by Michael Van Buren

Consider yourself at home as you join us in Oakhurst at the Golden Chain Theatre for its newest upcoming production, Oliver! The Tony and Olivier Award winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.

The dazzling, magical, talent-infused production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! playing April 26-May 19 is sure to delight audiences of all ages. The story of Oliver Twist, a young orphan in a workhouse that leaves to find his fortune in the streets of Victorian London only to fall into a band of young marauders led by the roguish Fagin (Trevor Gann), puckish Artful Dodger (Jay Ignani), kindhearted Nancy (Jennifer Janine), and menacing Bill Sykes (Andy Graham) before finally finding the path that leads him to his destiny, is a story that elicits a full range of emotions. Audiences will find themselves rooting for a boy whose indomitable spirit remains unbroken despite the ravages of poverty and nefarious pickpockets hoping to line their pockets with his innocence.

Cast of “Oliver!”

From the very first “Please, sir, I want some more” uttered by the talented young Lucas Miller as Oliver Twist in his first lead role, the audience knows it’s in for a treat. “Oliver has a hard life, but a good heart.” says Miller. “His desire to find someone to love and to love him keeps a glimmer of light through his dark circumstances.” A roaringly funny, tender, moving and, at times heartbreakingly dark show, Oliver! showcases the talents of each member of the large and finely tuned cast.

Celebrating its 52nd season, GCT has a long legacy of bringing fine shows of all genres year-round, and of giving young talent, in some cases, their first chance to shine. Directed by James Mierkey, a familiar face on the GCT stage, with choreography by Lyric Gianni and Cassie Longcor, Oliver! exemplifies why GCT has had such enduring patronage in this community — it’s has an incredible team at work that raises the bar, time and time again.

This stunning and lavish musical features songs that you’ll be humming for days such as “Oom Pah Pah,” “Who Will Buy?,” “Consider Yourself,” and “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”

This show is rated PG13 for subject matter and slight language.

Tickets: $12 – $17
Shows Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. /Sunday matinees 2 p.m.
Doors open one hour prior
Full bar and newly renovated saloon with menu items for purchase

Special Performances:

Opening Night, Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

Pay-What-You-Can, Thursday, April 28 7 p.m., provides community families who would otherwise not be able to afford to see the show an opportunity to experience live theater. Tickets can also be purchased online.
Golden Chain Theatre
42130 Hwy 41 Oakhurst, CA 93644 | (559) 683-7112

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out our new Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. The first 18 episodes are now up! You can check the podcast out on iTunes and Google Play, and also on podbean.

Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section.