Director musters huge cast for 'Oliver!' in Fall River

By Donna Anuszczyk, Standard-Times correspondent

In the late 1830s, Charles Dickens created the character of an orphan boy named Oliver Twist. Today, the classic musical, "Oliver!" based on Oliver Twist, written by Lionel Bart, is performed onstage, capturing the hearts of its audience.

The Little Theatre of Fall River presents "Oliver!" tonight through Sunday at Bristol Community College. Bringing "Oliver!" to life is an extremely large cast of 134, including 80 children.

"We don't do that many shows that involve kids," says the musical's director, Jeff Belanger, "so I didn't want to turn anyone away." His motive is "to promote and encourage kids to come into the theater."

This Fall River man with a big heart and a lot of patience brings 35 years of theater experience to the stage. Usually a performer, with more than 200 shows to his credit, Mr. Belanger has been involved with Little Theatre for 20 years. This is his 10th performance sitting in the director's chair, and the largest cast he's ever directed.

"It can be a horrible experience," he says, "but this is not one." Mr. Belanger is extremely fond of his cast.

"Oliver!" is the story of an orphan boy and his quest for love. On his journey, he encounters obstacles that teach him about both love and hatred.

Matt Silva, an eighth grader at Case Junior High School in Swansea, originally tried out for the role of the Artful Dodger but, to his surprise, was cast as Oliver. Offstage, this 13-year-old is soft-spoken and polite. He says he enjoys watching movies, singing and acting.

"It's a way to express yourself," Matt says of acting. He'd like to pursue an acting career, "but it's not reliable," he knows.

Matt has performed in Case High School plays under the direction of Tom Marcello, who incidentally, portrays Fagin in the play. Fagin is the lovable villain who uses the orphan boys to pick the pockets of well-to-do passersby.

"I did this role 33 years ago," Mr. Marcello says. "It was one of my favorite roles. Now as an old man, I can appreciate it more."

Mr. Marcello teaches English at Case High School and is the director of theater there.

Fagin's No. 1 pickpocket is the Artful Dodger. Dodger is played by Jacob Miller, 12, a seventh grader from Somerset.

He says, "I like just being up on stage and being under the lights and meeting all the really cool people."

Like Matt Silva, Jacob also would enjoy an acting career. "I mean, who doesn't want to be in the movies?" he says. He, too, is aware it's a "long shot," but he could be on his way.

Mr. Belanger, a service administration manager at Office Max by day, says, " 'Oliver!' is not your typical musical. A woman is murdered. It's a modern-day story line set in the 1800s."

The woman murdered is Nancy, played by Taryn Mallard-Reid, 22, of Providence.

"It's always fun as an actor to have a death scene," she says. "When you're a kid you practice playing dead. It's an actor's dream."

Bill Sykes, Nancy's abusive lover, is portrayed by Ben Shea. Other stars in the show include Paul Allard as Mr. Bumble and Cathy Taitz as the Widow Corney.

For months now, the cast and crew have been rehearsing at the 88-seat Firebarn Theatre in Fall River, where smaller shows are staged. However, three times a year, Little Theatre takes its talent to the Margaret Jackson Arts Center Theater at BCC, seating 850. Already, nearly 2,000 tickets have been purchased for "Oliver!"

"Tickets are flying," says Mr. Belanger. "We're in the balcony for all four nights."

The BCC theater is equipped with wheelchair-accessible elevators.

"Oliver!" is a musical for all ages. You'll hear songs guaranteed to spark memories, such as "Where is Love?", "Consider Yourself," "Pick a Pocket or Two," "Who Will Buy?" and "As Long as He Needs Me."

Legions of kids sing, "Food, Glorious Food" holding empty cold metal bowls to their hearts, and in unison, bring them crashing to the floor.

Mr. Belanger has no complaints about working with so many children. He loves a full stage.

In the end Oliver finds love in a most unsuspected place. The conclusion is where all those associated with the play are striving for. With the end comes the applause and gratification of a job well done.

"I love it," Mr. Belanger says. "As a director, I get to stand back and appreciate the accomplishment. It's like watching a child at graduation." He has "raised something from start to finish."

"Oliver" will be presented ag 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday on the Elsbree Street campus in Fall River.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under 12. Call The Little Theatre ticket line at (508) 675-1852.

Photo by David W. Oliveira
Tom Marcello as Fagin instructs Matt Silva as Oliver. In top hat is Jacob Miller as the Artful Dodger. Ben Shea, portraying Bill Sykes, menaces Nancy, played by Taryn Mallard-Reid, in the Little Theatre of Fall River production of "Oliver!" opening tonight at BCC.

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