Oliver

It's a classic Dickens tale, and it's a beautiful, funny, and touching story. Young Oliver is sold after asking for more food, then ends up on his own in London. He's taken in by a gang of rogues, but all is not as it seems to him. Wonderful story with music that is both lighthearted and heartbreaking at times. Nancy's tale is tragically beautiful. The characters form instant emotional connections. Run, don't walk, to your local performance!

I truly enjoyed your presentation of Oliver. I had seen the movie of Oliver when I was a child and your presentation caused me to recall many pleasant moments from that movie. I thought the scenery were great and enhanced the setting and the story. Casting of the correct actors is essential to the telling of the story. Your Fagan was great. Just the right mix of rascal and victim of his circumstances in life. The actor who played Oliver came across as so innocent and almost angelic. He was just the right actor to play opposite the Artful Dodger. Here we had portrayed before us innocence versus a crafty, street-wise urchin. The actor that played Bill Sykes personified pure evil. A man with no soul and compassion for his fellow man.

I would see this show again and again. I have loved Oliver! since I was very young. I was astounded at the actresses, actors and decorations. Just stunning!!!!

Great show, wonderful cast and children. Especially OLIVER and DOGER!

2 adults, one 7-yr old really enjoyed the performance and the expression of the songs. The voices were beautiful, the young performers outstanding for memory, timing, execution, costumes and expression. I think the actor who played Oliver could have been a bit more involved in his part in some scenes (eg., the bedroom scene at the grandfather's home) but, on the whole, his voice was excellent and clear. His best scene was the funeral parlor; he was really into it. The Artful Dodger was superb in all respects. Although he wasn't my favorite Fagin, his part was fairly well performed, as was Nancy's ( a beautiful chanteuse), and Bill Sykes, too. His final scenes proved to be toooo scary for our granddaughter, but I think she fell asleep during the murder. She woke up rather quickly for the curtain calls, however, so she may have been faking to prevent nightmares. A very good performance overall.

I took my two teenage daughters to Oliver. We absolutely loved it. Oliver was played by Gregory Smith and did a fantastic job. The entire cast was very well played. The musical numbers were a joy to listen to and watch. We thoroughly enjoyed this play.

WHAT AN INCREDILBE SHOW!!!!! We really enjoy the shows at the Walnut, cast was fabulous, looking forward to our next night there!!!!!

It was such a great and heart warming show! I went with my 9-year-old son, and he loved it too. Great voices, impressive costumes. Especially I was impressed by the the children-actors - they were all no older than my son, and it was late in the evening, and probably their second show that day, but they all played so well and worked really hard. The stage decoration was very well done, really depicting and adding to the whole story. Great, great job!!!!! Thank you very much!

I saw Oliver many times as a child/young adult growing up in the 60's-70's. It hit a chord then, as it does now. The Music was fantastic & memorable. The acting & singing was fantastic - especially Fagan, Nancy & DODGER!!!! But Oliver the boy actor was a little disappointing (couldn't quite hit those high notes). Overall - a FANTASTIC musical. LOVED all the children!!

WOW! What an amazing show and cast. I took my family and they loved it also. The acting was overall very good. A few of the actors were definitely show stoppers, Nancy and Mr. Fagin, to name two. The performance by the children was outstanding, they were the true show stoppers especially Sam Preston who played Oliver. He took that part and made it his own. He and the Artful Dodger played to each other very well. This role for Sam being his first made it that much more of a treat to see true talent and know you will see more of him in the future of theater. He's a natural. I'm also very observant of the Stage settings and props, it truly is amazing how they can create a street from London and make it come alive. You actually felt like you were there. The buildings also looked real, This is a show to share with the family. Hats off to cast and crew! Amazing! Thank you. DL

I was pleasantly surprise on the quality of the performance!

Comedy, drama, kindness, meanness, love, hate, sadness, joy -- it's all there! And great musical numbers to boot! Go see it!

Very professional actors - great music - great entertainment. You will not be disappointed !

