Fox, Glorious Fox!

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

“Who will buy this wonderful feeling?”

With wintery London as its setting, “Oliver!,” now playing at the fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta is a great way to usher in the holiday season. A wonderful show for both adults and children, the 44-year old musical still ranks as one of the best of theatre experiences.

Let’s “review the situation,” as the incorrigible Fagin sings in the celebrated musical version of Charles Dicken’s novel “Oliver Twist.” Premiering at the Albery Theatre on June 30, 1960 with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, “Oliver!” is overflowing with memorable songs, wonderful characters and a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The show went on to play 744 performances at the Imperial Theatre in New York City and in 1968 was made into a film directed by Carol Reed. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning best picture and director, the movie starred Mark Lester, Ron Moody, Jack Wilde, and Oliver Reed.

The current cast of 50 includes 17 children and one dog, Bullseye, belonging to the universally despised Bill Sikes, played by Shane Tanner. Blanca, the bull terrier playing Bullseye was rescued from a shelter in Indianapolis where she was a pup of divorce and banished to the garage for two years.  Blanca now travels in her own, customized, SUV with her trainer Bill Berloni.

Nine year old Ryan Tanner, one of the youngest cast members, plays little Oliver along side Andrew Blau, age 14, as the wily, street smart Artful Dodger. In the role of Fagin is Mark McCracken, with Renata Renee Wilson as Nancy.

Jimmy Flannery who plays both Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker and Dr. Grimwig said the current production is partly based on the 1948 David Lean film and the Cameron Mackintosh1994 revival.

“It’s a little darker than the original musical,” he said.

Even so, Flannery says, “The audiences are amazing. Its great to see a child’s face lit up with the magic of theatre.” A friend suggested Flannery try out for the role of Fagin which eventually went to McCracken. Luckily for the audience, Flannery embodies Mr. Sowerberry with sinister delight as he sings “That’s Your Funeral.”

A veteran of the stage, Flannery has been in the Off Broadway produciton “Eurydice,” a regional version of “Titanic,” The Who's “Tommy” staged by Scott Wise, “Victor/Victoria,” “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom!” and appeared in the film, “The Sunsetters.”

The show is being directed by Graham Gill, who appeared in “Oliver!” at the age of 13. The choreographer is by Geoffrey Garrett, with scenic design by Adrian Vaux, lighting design by Jenny Kagan, orchestrations by William David Brohn, costume design by Anthoiny Ward, sound design by Peter Grubb, and original music staging by Matthew Bourne.

With over 20 great familiar songs, including “Food, Glorious Food,” “Boy For Sale,” “Where Is Love,” “Consider Yourself,” “You’ve Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two,” “Be Back Soon,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” there is much to sing about in Atlanta this week.

Performance times are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 1 p.m. and Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or by phone from Ticketmaster 404-817-8700, at any Ticketmaster location or at the Fox Theatre box office 404-881-2100 Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discounts for groups of 20 or more are available by calling 404-881-2000.