Eighteen year old Peachtree City resident, Sarah Stitt, has been performing in local theater productions since she was 10 years old. Through the years she has played some very diverse supporting roles: she’s been a magic mirror, a mom, a mermaid, a bearded woman, a harem girl, a bird girl, a narrator, a wicked step-sister, a radio singer, a drunken bar maiden and even a male revolutionary war soldier. Each part was interesting and learning experiences unto itself; but none of them were considered a female ‘lead’ role. Sarah will finally get her chance to perform a leading role In the Twilight Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “Oliver!” when she will perform the role of Nancy, the abused girlfriend of robber Bill Sykes.

Ironically, the first actress to play Nancy was British actress, Georgia Brown, who took her stage name from the 1925 song Sweet Georgia Brown, which is about another girl from Georgia. Actress Georgia Brown received critical and public acclaim for her portrayal of Nancy in Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! in the West End of London. She earned a Tony Award nomination when she reprised the role of Nancy in the 1963 Broadway production.

Stitt isn’t hoping for any award nominations for her performance as Nancy, but she is enjoying the opportunity to take a leadership role in the production of numerous children and adults.

“Sarah is a conscientious performer who is always attentive at rehearsals and prepared to assist the production in any way she can,” said director Alison Chambers. “A versatile and talented performer that I’ve had the pleasure to work with many times before, Sarah is taking risks and raising the bar for this performance.”

Stitt will be wearing a costume she made herself, having researched the style for authenticity and period appropriateness. Without giving away the “Oliver!” story, Nancy is pivotal in demonstrating the evil nature of the Bill Sykes character.

“It has been lots of fun to choreograph the fight scenes, and I am looking forward to showing people how intense I can be on stage,” said Stitt.

Stitt appreciates the opportunity that Twilight has given her to have this lead role and looks forward to future theatrical opportunities down the road.

“Oliver!” the musical will be performed by the Twilight Theatre at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City on July 24, 25, 31, and Aug. 1. Curtain is at 8 p.m., and gates open at 7:40 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission, $13 for students, senior, military personnel and tables of 6 are available for $125.

Tickets can be purchased from cast members and at Mimi’s Fine Foods in Peachtree City. Visit www.TheTwilightTheatre.com for other locations.

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