The MCP production of Oliver was a success from start to finish. The production was chock full of ourstanding individual and ensemble performances backed up by a strong orchestra, effectives sets, period costumes and flawless technical execution. The production features a group of young thieves, led by the Artful Dodger, and under the tutelege of old Fagin, who bring young Oliver into their fold after his escape from the undertaker where he was sold into an apprenticeship. Oliver meets Nancy and brings out her maternal instincts which eventually leads to her double-crossing he boyfriend the evil Bill Sykes. Nancy;'s declaration of her love for Bill in the beautiful "As Long As He Needs Me", is one of the highlights of the show. As the story progesses young Oliver escapes from the thieves and is taken in by Mr. Brownlea who recognizies a strong resembles to his long lost daughter. We here the ensemble perform my favorite ensemble number in the show - "Who Will Buy" - that features solos by several strong members of ensemble. Unfortuately Oliver is recaptured by Sykes and brought back to Fagins den. Nancy runs back to Brownlea to tell him that she can return Oliver if he can meet her at midnight at the London bridge. This sets up the final conflcit between Nancy, Sykes, and Fagin. The show has excellent supporting performances from Mr. Bumblee, the proprietor of the workhouse where Oliver was raised, and the widow. Corney, and also the undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry and his wife. Their renditions of "I Shall Scream" and "That's Your Funeral" where well done and hilarious. Bottom line, Don't miss this show!

The tale did not change much from the original script and was beautifully enacted by local talent. I must say a few characters, including Dodger, stole the show. This family favorite is as enchanting today as it was in its beginning years ago.

We knew we would enjoy "Oliver" with it's "singable and familiar tunes"(as we knew the young man who played Oliver) but were impressed with the totally talented cast....no mistakes, everyone obviously enjoying the production, and with the excellent diction. It was wonderful! We feel lucky to have been there. We hope to see more productions like this.

What a wonderful job the McLean Players did with Oliver. Casting was great, with all the lead roles very well played and very believeable. The singing was top notch, and the choreography very good. A good set, the set changes were well done. Great performances by Nancy, Bill Sykes, Fabian, the Artful Dodger and of course Oliver.

This play was very professionally done and enjoyable.

First time at this theater, and I was instantly impressed with how spot-on the orchestra was-very professional. The best treat was the performance of the Artful Doger-that kid's voice was out-of-this world and his acting drew us in. Nancy was also incredible-that voice! Having lived in England the last 14 years, I found the accents hillarious-from Scouse to Cockney to North London...it was all over the place! (But at least they tried)

The play was very enjoyable, although, in my opinion a couple of the cast members weren't fit correctly for their roles. We definitely had a great time though and my 9 year old was ecstatic the whole time! I would recommend seeing it.

Oliver looked like he was pulled right out of the movie... he was angelic! And Fagen... better than the movie actor!!

It was simply amazing. Brady Tutton as Oliver is a bright and rising coming star.. His vocals are outstanding at his young age of 11. Every thing from the set, to the orchestra, the sound, the lights and the 30+ vocal cast was fantastic.....I give it a big 5 stars...

Enjoyable production for kids and adults. Very good adult leads, Great actor playing Oliver. A number of prop/mis steps being the opening weekend. Really is however worth seeing.

the singing & acting were excellent - we were really impressed by the caliber of the performance

I took my daughter to the Sunday matinee of Oliver looking for an enjoyable afternoon together and we were not disappointed. It was our first time visiting the Walnut Theatre and found it a cozy place to view a play. The performance extended beyond the stage so sitting in the orchestra section as we were just added to the closeness we felt in viewing the production. The performances were very good with Nancy, Fagin, and Dodger stealing the show. Surprisingly Oliver's performance was not very strong with the limits of his acting and singing range exposed against the strength of his co-stars. However, the play has so much more going for it that other aspects overshadow this minor shortcoming. The music and stage design were superb. If you have children and you are looking for a pleasant way to spend the afternoon or evening, Oliver delivers.

Very well done. Singing, acting, sets, costumes wonderful. A little scary at times for my kids (ages 8 & 10), but definitely memorable. Our first show at the Walnut and we will definitely return.

