Little Theater's 'Oliver!' is superior

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

When English orphan Oliver Twist sings the plaintive question, "Where is love?", at least 500 people filling the Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center at Bristol Community College this weekend will be tempted to rise to their feet, open their arms and say , "Here!"

The Little Theatre of Fall River kicks off its 65th season with a powerful bang in a rousing and inspiring production of Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" It is a huge and absorbing show directed with verve and enthusiasm by Jeff Belanger.

A cast of more than 130 people is led by Matt Silva as the hapless Oliver, Jacob Miller as the seasoned Artful Dodger, Taryn Mallard-Reid as Nancy and Ben Shea as Bill Sykes.

Case High School drama director Tom Marcello joins the ranks to portray an incredibly miserly Fagin, stalking the stage and its actors in a sorcerer-like robe, as the infamous professional recruiter of orphan pickpockets. Veteran Little Theatre and community theater actor Paul Allard invests his special brand of fun and pomp in the character of Mr. Bumble, paired with the mock sophistication of Cathy Taitz as the Widow Corney. Chris Lynden and Jan Pieri-O'Shaughnessey team as the perfectly polished Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry.

Individually crafted performances of note also rise from Ben Ward as Noah Claypole, dealing with real-life younger sister, Becky, in a convincing portrayal as street-wise Charlotte. (Also search for Dr. Laura Bomback, chiropractor extraordinaire, in a most unlikely posture!)

There is power in numbers in this show, but the many participants are not merely stage dressing. Each and every cast member is tuned into the action and part of its delightful result.

In the sympathetic and down-trodden character of Nancy, we see hope and light and a mesmerizing spirit which propels her forward. She is truly a product of her environment, and truly a product of her abusive relationship with Bill Sykes.

Taryn Mallard-Reid wandered into the Little Theatre realm for auditions and the organization hopes she never finds her way out! Ms. Mallard-Reid is a formidable presence, a hot property; sexy, sultry, graceful and a magnificent vocal talent.

Her delivery of "As Long As He Needs Me" is show-stopping, heart-racing material.

She belts out the piteous lyrics in a deep, husky voice, as though her life depended on it -- and for Nancy, it does. She is matched in stage intensity with the swaggering, raw nerve of Bill Sykes. Mr. Shea's portrayal is all form and bravado, setting us up for a tragic end to their relationship.

The score contains such memorable numbers as "Food, Glorious Food," "I Shall Scream," "Where Is Love" the rousing tune "Consider Yourself," "Who Will Buy?" "It's A Fine Life," "Oom-Pah-Pah," "I'd Do Anything" and others.

Outstandingly pleasing costume design (Fran Petisca), set design by Jeff Belanger and crew, tight musical direction by Jane Fiore-Bigelow and choreography by Janice MacDonald make this a unified production, delightful and exciting for the entire family.

The Little Theatre of Fall River production is sold out.

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