Review: ‘Oliver!’ now playing at Terrace Plaza Playhouse
Terrace Plaza Playhouse presents “Oliver!”
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist (1838)
directed by Susan Wilhelm
Runs through May 30
terraceplazaplayhouse.com
REVIEW | THEATER
Production images courtesy of Terrace Plaza Playhouse
“Oliver!” is famous for its songs; many of them you know by tune if not by heart. First thing as the curtain goes up are the orphans singing about “Food! Glorious Food!” You won’t be disappointed here, as the orphans and the pickpocket kids will steal your heart. Remember, this is a story about hungry kids coerced by older men into doing their dirty business. This story is too true today, although the crimes today are committed BY adults with children.
This whole production takes place on stage with set and projection design by Bryant Larsen and Technical Director Miland Palmer (offstage serves as chair of the WSU School of Health Administrative Services). They and their crew take an essentially blank box and fill it with the appearance of actually being there in the scene. Their images are chosen with care and adapt to the house perfectly. This is like a jeweler creating a bezel for a beautiful gem. They create the exact space to make the gems on stage look like a million bucks.
Oliver, of course, is so sympathetic, regardless which actor is playing the role, as they alternate. “Where is Love” sounds so fragile coming from a discarded but hopeful young boy.
Stand out performances by Mr. Bumble (Adam Johnson) and Widow Corney (Carla Zarate) were over the top. They represent the Epstein Elite to a T: bombastic, mean spirited, overdone, ridiculously overdressed, etc., etc. If they don’t make you mad, check yourself for empathy for the poor. This is Carla’s second chance at this role. The original Terrace production was cancelled because of Covid.
This story is not only about the plight of orphans and the poor. It covers domestic abuse pretty clearly, right down to Nancy’s violent murder at the hands of a horribly, frightfully, terrible Bill Sykes. His voice is enough to kill.
Katelyn Webb’s (Nancy) program bio “ . . . acknowledge the deeper themes within this story and encourages anyone affected by domestic violence to seek support. You are not alone.”
Danny Hall (Bill Sykes) includes in his program bio: “If you are suffering from domestic violence or abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-723e, text BEGIN to 8878 and/or call the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at 800-897-LINK (5465) Help is available 24/7 and you deserve to feel safe and loved in your relationships.”
Street vendors, orphans, pickpockets, and the ensemble tie this together and once again, they don’t get the individual notice they deserve. However, there is one character of unique interest: Jim Tatton (Dr. Grimwig) performed this same role at the Terrace 28 years ago!
I love the message sent to the company, most of which are at the very beginning of their theatre life:
“Bringing ‘Oliver!’ to life on your stage has been a joyful reminder of why stories endure across generations. At its heart, this beloved musical is about resilience, compassion, and the enduring hope for belonging — ideas that feel just as meaningful today … Because of your work, this production has become more than a musical. You have given it texture, spirit, and humanity … Every rehearsal, every note, every entrance, every costume change, every shift backstage, every small act of support for one another has helped build something memorable … That kind of work does not happen by accident. It happens because this cast and crew showed up with dedication, creativity, and tremendous heart.” (There’s more but get what I’m talking about here.)
This play has real meaning in today’s world. Children are afflicted by the rich. They need to be rescued. Theatre as a vehicle for social commentary is working here AND it includes great tunes. You’ll fit right in when all those kids tell you “Consider yourself at home. Consider yourself one of the family.”
The Terrace Plaza Playhouse continues to promote our family of theatre lovers.