violence.
"I believe Fagin's sort of 'fatherly care,' even in the midst of his little crime ring, is infinitely endearing. Almost one-third of the play takes place in Fagin's hideout as he cares for, dances and sings with the pickpockets. It's hard not to love him," says Buck.
The musical is a veritable hit parade of Broadway favorites: "Consider Yourself," " Food, Glorious Food," "I'd Do Anything," "As Long As He Needs Me" and "Where Is Love?"
The singers will be accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra conducted by Dr. Ron Brendel. Heidi Longwith has choreographed the musical.
"There are over 100 people who have had a hand in making this production a reality, and it's been thrilling to see such a concerted effort toward excellence," says Buck.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.