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Oliver!  
Thursdays-Sundays through January 30, 2011
8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays
Huntington Beach Playhouse Library Theater
7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach
714.375.0696 :: hbph.com

I’ve spent a lot of time in Surf City lately. My son was fortunate enough to earn a part in the ensemble cast of Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver!, the Huntington Beach Playhouse’s 2011 season opener. His first venture into community theater, we discussed the schedule and the sacrifices both of us would need to make to take on a show like this during a school year. No reservations, chauffer and actor both signed on for the commitment.

Evening and weekend rehearsals began right after Halloween, and I fine-tuned my commute, alternating between surface streets at rush hour and the freeway during the off hours. Homework and meals were often administered in the back of the car. No ski trips or vacations planned, as rehearsals continued through the Christmas and New Year’s holiday break.  

Thirteen children ranging from five to 14, along with eight men and 10 women have shared this hectic schedule for the last two-and-a-half months. They come from all over: Long Beach, Orange and Los Angeles Counties. I was careful not to complain about my 20-minute commute after hearing gridlock horror stories from one cast member who treks from Torrance.

Veteran Director Larry Watts has made the commute to Huntington for the past four musical season openers for the playhouse. Not only is he a skilled director and choreographer, he also owns a costume shop, well stocked with wonderful Victorian costumes, which he generously shared with the entire cast. He is patient, focused and theatrically astute. Many of the cast members have worked with Watts several times before, exemplifying the loyalty and respect the actors have for Watts.

Music Director Mike Walker is another seasoned professional who has spent the last few weeks working with the cast, teaching and honing the score. He is a talented performer in his own right, and directs with a sense of humor and joy. The actors are challenged to perform with pre-produced music tracks sans floor monitors or head mics. All 30 cast members rise to the challenge and take their turns singing, dancing and acting their ways through such famous tunes as “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “Who Will Buy?,” and “Oom Pah Pah.”

Then there are the actors; a varied crew of talented kids and adults. Although the play is headed by the orphan boy Oliver, played sweetly by the talented 11-year-old Austin Kelly, there are several stars in this show. Fourteen-year-old high school freshman Daniel Zimmerman skillfully plays Dodger. Both Kelly and Zimmerman commute from Palos Verdes to reprise these roles, having been in previous productions of the play.

Leading lady Adriana Sanchez plays the battered, kind-hearted Nancy, who protects Oliver from her evil boyfriend, Bill Sykes, portrayed by Brian McFadden. Sanchez is a pro at this, having starred in many of Watts’ productions. She has a powerful, crowd-pleasing voice, which is featured in many of the show’s signature songs. Her female sidekick, Bet, is played beautifully by Jeanean Naqvi, who also lends her strong voice to “Who Will Buy,” as the strawberry seller.

The Berglund clan plays several important roles in this production. Claudia Berglund is the chief costumer, Patrick and Mark Berglund play Dr. Grimwig and Noah Claypole, respectively. The patriarch, Stefan Berglund, fittingly plays Fagin, the father of all thieves, and he plays it brilliantly. He projects Fagin’s personality and physicality as if they were his own, and he performs with conviction and a bit of tomfoolery.  Stefan also acts as a dad to all the players, making weekly Costco runs to get water and snacks for the green room.

Mary Hall channels her inner harpy as the dreadful Mrs. Sowerberry, berating John Francis, who portrays the browbeaten Funeral Director Mr. Sowerberry. Lauren Cicerone deliciously plays the sassy Charlotte Sowerberry.

Marvelous voices and approach are exemplified in the performances of the Widow Corney, played by Jessica Schlenz and Mr. Bumble, performed by Gavin Quan. This duo adds some comedic moments to the show. A converse relationship between Mr. Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin illustrates unrequited love, and is portrayed skillfully by John Roberts and Laurie Hancock. While Roberts and Hancock’s performance is intentionally subtle, Quan and Schlenz ham it up with some calculated hilarity.

Shout-outs to the ensemble cast, which are the glue of the production, and very talented in their own right: sopranos Rosa Ferreira and Taylor Lynn, skilled thespian Rodrigo Rodriguez, musical theater up-and-comers Emily Turner and Brooke Wood comprise this important group of players.

Then there are the kids! Grant Durazzo, DJ Price, Will Kelly, Charlie Sabovich, and Matthew McCarthy are the hungry workhouse orphans who playfully sword fight with their wooden spoons. Their older counterparts on the other side of town in Fagin’s gang are played by Austin Padilla, Shea Durazzo, Jacob and Joseph Holmes, and Griffin Runnels.

Production staff for this large undertaking is a diminutive group of hard-working individuals. Chris Mertan has the sometimes thankless job of resident stage manager, Candice Clasby on props, John Hyrkas, lights, Andrew Otero, sets, and Dan Baird, sound. The producing credit is shared by Beverly and Daniel Lucero and Mike and Chris Grisey.

Check out this classic musical and support one of coastal Orange County’s biggest community theaters. You will be left begging for more, please!