‘Oliver’: Heart-wrenching and sentimental

When Charles Dickens wrote “Oliver Twist,” a heart wrenching/sentimental story about the poor and the mistreatment of children in the early 1800s, I imagine the last thing on his mind was a musical about his hero’s journey from orphan to finding his upper class family.
Lionel Bart took the story and wrote the music, lyrics and book to this tale that combines tragedy and joy. “Oliver” premiered in London in 1960 and ran successfully on Broadway in 1963 with many tours and revivals.  The music of “Oliver” can be haunting and delightful. An excellent movie version was released in 1968 directed by Carol Reed.
In this production, 12-year-old Shayan Hooshmand plays a charismatic Oliver with heart and an incredibly trained voice that carries the production. His rendition of “Where is Love” touches deep and carries through the show.
Taylor Saunders, as the abused Nancy, brings in a strong performance with a fine voice and delivery with “As Long As He Needs Me.”
The large cast gives unstinting energy. “Consider Yourself” and “Pick A Pocket Or Two” are amusing pieces. They are fun to watch, but could have been a little smoother in presentation and action.
It seems director Jeffery Bracco and choreographer Pauline Kanter held back in giving the talented cast more to do; perhaps because it was opening night. Maybe transitions will come in a little smoother with future performances.
The moving, plaintive “Who Will Buy” is beautifully presented and showed what this cast could handle.
Jerald Enos’ interesting and clever set gives the mood of Dickens’ Victorian England without being obtrusive. Michael Ramsaur’s creative lighting, Jon Hayward’s clear sound and Margret Toomy’s variety of costumes fit the times and gives the production a fine touch of authenticity.
Thirteen musicians under the baton of Samuel Cisneros supply the glue that holds this production together.
“Oliver” is dark and fun and will entertain.
Camille Bounds is the Arts and Special Events editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2219 Broadway St., Redwood City
Through: Sunday
Tickets: $35 – $55
Details: (650) 579-5565
or broadwaybythe bay.org.