The Newnan Theatre Company will hold its final performances of their 2006 holiday production, “Oliver!” this weekend. The show, which opened December 2, has been so popular that the company has added a matinee performance to this final weekend. “Food Glorious Food” and “Where is Love” are just two of the popular songs you can hear this weekend from Lionel Bart’s lively musical based on Charles Dickens' “Oliver Twist.”

"Please sir, I want some more!” This innocent request lands the orphan Oliver in trouble with the workhouse Matron and the Beadle and sets him on his famous adventure. He is sold to a local undertaker, but runs away and soon falls in with the Artful Dodger who invites Oliver to “Consider Yourself” one of us! Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin, a respectable old gentleman and leader of a gang of juvenile pickpockets. Fagin and his young proteges set out to “Pick A Pocket or Two” and take Oliver along, but Oliver is quickly arrested and taken before the magistrates. When it is determined Oliver was an innocent bystander, Mr. Brownlow, the victim of the crime, takes Oliver in. Fagin’s thief Bill Sikes is afraid Oliver will give away their set-up and sends his girlfriend Nancy to get Oliver back. Eventually Oliver is restored to Mr. Brownlow, who it seems just happens to be his grandfather.

Newnan Theatre Company’s production features a cast of 47, and includes two actors portraying Oliver, a boy, Nicholas Anderson, and a girl, Anna Marie Smith; and two women sharing the role of Nancy, Ellen Sturgill and Michelle White-LaCroix. Local favorite Todd Key brings the miser Fagin to life and utilizes his juggling and object manipulation skills in the show as well. The cast ranges in age from 4 years old to well over forty, and the choreography is handled by Rachael Shaw, with music direction by Becky Clark. Directing this production is NTC’s Artistic Director, Dave Dorrell.

The production is sold out for Friday’s and Saturday’s gala performances as well as Sunday’s matinee. However, tickets are still left for the recently added matinee, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors (55+). For reservations, call 770-683-6282 or email ntct@numail.org.

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