July 3rd is the opening day for an updated version of Dickens Oliver!
The reworked Broadway classic serves up plenty of fun alongside its cruel poverty, doing so with a steampunk take on the tale of an orphan boys sojourn from workhouse to mean streets to loving home while managing to stay true to the material, including beloved songs like "Food, Glorious Food" and "Consider Yourself"
Steampunk is officially defined as a sci-fi genre that features ye olde steam-powered machinery, but blends elements of Victorian and modern fashion to create a mixed-up aura of eras. Think Helena Bonham Carters wardrobe and you get the idea.
The industrial looking set (by David Schappert) is straight out of a penny dreadful, using metal scaffolding as a base, then uses lighting and detail to switch from the workhouse to the sewers that Fagins pickpocket urchins call home, then the Three Cripples Public House and the well-appointed house of Mr. Brownlow.
Ethan Flanagan plays Oliver with endearing shyness, while James Carroll portrays the crafty Artful Dodger.
Equity actor Jerry Durkin is the pickpocket wrangler Fagin and he is joined by Patrick McGuire as Bill Sykes, Maria Salerno as Nancy and Jeremy Hillgert as Mr. Bumble (Mr. Hilgert is also an Equity actor).
Rounding out the cast is Sara Ferguson, Scott E. McIntosh, Midge McClosky, Annalee Paige, Aran Abilock Clemmons, Joseph Ferraro, Patti Ising, Mackenzie Maula, Sarah Landstrom, William Brazdzionis, Lori Flanagan, George Schwenzer Samuel Kashefska, Meaghan Lawlor, Megan Fry, Marc Bernal, Alex Cooke, Johanna Gelbs, Arianna Jacobs, Kristopher Sanchez, Majaija Spears, Matthew Trezza, Bobby McClosky, Maura Dempsey, Timothy Humphreys, Michaela Raub, Emma Flanagan, Reagan Brown, Catherine Ferguson, Gabe Ferguson, Sophia Ferguson, Abel Hernandez, Seth Kashefska, Billy McClosky, Jack Sillman, Emmaus Spears, Aidan Raub, Connor Vitale, Alicia Witcraft, Ella Kirkwood, Nicola Kirkwood, Nora Kirkwood and Cecily Kirkwood.
Music director is Amy Rau, costumer is Loree Fry and stage managers are Emily Cioc and Ariana Domeraski.
Performances will be 2pm July 3, 8, 17, 23, 26, 29 August 5, 9, 14, 19, 27 8pm July 3, 8, 11, 18, 22, 29 August 1, 5, 12, 22, 26, 29.
Ticket Prices are $28 Adults $25 for Seniors over 55, AAA Members and Military $15 Children 12 and under.
Ticket prices do not reflect ticketing fees.
To reserve tickets please call the Shawnee Playhouse Box Office at 570-421-5093
or visit the website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com