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RiverStage will bring musical ‘Oliver!’ to Lewisburg next month

LEWISBURG — According to a press release, the familiar music and colorful characters of Charles Dickens will be brought to life in Lewisburg next month, when RiverStage Community Theatre presents the musical masterpiece “Oliver!” Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on June 14-15, 21-22; and 2:30 p.m. on June 16 and 23, at the Greenspace Center, 815 Market St.

With book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, “Oliver!” is the award-winning musical adaptation of the Dickens novel “Oliver Twist,” featuring some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to appear on the stage, the press release said. Featuring familiar songs like “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “Pick a Pocket or Two” and “As Long As He Needs Me,” this heartwarming musical adventure is fun for all ages.

“It has been a great experience directing this show,” said director Robert Jones. “I know many people — including myself — who absolutely love ‘Olver!’ and have fond memories of working on other productions of it over the years, and so getting the chance to bring it to Lewisburg is such a treat. The story is fun and dramatic, the songs are great, and I’m so proud of the hard work that the cast and crew are putting in. The audience will have a great time!”

Jove Graham, president of the RiverStage board, added, “We’ve talked about this show for years, so RiverStage is excited to be presenting it this summer — there are so many reasons to love this music and this story. We just can’t wait for the audience to see it live on stage!”

Working with Jones, this production is music directed by Diane Scott, with choreography by Devin Dreese, costuming by Anne Griffin, set by Graham and Dennis Merkle, lighting by Cole Casimir, sound by Tom Simpson and Josh Wilkinson, props by Ashley Jackson, and stage management by Sara Jones.

The cast features 24 singers and actors of all ages, including some new faces and many of whom have been featured in musical productions across the Susquehanna Valley. Nolan Jusko, a Lewisburg eighth-grader, leads the cast as Oliver Twist, with Desirae Moore as Nancy, Jove Graham as Fagin, and Justin Moore as Bill Sykes.

Oliver begins the story under the watchful eye of Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney, played by Drew Rehrig and Kenna DeValor, respectively; and Levi Shamblen, Ian Sterner and Joyce Martin play the denizens of the funeral parlor where Oliver goes next. Eventually, he meets the streetwise Artful Dodger, played by Thomas Graham, who introduces him to the gang of pickpockets played by Reece Furgison, Bryce Leininger, Clara Graham, Amelia Briede, Harrison McDuffee, Elyse Isaacs and Jude Wilkinson. Other featured cast members include Madison Leininger (Bet), Kate Shaw (Mrs. Bedwin), Fred Hooper (Mr. Brownlow), and an ensemble of singers and dancers including Wendy Durant, Alaina Geesaman, Joseph Martin and Bethany Umholtz-Boyer.

For more information about the show, visit riverstagetheatre.org.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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