The Marion Palace Theatre will stage the long running Broadway musical “‘Oliver!” for five performances. Show dates are scheduled for July 13, 19, and 20 at 8:00 p.m. and July 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Based on the popular Charles Dickens’ novel, “Oliver!” is the well-crafted tale of an orphan who runs away from the orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.
Last performed at the Palace in 2001, the “Oliver!” cast includes three returning veteran performers to reprise their original roles. Ron Boose will play the con-man ‘Fagin’ who trains children to be pickpockets. Bruce Cudd returns to his role of ‘Mr. Bumble,’ the stout man who runs the boys workhouse, and portraying the domineering workhouse mistress ‘Widow Corney’ is Suzanne Patterson.
Audience members can expect to see many new and familiar faces bringing life to the timeless characters. Cast as the troubled youth ‘Artful Dodger’ is Luke Stewart. The villainous role of ‘Bill Sykes’ will be played by Dylan Davis. Sara Wenig-Grote will portray the warm hearted ‘Nancy’, while the sweet and innocent workhouse boy ‘Oliver Twist’ will be played by 13 year-old Tanner Wink.
Tanner is not a stranger to the stage. He has been regularly involved in the Palace Theatre’s summer musicals since he was 6 years old. Tanner’s most recent theatre performance was as the character Charlie Bucket in Grant Middle School’s “Willy Wonka.”
Tanner shares a love of the theatre with many members of his family including his mother Kristi Wink, his brother Brady, his sister Sadie and his nana, Clare Cooke. When he learned he’d won the role of Oliver Twist, in the Marion Palace Theatre’s summer production, Tanner was in shock.
“I couldn’t believe it. I’ve actually dreamed of having this role since I was 9 or 10!”
Tanner worked hard preparing for his audition. He enlisted help from his choir teacher Ann Schertzer at Grant Middle School and Jami Rawlins at Harding High School and auditioned with a song he learned from the “Willy Wonka” musical.
“While all of the children who auditioned were exceptional, Tanner understood the character and portrayed that in his reading. He was the unanimous decision of the artistic team.” Clare Cooke says of the choice to cast Tanner as the orphan who falls in with a gang of thieves.
She continues, “Fagin’s Kids are strong in talent, energetic and eager to bring the musical to life. I’m sure the audience will be pleased with this production.”
The Marion Palace Theatre production will be directed by Clare Cooke. George Schram will conduct the orchestra. Kristi Wink is the assistant director and choreographer. Vocal direction is by Blake Huffaker. Set construction and design is by Andrea Johnston, Todd Meadows, and Jeff Baldauf. Andy Harper is the producer. Ohio Mutual Insurance Group is the proud sponsor of this summer musical with additional partnerships from Marion Community Foundation’s Mary H. Hollaway Palace Theatre Fund and The Ohio Arts Council.
Patron Party Sponsors are: Dr. Brian & Dee Ehrman, Dr. David Fitkin, Allen & Sharon Gale, Scott Ruth & Cogburn Electric, John Scharer & Scharer Insurance, Jerry Wilson & Wilson Construction, Dr. Robert & Nancy Crowell and Dr. Jim & Anne Hering.
“‘Oliver!” features a cast of over 60 members, performing outstanding musical numbers from the Tony Award winning score including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Oom Pah Pah,” “As Long As He Needs Me” and more.
The Cast
Oliver Twist – Tanner Wink; Mr. Bumble – Bruce Cudd; Widow Corney/Mrs. Bedwin – Suzanne Patterson; Noah Claypole/Dance Captain – Matt Meade; Mr. Sowerberry – Doug Ford; Mrs. Sowerberry– Melissa Hoffman; Charlotte– Moira Vaughn; The Artful Dodger – Luke Stewart; Fagin – Ron Boose; Nancy – Sara Grote; Workhouse/Fagin’s Kids – Annie Bell, Olivia Brazell, Carson Bollinger, Brody Crowder, Alyson Hoffman, Andrea Hoffman, Gabriel Jones, Grant McGinnis, Jake Nelson, Bishop Oldfield, Tait Palm, Reagan Poulton, Jia Radloff, Hanah Reiff, Alexis Ruth, Bailey Ruth, Madisen Schenk, Delaney Tabbert, Ashley Watkins, Brady Wink; Charley Bates – Bishop Oldfield; Workhouse Assistants – Anna Rasmussen, Isabel Ruth; Bet– Sadie Wink; Bill Sykes – Dylan Davis; Mr. Brownlow– Bill Tabbert; Dr. Grimwig– Andy Harper; Old Sally– Sharon Gale; Old Lady – Diana Dailey; Strawberry Seller – Hailie Crowder; Rose Seller – Sarah Cooper; Milk Maid – Hanah Reiff; Long Song Seller – Scott Ruth; Knife Grinder/Night Watchman/Chairman – Mike Cochran; Ballerina – Sydney Randall; Chorus – Sandy Azaroff, Cathy Bell, Paula Brazell, Mike Cochran, Sarah Cooper, Brodie Crowder, Elissa Crowder, Hailie Crowder, Diana Dailey, Macyn Danals, Linda Fargo, Doug Ford, Kelly Friedley, Sharon Gale, Andy Harper, Katie Haught, Melissa Hoffman, Blake Huffaker, Kris Kasotis, Judy Little, Matt Meade, Adam Radloff, Jackie Radloff, Schwen Radloff, Anna Rasmussen, Hanah Reiff, Isabel Ruth, Scott Ruth, Corrine Starks, Bill Tabbert, Moira Vaughn, Susan Wenig, Amanda Zucker
About Marion Online News
