Oliver Jr. Shines on the KES Stage — Issue 25

“Consider yourself one of the family.”

 

Oliver Jr. was pure delight, passion, and energy on stage this past weekend. In the Broadway Jr. version of Lionel Bart’s classic musical, based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, director Toven Maclean wrote in the programme notes:

 

Is that not exactly how passion, purpose, productivity, and collaboration are meant to be?

Between scheduling rehearsals and accommodating snow days, the director and choreographer Rachel Timmermans, along with the cast, assembled a brilliant production.

 

The casting was superb, the singing terrific, and the lighting creative. Ensemble scenes contributed greatly to the magic of the production. Student actors portraying adult characters did so with honesty and integrity, while humour appeared throughout—sometimes in exaggerated height differences or costumes two sizes too large.

 

Several standout performances are worth highlighting.

Willoughby ‘29 executed her role with total dedication, demonstrating triple-threat talent in acting, dancing, and singing, and bringing depth to Nancy that is difficult to achieve as a Junior School student.

 

Maci ‘31 wholeheartedly embraced her character, bringing energy to every scene.

 

Thomas ‘32 tackled very challenging songs and monologues with flair, delightfully engaging the audience.

Fia ‘31 delivered wonderful acting while mastering a large number of lines, blocking sequences, and dance routines.

 

Sebastian ‘29 memorized extensive dialogue and delivered it clearly and consistently each night.

 

Farrah ‘30 gave a powerful performance as the villain, sending chills down the audience’s spine.

 

Ruari ‘29 delivered several beautiful vocal solos paired with strong acting.

 

Harper ‘30 assisted with choreography and performed it exceptionally well.

 

Well done to everyone involved—it was pure entertainment. Bravo!