Unfortunately, the Walnut has a few seats which are right on the edge of "not being very good seats" and we had them. As things go, it set the tone for the event. The plus side was Fagin and the many others who were amazing.

I have seen Oliver done many times but never as great as this performance. The children were absolutely phenomenal! The cast was amazing and their singing brought me to happy tears. Way to go!

This production of "Oliver" was FANTASTIC!!! My husband , 15 year old daughter and I absolutely LOVED it!! I can't begin to praise the children. Each one should be very proud of their talent and obvious hard work. "Buddy" was adorable (my daughter wanted to take him home!!) The adults were wonderful also-----I won't state the obvious "Kids and Animals steal the show". Howerever, the adults don't have a thing to worry about! They were all terrific. "Bill Sykes" scared all of us!!! "Nancy" has some set of lungs!! Fagan is still disgustingly loveable. Keep up the Great Work "Walnut Street Theater"!!!! Screw the economy---no government can take your creative spirit away from any of you working so hard to keep the theater Alive and well!!

We enjoyed the show immensely - the children were great, and Fagin was phenomenal! The choreography was outstanding :)

Great show, well done! Hope they decide to do it again soon!!!!

The play was great. The music was really fantastic, Nancy had an incredible voice. Artful Dodger and Fagin lived up to my high expectations and Bill Sikes still scared me!

I particulary liked the children's cast in the first act. Unfortunely had to leave at intermission b/c the main bathroom was flooded The kid who pulled down Fagin's undwear made the show. I would suggest an extended run!

I very much enjoyed the show. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. Excellent, Bravo! However, I would like to comment on the Walnut Street Theaters refreshment prices. At the end of the show the actors asked for WST donations from the audience (which is not out of the ordinary). I have no problem giving to this wonderful cause however, after charging $29 (for a small mixed drink ($9), 2 sodas, one ice cream dixie cup, and one small pkg of candy), I thought that quite gutsie on the WST part to say the least. I would have given much more to this cause if WST hadn't charged a ridiculous amount for their refreshments. My suggestion to the WST; is to somehow make up the difference in the tickets and not at the refreshment stand.

The cast was amazing, the scenery, music! Oliver, and Dodger, Fagan, Nancy, everyone was unbelieveable,

Extremely well done. Upbeat. Very entertaining for individuals of all ages.

The sets & costumes were amazing! The performers were all very good, particularly RJ Fattori as the Artful dodger. The actor who portrayed Bill Sykes made Oliver Reed look like a pussycat!

I purchased these tickets as a gift to my wife ---- but it really opened a new world of entertainment to me... The play was spectacular, the cast was wonderful, and the theartre was very intimate. There is no doubt that my wife and I will return to see another event.

My husband and I was very delighted with the characters in the play and had a great evening in the city. we had dinner at La Scala's and then went to the theatre just in time for a great show.

We need four and a half stars. We attended the Saturday matinee of Oliver! The production was one of the best we've seen. Music and choreography were wonderful, and though all the actors were great, there were many talented performers who stood out even above the rest--Fagin, Dodger, and Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, to name a few. We highly recommend seeing this musical!

Oliver! was a fun, fantastic show. The music and dancing had us tapping our toes. The acting and characters were memorable. And the singing was amazing! Money and time well spent.

I took my 10 year old as well as her grandmother to the show and we all loved it. It was fast moving and very interesting every step of the way. The children were great and we absolutely loved bulls eye. We had a full house during the afternoon show but we could hear the entire performance. We plan to purchase a package in the near future to begin a new tradition within our family. Thank you for entertaining us!

Overall, the production of "Oliver" was very good. Outstanding performance by Hugh Panaro! As Fagin, Panaro's singing and dancing were exceptional and far superior to Ron Moody's film version. Janine Divita's interpretation of Nancy's heartfelt ballad, "As Long As He Needs Me" was a showstopper. A standout performance came from young RJ Fattori as the Artful Dodger! A commanding stage presence and strong singing and dancing abilities made him a delight to watch. Unfortunately, the weakest performance came from the title's character. Although Sam Preston bore a strong resemblance to the film version's Oliver, he could not sing the part and appeared to be merely standing on stage waiting for his cue to speak. He was too inexperienced and would have faired better as one of Fagin's Boys. I understand that the alternate Oliver, Gregory Smith, was much better in the role.

