Reviewed by Suzanne and Greg Angeo
Members, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle
Photos by Eric Chazankin
Ari Vozaitis (in top hat), Tim Setzer (center), Jordan Martin (right)
Consider Yourself in for a Treat: Moppets and Poppets Take the Stage in “Oliver!”
It’s safe to say that just about anything by Charles Dickens can be called important. “Oliver Twist” was only his second novel , but it caused a sensation by drawing attention to the dehumanizing conditions suffered by poverty-stricken children in the English workhouses of the day. And it was the first novel ever written to have a child protagonist. Over the decades, the story has been told and retold on film and onstage. The best-known of these is the rousing musical “Oliver!” by Lionel Bart. The dark humor of the novel was brightened up with cheerful tunes, the squalid roughness given a bit of polish to increase its appeal and a hit musical was born. “Oliver!” premiered to huge success in London’s West End in 1960, with an equally successful Broadway run starting in 1963. It won three Tony Awards, including one for Bart’s original musical score.
Jordan Martin
“Oliver!” first opened in London 54 years ago, and it’s finally made its way to Rohnert Park. In its presentation at Spreckels Performing Arts Center, it shines a bright light on young, emerging local talent. Many members of the Spreckels Summer Youth Workshop are cast as poor workhouse kids. An intensive five-week theatre arts program focusing on musical theatre performance, the Workshop is guided by the sure and steady hand of theatre veteran Denise Elia-Yen. She and stage director Gene Abravaya collaborate to present a delightful and very entertaining show.
The title role is double-cast, and on a recent evening, ten-year-old Jordan Martin appears as the winsome orphan Oliver, uttering that immortal line, “Please sir, I want some more.” Young Martin is simply angelic in the role, offering a sweet voice in his solos and a gentle demeanor that offers a sharp contrast to the cruelty around him. Adding some zest to the proceedings is Ari Vozaitis as the Artful Dodger, a bit older than the innocent Oliver, and more worldly-wise. Martin and Vozaidis really sparkle together, especially in the number “Consider Yourself”. The Dodger soon brings Oliver into the underground world of child pickpockets, run by the crafty old crook Fagin, played by the amazing Tim Setzer in one of Dickens’ most controversial roles.
Ari Vozaitis
The original characterization of Fagin as an evil, greedy swindler has been called anti-Semitic stereotyping by some. For Bart’s musical version, the character was rewritten as more clownish to make him less threatening. Setzer is remarkable in the role with his formidable talent as actor, singer and comic, but his Fagin seems to be holding back just a bit. Rather than restraint, it would have been nice to see a little more over-the-top buffoonery to completely disarm Fagin’s villainous deeds.
Zachary Hasbany as Fagin’s partner-in-crime Bill Sykes is a fearsome presence onstage, but his performance seems one-dimensional. Sykes should more than just a big, angry guy. A hint that Sykes may also be a bit of a psychopath would be just the thing to kick it up a notch and make the character more edgy. Kelly Brandeburg gives an outstanding performance as Bill’s long-abused but plucky girlfriend Nancy. Her commanding presence and beautiful voice give a boost to the energy level whenever she’s onstage, most notably in numbers like “Oom-Pah-Pah” and “As Long as He Needs Me”.
There are some notable performances by the ensemble cast, especially in the opening number “Food, Glorious Food”. Standouts include: Alyssa Jirrels (Bet), Peter Warden (Mr Sowerberry), Harry Duke (Dr Grimwig) and Michella Snider (Chorus/Choreographer). Perhaps the most beautiful number in the entire show is the haunting “Who Will Buy”, which epitomizes the perfect union of the talents of cast and crew. Snider’s nimble choreography allows performers of varying talents to look great. And of course, those Summer Youth Workshop kids are hard to resist, promising more great shows to come.
Kelly Brandeburg, Alyssa Jirrels
As for the stagecraft, lighting designer Eddy Hansen makes very good use of blackouts and spotlights to help with scene changes. Set designers (Hansen with Elizabeth Bazzano) crafted visually appealing structures and platforms. Spreckels’ exclusive Paradyne system provides lightning-fast changes in atmosphere that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. In a show like this, music is number one, and in this regard “Oliver” doesn’t disappoint. The orchestra is first-rate, conducted with high energy and style by musical director Janis Dunson Wilson.
After all is said and done, despite some uneven performances, “Oliver!” is a pretty spectacular achievement and is a must-see show this season.
Selected Ensemble, Kelly Brandeburg (right rear)
When: Now through August 31, 2014
8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 28
2:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Tickets: $22 to $26
Location: Spreckels Performing Arts Center
5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park CA
Phone: 707-588-3400
Website: www.spreckelsonline.com
