Local theater company to perform ‘Oliver' at Lycian Centre Pavilion in Sugar Loaf

SUGAR LOAF—Oliver asks for a little more food at the workhouse, and his troubles begin. Set to music, "Oliver," a musical written by Lionel Bart, is based on Charles Dickens' famous story of an orphan boy who runs away, meets a street character called the Artful Dodger and joins a pick-pocket gang run by another character named Fagin. "Food glorious Food," and "Where is Love," are two of the musical's popular songs. Next Stop Broadway Productions, a Musical Theatre Production Company from Warwick and Pine Island, will present "Oliver" at the Lycian Centre Pavilion in Sugar Loaf on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 to 24, and the following Saturday and Sunday, July 30 to 31. Matinee and evening performances will be held on all four dates. Saturday performances are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Performances on Sundays are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cast of 29 children and 18 adults are under the direction of Sergio Candido. This is Next Stop Broadway's second full musical production in the New York area. "It is promising to be as successful as ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' our last production," said Kathie Andreas, president of Next Stop Broadway Productions. "When we presented Joseph, each night at the Lycian Pavilion proved to be a big success. In addition to the pre purchased tickets, we had lots of off-the-street walk ins who heard about the quality of our production by word-of-mouth." Next Stop Broadway also conducts acting classes and acting camps. There are still a few slots open for its summer camp program, which runs the last week in July and the first week in August. The camp includes stage direction, costuming, set and prop building, as well as a full stage performance at the close of the two-week session at NSB's Pine Island Studio. During the first week of August, the Theater Company will also be auditioning for an October presentation of "Jekyll and Hyde." "We're fortunate to have such talented people in this area," said Andreas. "Once again, I'm proud to have put together a production company that focuses on musical theater that everyone can enjoy." Advance ticket sales are recommended. Prices are adults, $20, students and seniors, $18. Groups of 20 or more pay $15 per person. For tickets or more information, call 738-2391.