Lionel Bart's timeless musical, Oliver!, continues to captivate audiences with its poignant narrative and unforgettable melodies. Steeped in rich theatrical history, this beloved production brings the classic novel written by Charles Dickens, of orphaned Oliver Twist to life on stage. From the bustling streets of Victorian London to the heartwarming camaraderie of the young pickpockets, each element of Lionel Bart's Oliver! immerses spectators in a world of intrigue and emotion. Join us on a journey through the enchanting world of this musical masterpiece, as we explore what to expect when coming to see Lionel Bart's Oliver! at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.
Introduction to Lionel Bart's Oliver!
Background of the Musical
Lionel Bart's Oliver! is a classic musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, Oliver Twist. The show first premiered in the West End in London in 1960, followed by a successful Broadway run in New York City in 1963.
Legacy and Impact
Oliver! has left a lasting impact on the world of musical theatre, winning multiple awards and captivating audiences with its timeless story and unforgettable music. The show continues to be a favorite among theatergoers of all ages.
Tony Awards
The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. The 1984 Broadway revival was nominated for one Tony Award for Ron Moody's performance as Fagin.
Academy Awards
The 1968 film adaptation won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Carol Reed. The film's soundtrack also won an Academy Award for Best Original or Adaptation Score in 1969.
Moscow International Film Festival
The 1968 film won the Golden Prize for Best Actor, and was nominated for the Golden Prize for Best Feature Film.
WhatsOnStage Awards
The 2009 London revival won three WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
Overview of the Plot
Setting and Time Period
The story of Oliver! is set in Victorian London, during a time of poverty and social injustice. The gritty streets and bustling markets of the city serve as the backdrop for the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Main Characters and their Roles
Each character plays a crucial role in shaping the events of the story. Here is an overview of a few notable characters in the show.
Oliver Twist: The young orphan boy at the center of the story.
Fagin: A cunning and manipulative criminal who takes Oliver under his wing.
Nancy: A kind-hearted prostitute who cares for Oliver and tries to protect him from Fagin's influence.
Bill Sikes: Fagin's violent and dangerous partner in crime.
Artful Dodger: A quick-witted and charming young pickpocket who introduces Oliver to the criminal underworld.
Mr. Brownlow: A kind and wealthy gentleman who takes pity on Oliver and helps him escape from Fagin's clutches.
Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry: The cruel undertakers who take in Oliver as an apprentice.
Mr. Bumble: The pompous beadle of the workhouse.
Mrs. Corney: The matron of the workhouse.
Noah Claypole: A malicious and cowardly orphan who works for the Sowerberrys.
These characters, along with the main characters, contribute to the rich and complex world of Oliver! and help to shape the story of Oliver's journey.
A Synopsis of the Show
Act I
Dozens of workhouse children file into a large barren room and take their places at the table. It is still raining outside while the boys dream inside of gorging their gullets with delicious eats... but are only given gruel to satisfy their hunger (“Food, Glorious Food”). At the end of the measly meal, one boy approaches the haughty Mr. Bumble and asks for more. The request seems blasphemous to Mr. Bumble and the workhouse mistress, Widow Corney, who catch the boy and demand to know his name before deciding how to punish him (“Oliver”).
After the chaos in the dining room, the Widow Corney and Mr. Bumble retire to the Widow’s parlor. Widow Corney offers Mr. Bumble some gin to calm his nerves, which gives him the courage to kiss her on the lips and propose marriage (“I Shall Scream”). The Matron interrupts them with Oliver. Mr. Bumble takes the boy and his few belongings, planning to sell him for a good price (“Boy for Sale”).
Mr. Bumble and Oliver arrive at Mr. Sowerberry’s, the haggard undertaker who is interested in buying Oliver as a coffin-follower for children’s funerals. The undertaker’s wife, Mrs. Sowerberry, agrees (“That’s Your Funeral”). Oliver is given a meager meal of scraps and shown his bed amongst the coffins (“Where Is Love?”).
Oliver is startled awake the next morning by a loud kicking at the door. Noah Claypole enters, a brash employee, and instigates a fight by insulting Oliver’s dead mother. Oliver gets trapped in a coffin as Noah catches Mr. Bumble to punish him. Amidst the chaos, Oliver escapes.
A week passes before Oliver, hungry and exhausted, meets a boy named Jack Dawkins, also known as The Artful Dodger. Dodger offers Oliver lodgings at the residence of Mr. Fagin in London (“Consider Yourself”). Dodger leads Oliver to Fagin’s den, where he is instantly welcomed by Fagin and his boys and introduced to their line of work (“Pick a Pocket or Two”). After the boys have gone to bed, the sinister Bill Sikes arrives and unloads his burgled loot for Fagin before silently sneaking back into the night.