This production of Oliver! was disappointingly unoriginal. I was surpised when I saw the artwork for the production months ago that it was the artwork from the movie. But having seen it last night, I'm not surprised they copied the artwork, since they copied every possible other element from the movie as well. Costumes, choreography, and even blocking were unoriginal. Hugh Panaro does shine as Fagin, but even he is made up and dressed up to look just like Ron Moody. At best, he looks out of place because he is worlds better than anyone else in the cast. In the end, I agree with my husband's assessment that it wasn't bad enough to be interesting and not good enough to be good.

Cast did great job, accents seemed authentic to my American ear. Sound could be heard thoughout theater and yet not too loud and certainly clear. This live performance was better than any movie made of the same theme.

I am not sure who enjoyed it more - my six year old son, my 80 year ols parents or me ! It was highly entertaining and the cast of children was just wonderful. Fagan was the hit of the Show - I think we will see it again!

Fabulous! Loved every moment. The characters were very believable.

We saw Oliver on Dec. 23, and it was a perfect show to top off a day spent in Philly with visiting family from California. The understudy played Nancy that evening, and she was so good that I can't even believe that someone else plays the role on a regular basis. Fagin was unbelievably well done. The songs were great and we really enjoyed the play.

Oliver was such a treat and a first class production. Two grandchildren, ages 6 and 3, sat thru the whole show.

We felt that the musical was a great production but the child who played Oliver was very weak. Artful Dodger made the enitre show. Wow What personalty.... No we are not related. The ensamble was also good. Annie and Fagen were also entertaining.

It was wonderful. Great music that is very well sung. I loved it.

Totally enjoyed the entire performance Love musicals and this one is an all time favorite

An excellent production. All of the children were particularly good, but the standout was the boy playing Artful Dodger. The sets, costumes, choreography, staging, pace of the show, and the entire cast were perfect! My 9-year-old grandson really enjoyed it.

The play was wonderful. The scenery was very appropriate. The actors were cast appropriately. The children were fantastic in their individual roles. The play was very well done. Would see it again if the opportunity arose.

All seats in this comfortable theater have good sight lines. I was seated dead center in the last row (approx 14 rows from the stage). From that perspective, the orchestra was a shade too loud for some of the vocals (even though lead performers are miked). The Artful Dodger's cockney accent (essentially, a foreign language to most of us) was spoken so fast and so authentically, that his dialogue was virtually indecipherable. Some of the dramatic musical numbers felt rushed to me; I thought some texts called for more musicality and license with the tempo. Sets, lighting and choreography were impeccable.

This was an exceptional musical. The actors all fit their roles to a tee. My daughter loved this show and makes us want to see many more.

I couldn't believe 2.5 hours had gone by! The staging was very clever and the music just as great as I remembered. The entire cast was wonderful, but clearly Nancy (Heidi Kettenring) and Fagin (John Reeger) shone the brightest. Both Oliver and Dodger were terrific, as well, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed about a casting change. We heard so many great things about Brady Tutton as Oliver, it was a letdown to have his understudy (although, as I said, John Babbo did a fine job). Overall, it was a fantastic experience!

I brought my grandkids to see Oliver to enjoy this childhood favorite of my own. Acting was great, scenery great, singing was great! Only complaint we have is that the accent used was so heavy it was difficult to understand many times. Overall it was a good time

Young actors in the production exhibited great talent.

My wife and I drove 2.5 hrs from West Lafayette, IN to watch the show. Totally worth it.

It was hard to understand the actors on stage the especially the first 15 or so minutes. The English accent was so thick it was hard to make out what they were saying. I heard other people behind me saying the same thing during intermission. There were parts like that throughout the entire production where I could only make out parts of what they were saying.You want to be able to concentrate on the scene and not trying to make out what the words are. On the positive side the cast was wonderful. The singing and choreography were great. There were a lot of kids and this is a family favorite. If you especially like this story I think you would be delighted with this play. Just wasn't my cup of tea. This was a Mothers Day gift for my MIL.

