G. P. Cole of Tyler, has his summer activity cut out for him! In the title role of Oliver Twist, he'll make his TCTC debut and lead the company in Lionel Bart's Oliver!, the 2008 summer musical, opening on the stage of the Braithwaite Theatre on July 17 for 12 performances.
When Bart composed the music and lyrics for his adaptation, which opened in London's West End in 1960 and moved to Broadway in 1963, he used the familiar characters created by Charles Dickens. You'll see Murray Parks of Mineola as Fagin, the shrewd mastermind of juvenile pickpockets. Parks teaches theater in the Grand Saline school system and is one of TCTC's S.T.A.R. instructors. Appearing as Fagin's wily lieutenant and star pupil, the Artful Dodger, is Russell McCook of Tyler, a student at R.E. Lee High School. McCook is active in Lee's theater program and was most recently seen at TCTC as Colin in The Secret Garden.
Theatergoers who enjoyed the performances of Dwain Hare and Diane Vernon in last summer's The Sound of Music will be pleased to know they're back, although in very different roles from Captain von Trapp and Maria. Hare will play the brutish Bill Skyes, with Vernon appearing as Nancy, Fagin's former pupil, who sings the poignant ballad, "As Long As He Needs Me."
Other principals and their settings on Oliver's journey include:
at the workhouse: Stephan Garmon of Tyler as Mr. Bumble, the beadle, and Suzanne Liles of Tyler as Widow Corney, mistress of the workhouse. Liles is also musical director for the production.
at the funeral parlor: Mason Lieberman of Tyler as Noah Claypole, the undertaker's assistant; Bill Burgdorf of Tyler as Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker; Martha Garmon of Tyler and Saundra Johnson of Chandler alternate as Mrs. Sowerberry and Whitney Rogers of Grand Saline as the Sowerberrys' daughter, Charlotte.
in the London slums around Fagin's hideaway: Ali Connor of Tyler as Charles Bates; Meredith Cole of Tyler as Bet, Nancy's protege; Julie Simms of Tyler as Old Sally; and Saundra Johnson of Chandler as the Old Lady.
at the home of Mr. Brownlow, a kind gentleman: Elise Jeung of Tyler as Mrs. Bedwin, housekeeper to Mr. Brownlow, played by Bob Cloos of Tyler. Stephen Rainwater of Tyler plays Dr. Grimwig and will also appear in the tavern scene as the Chairman.
Mar'Cordric Collins and Ben Ghist, both of Tyler, will be seen as Bow Street Runners. Singers in the London street scene for "Who Will Buy?" include Collins as the Knife Grinder, Ghist as the Long Song Seller, Abigail MacLean of Lindale as the Milkmaid, Erin Holt of Whitehouse as the Rose Seller, and Stephanie Comer of Tyler as the Strawberry Seller.
Actors from the children's chorus will be assigned multiple roles as boys at the workhouse, pickpockets in Fagin's gang, and London urchins. Included in this group are Lexie Rains of Flint; Hannah and Mary Kathryn Bauman, David, Marie, and Michaela Bowen, LeeAnna Burgdorf, Kat and Robert Cloos, Riley Connor, Allison Germany, London Hibbs, Gabrielle Manziel, Rachel Necessary, Hunter Regian,Katie Simms, and JJ VanDeventer, all of Tyler; and Lauren Fisher, Michael Mayfield, and Josh Walters, all of Whitehouse.
Members of the adult chorus are Rachel Creason, Samantha Michaelsen, and Leatha Taylor, all of Tyler.
Musicians for the show include Judy Wilkins of Tyler, piano; Alison Isbell of Tyler and Charles Praytor of Lindale, keyboards, and Jan Payne of Tyler, drums.
The show's director is Dr. MaryEllen Wright, with Cassie Schmidt as choreographer, Taylor McCaslin as stage manager, and Reg Connor as producer.
The show is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Songs include "Food, Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," "Where Is Love?", "My Name," "I'd Do Anything," "Oom-pah-pah," "Be Back Soon," and "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two."