Oliver awakens early the next morning and witnesses Fagin having a nightmare. The whole gang soon wakes up as Nancy, Bill Sikes’ girlfriend, and Bet arrive at the den (“It’s a Fine Life”). Nancy immediately takes a shine to young Oliver (“I’d Do Anything”).
Nancy leaves to return to Bill Sikes before he wakes up. Fagin sends the boys off to start the morning’s pickpocketing, leaving Oliver under the tutelage of Dodger (“Be Back Soon”). In the streets of London, Dodger picks his first victim, Mr. Brownlow, and flees the scene, leaving Oliver to be caught for the crime.
Act II
In a noisy, smoky pub called The Three Cripples, Nancy is encouraged by the clientele to perform a rousing song (“Oom-Pah-Pah”). The fun and revelry are immediately stalled when Nancy’s abusive villain of a boyfriend arrives, striking fear throughout the entire pub (“My Name”).
A frantic Dodger explodes on the scene and informs Fagin that Oliver had been caught and taken off to Mr. Brownlow’s residence. Fearing the safety of their hideout, Fagin and Bill Sikes decide that they must kidnap Oliver back before he talks. Bill violently threatens Nancy to retrieve the boy (“As Long as He Needs Me”).
Oliver is given a clean bill of health after a visit from a doctor, and Mr. Brownlow allows him to return some books and pay a debt just up the street (“Who Will Buy”). On the street, Oliver is abducted by Nancy and Bill Sikes and returned to Fagin’s den. Stripped of his goods and books, Oliver tries to escape. Bill threatens to bludgeon him, but Nancy intervenes, taking the brunt of Bill’s violence herself (“It’s a Fine Life – Reprise”). All exit, leaving Fagin alone as he ponders his life of crime (“Reviewing the Situation”).
Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, now unhappily married, argue in the parlor. They are interrupted by a visit from Old Sally, a former workhouse employee. Knowing that her death is imminent, she must reveal a secret that she has long held – Oliver’s mother died in her care after childbirth and left a single gold locket. Old Sally dies as the Bumbles set out to retrieve Oliver, hoping that they can track down his rich family. (“Oliver – Reprise”).
The Bumbles arrive at Mr. Brownlow’s in response to an advertisement about any knowledge of Oliver’s whereabouts. Mr. Brownlow realizes that the Bumbles are only out for personal gain and sends them away. He notices the face in the locket as his estranged daughter, Agnes, and realizes that Oliver is his grandson. Moments later, Nancy meets Mr. Brownlow in secret and tells him to meet her at midnight at the London Bridge to retrieve Oliver. (“As Long as He Needs Me – Reprise”).
Nancy and Oliver arrive at the London Bridge, only to be surprised by a stalking Bill Sikes. Nancy will not let Bill take Oliver. He throws her to the ground and bludgeons her to death. Mr. Brownlow arrives a moment after and sees Bill fleeing the scene. Alerting a crowd, they chase Bill back to Fagin’s, where they corner him on a roof, Oliver his hostage. A sharpshooter successfully hits Bill, who falls to his death, reuniting Oliver with Mr. Brownlow.
Fagin, having successfully avoided capture, decides that maybe it is time to turn over a new leaf after all and leave the life of crime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Lionel Bart's Oliver! suitable for all ages?
Oliver! is recommended for ages 8 and up.
2. How long is the running time of the musical?
The approximate run time for Lionel Bart's musical Oliver! is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
3. Are there any notable differences between the stage production of Oliver! and the original novel by Charles Dickens?
Yes, there are some notable differences between the stage production of Oliver! and the original novel written by Charles Dickens. Here are a few:
Simplified Plot: The musical simplifies the complex plot of the novel, focusing on the key elements of Oliver's journey and his interactions with Fagin, Nancy, and Bill Sikes.
Lightened Tone: The musical often takes a lighter and more comedic tone compared to the darker and more gritty atmosphere of the novel.
Character Portrayals: In the novel, Fagin is often referred to as "the Jew" and is depicted with stereotypical Jewish traits, including a hooked nose, a love of money, and a cunning nature. These portrayals were deeply offensive and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. In the musical, while Fagin remains a criminal, he is portrayed in a more sympathetic and comical light, emphasizing his humanity and his love for the young thieves he mentors.
Omission of Certain Plot Points: The musical omits certain subplots and characters from the novel to streamline the story and focus on the main narrative.
Despite these differences, the musical Oliver! remains a faithful adaptation of the novel's core themes and spirit, capturing the essence of Dickens' story while offering a unique and entertaining theatrical experience.
4. Can audience members expect special effects during the performance?
Audiences can expect simulated violence, the use of stage weapons, loud sound cues, theatrical haze, and strobe lights throughout the show. Additionally, there are two deaths portrayed - one onstage and one offstage.
Rest assured, we have carefully crafted these scenes to be suitable for younger viewers while maintaining the integrity of the story.