We are friends with John Babbo, the understudy for Oliver, who was Oliver on the 17th and 18th. He was great and my daughter and her friends were intrenched the whole time.

Oliver was Great!!! The entire Family enjoyed it!!!

The acting, singing, and dancing by this cast was quite good. The woman who played Nancy did a particularly good job. This is a nice venue -- not tiny by any means, but small enough that all can see what's going on without difficulty. The only criticism I would have is that the cast did not acknowledge the pit orchestra and/or conductor during the bows. That should ALWAYS be done.

it amazes me that this theater does so much with so little!! i haven't seen a play there i haven't loved. OLIVER is wonderful!! the cast, the music, the sets. the kids were terrific; singing, acting, dancing were all spot on.the adult cast was also fabulous especially nancy and fagin.

Horrible play for families. Way too graphic - much of violence not necessary for story line. If you have children, do not see this play. Not appropriate at all. So disappointing.

The kids were great! Adults were great! Singing was amazing! I love their set decorations. The Drury Lane theatre is so perfect. It's a small venue but viewing is good from anywhere on the house! Also, PLENTY of leg room so your knees are not up to your chest when someone is crossing in front of you...... BRAVO!!! OLIVER!

I highly recommend seeing Oliver at Drury Lane Oak Brook. The kids definitely steal the show. It's the best show I've ever seen at this venue.

I was thoroughly amazed when I went to see "Oliver". It was truly enjoyable in every way. The actors, especially the children, really made this production. I remember seeing the movie when I was 19. This musical play was right up there with the Oscar-winning movie. I would highly recommend it!

i expected a high level of professionalism and talented singers and dancers for this performance (having seen another musical at drury lane years ago), but even i was surprised by every cast member. brady tutton, besides the strong vocals, played oliver with a wistfulness and an innocence that many children his age could not evoke. the major characters around him did not disappoint--everyone played up to their characterization without overacting and was very satisfying to watch. even the minor characters and ensemble's vocals and dancing were top notch--i was pleasantly surprised. such a wonderful performance is to be made a standard for every future "oliver!" production on stage. i would highly recommend this for everyone.

Lots of talent on the stage, the singing was great, and the production was fast paced. The theater was very nice. Well worth the money.

Oliver was wonderful. One of the best we've seen at the Drury Lane Oakbrook. Broadway quality performances.

I took two of my grandchildren to see it and both were standing applauding at the end. But then so was much of the audience. I've seen Oliver in Chicago and in London. This obviously is not as lavish but is still a fun musical. Audience was an interesting mixture of parents, grandparents, couples on a date, and retirees. All seemed to be very pleased with the perormance. The choreography was original and lively. Truly a play for everyone. Good does triumph sometimes!

Great all around!! The actors were fantastic! The set made you feel like you were there!

The children in Oliver were awesome. I did not like that the red head was killed, I don't think that was necessary to be included in the play.

They did an amazing job with the set; the props, lighting and sound really did lend to this being one of the greatest plays ive seen at the Drury Theatre. Absolutley a must see. The cast brought thier A game as well - the kids, the adults; everything was great!

Oliver was well planned and flawlessly executed. We enjoyed every moment as it was non stop action.

Oliver was very good, especially the children. Our seats were great but I didn't see a bad seat in the whole theatre due to the intimate size of the room.

An outstanding production with special nods to Oliver, Artful Dodger, Fagin and Nancy who all made my heart race with their professionalism and talents. Second to the youngsters who lit up the stage and showed expertise beyond their years (and not one EVER broke character...I checked)! :-) Music was fantastic, set design and scene changes flawless and once again...I will tell everyone I know to hurry and buy tickets before they're all gone.

What a great musical!! Wonderful acting and singing... enjoyed it very much.

Loved every second of it. The "Nancy" character was especially strong.

This was a beautifully performed show. The actors and actresses were astounding in their performances with one exception, the boy who played Oliver. That was very disappointing considering that he has the title role. I think they would have been smarter to cast the boy who played the Artful Dodger as Oliver and then cast a boy a few years older in the Artful Dodger role. Overall it was an extremely well produced show.

