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OLIVER!SHINES!

By Robin Pittis

I have been accused of damning Theatre Aquarius and all the other memorable characters from thewith faint praise in the past, and to be honest, the choice of Oliver! for their Holiday Family Musical struck me as a little uninspired. I was totally won over, however, and am repenting my Scrooge–like ways in true Dickensian fashion after seeing the production. The famous orphan who wants more is in very safe hands.
Skepticism wasn’t entirely unwarranted. This musical is so well loved that if it were a stuffed animal it would have no eyes and little stuffing. Warbling choruses of “Food Glorious Food”, “I’d Do Anything for You Dear...” seem to be heard anywhere there is an elementary school with a recital in the offing. The show is a classic among the many classic musicals to emerge in the 1960s, but let’s face it, that was almost half a century ago.
That being said, a classic is a classic for a reason. Aside from Lionel Bart’s devilishly catchy score, there is an onstage army of charm in the chorus of urchins and workhouse orphans, pen of the 19th century’s most marketable genius. No one in Victorian melodrama jerks a tear, or creates enragingly infamous villains like Dickens. He had dark times to draw from, and themes of poverty, urban decay and even physical abuse scuttle beneath the surface of this thoroughly cheerful and upbeat musical. Such themes are not a little timely in 21st century Hamilton.
New Artistic Director Ron Ulrich didn’t hammer that point home, though. The performances were nothing but charming and vivacious, which of course makes the pathos slip further into our hearts without us noticing right away. This show was clearly directed with unobtrusive craft and expertise.
Casting is a major and telling part of the director’s task, and Mr. Ulrich assembled an exuberant and experienced team. Onstage there was a terrific mix of seasoned pros, young upstarts, and local aspirants, as well as some friends from his years at the helm of the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. It's a delight to report that there were no particular stars that outshone the other cast members. On leaving the performance, what left an impression was how well they did as a whole.

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