| Presented at Walnut Street Theater now through | | | | characters that make you love them instantly. Who |
| January 10, 2010, is One of Broadway's most beloved | | | | can resist a long haired man who makes you laugh |
| classic musicals of all time, Oliver! | | | | non-stop? |
| Synopsis: | | | | |
| This show brings to life Charles Dickens' timeless | | | | I was also impressed with Nancy (pictured below), |
| characters with its ever-popular story of the boy | | | | played by Janine Divita, and Artful Dodger, played by |
| who asked for more. The sensational score is full of | | | | RJ Fattore. Both of these actors possessed very |
| Lionel Bart's irresistible songs including "Food, Glorious | | | | strong stage presence and both singing and acting |
| Food;" "Consider Yourself;" "You've Got to | | | | ability. The character of Oliver, played by Sam |
| Pick-a-Pocket or Two;" "I'd Do Anything;" "Oom Pah | | | | Preston, on the other hand, was extremely weak |
| Pah;" "As Long As He Needs Me" and many more. | | | | and paled in comparison to the other children and |
| Oliver! promises to be one of the most spectacular | | | | other actors in this musical, but he shows promise. |
| holiday musicals to ever grace the Walnut's stage. | | | | |
| Tom from Walnut Street Theater was kind enough | | | | Third, the theater itself is not overly showy, and has |
| to provide me with two tickets to come review their | | | | an air of intimacy and quaintness. Downstairs are |
| most recent main stage show. | | | | small tables, surrounded by brick walls, mimicking a |
| Let me start with the set design and props. The | | | | coffee shop, inviting patrons to take a seat and chat |
| scenery was excellent and captured the essence of | | | | over a cup of coffee/tea while they wait for the |
| Dicken's Victorian London, or how I picture it to be. | | | | show to begin. On the second floor are walls lined |
| While I have not been to London myself, it’s | | | | with framed photographs, of what I assume are |
| how I envisioned Victorian London in Dickens’ | | | | former actors and actresses who have preformed at |
| time. | | | | the Walnut Street Theater. Among these |
| | | | | photographs were Tia and Tamara Lowry, from |
| Secondly, the acting was impressive. I was | | | | TV’s “Sister Sister” and their little |
| particularly impressed with several of the characters | | | | brother Tahj Lowry from TV’s “Smart |
| actors. Hugh Panaro (pictured below with Sam | | | | Guy”. |
| Preston/Oliver) was a stroke of genius as Fagin. He | | | | Overall, I would give this show a 4 out of 5. I was |
| did a fabulous job, and was very entertained by all | | | | impressed with everything about the show, sadly, |
| the mannerisms of Fagin. I was reminded of Johnny | | | | except the lead character’s acting and vocals. |
| Depp’s Character in the Pirates of the Caribbean | | | | It’s still well worth the trip into Philadelphia to see |
| film. They were both whimsical and hilariously funny | | | | this show! |