Overall, very enjoyable. Good story. Songs are great fun. Only complaint was that our Oliver performer was not up to the standards of the rest of the cast. Fagin and the Artful Dodger were terrific. Nancy was loud and a little shrill at times, but overall an enjoyable evening.

We took our two teenage daughters to see Oliver and we all enjoyed the performance very much. The actor playing the Artful Dodger was incredible and we could have listened to "Nancy" sing all night. The coziness of the theatre makes you feel as though you are part of the show. We highly recommend it.

Enjoyed Oliver, great cast, memorable event! thank you

Excellent performances and scenery. The children were amazing and the actor portraying Fagin was truly remarkable and believable.

Acting was fantastic, like seeing the movie. All the characters made the play enjoyable and kept up the pace. No boring stuff in this play. Would come to see it again.

It was a nice performance, but it was a bit flat. The big musical numbers lacked that special Broadway feel. The role of Oliver was very mediocre. Dodger was fantastic and it mAde Oliver look even worse.

Everyone one in the cast was superb. Fagin (Hugh Panaro), Nancy (Janine DiVita), The Artful Dodger (Brandon O'Rourke)..all had strong, clear voices. Mr. Panaro stole the show with his witty songs and beguiling manner. Ms. DiVita's strong, clear voice was exceptional. Of course, Mr. Bumble (Scott Greer) captivated us in the beginning with his voice and acting and the Widow Corney (Mary Martello) made us all stand up and notice her with her very strong voice. Oliver (Gregory Smith) stole my heart with his poignant voice and singing. I brought my 15 year old granddaughter who was enthralled. Everyone, all the children, the rest of the cast that I failed to mention, everyone was exceptional.

A Wonderful play for the entire family!!! I would recommend this play to everyone and I have. The ages in our group ranged from 12 - 79 and we all had such fun watching.

I took my 5 year old grandaughter - who loves live theater - we came from the suburbs into the city on the train - the show was great and the playhouse is an easy walk from the train station.

My grandson and I thought the play was terrific. The actor Panero as Fagan was marvelous, and although there were many talented actors, Panero was the center of attraction for me. The singing and choreography were great! I also loved the Artful Dodger and Bill Sykes, The dancers were excellent. Thanks for a marvelous play, as this was my 10-year old gransons first play.

Terrific! We go to shows all of the time and this was one of the best! Will subscribe to the Walnut!

Fine production, and the adult ensemble cast is first rate and wonderfully energetic. Kids are great too...but the young lad who played Oliver didn't make me really believe he was ready for this part.... Couldn't quite "sell" his role. Fagin too young for the part...a bit too glib...Nancy (Janine Divita) a fine actress with a good pair of pipes, but seemed to clamp down on her phrasing in some very important songs... I am also comparing the production to my memories of the original Broadway show I saw more than three decades ago.... the music holds up and is so singable. I would recommend the production for children, especially.

Oliver was performed well, with excellent acting, choreography and singing. It was billed as a family event, though, and there were many young children in the audience (including my two grandchildren). It was not appropriate for children, especially the final scene when a character (Nancy) was beaten to death and the murderer (Bill) shot dead by police. The fact that Nancy continued to love Bill despite his abuse of her was a terrible example for young children. Again, while this was a well done play, it should not have been billed as a family event.

Great music, great action, great cast! Don't miss it.

Fabulous show! The singing was topnotch, the staging exceptional; this show is fun for all. The children behind us were attentive the whole time. We adults were enchanted, too! Though we knew the story well, having seen the movie and heard the songs many times, I found this show was still fresh and fun!

Great family fun, just beware the misogynistic violence of Bill Sikes. Nancy's murder is a little disturbing. Hugh Panaro as Fagin steals the show! He is perfect.

A wonderful show for the kids and grown ups too. A great cast of characters and so many terrific songs. An event our family will treasure in our memories.

Oliver was delightful! The costumes and sets were amazing, the choreography was spectacular and the children were delightful - not to mention, Buddy, the dog! As always, the Walnut Street Theater delivered another wonderful evening of top-notch entertainment.