Middle School Students Shine Bright in "Oliver! Jr."

 

The classic tale of a young orphan navigating the gritty streets of London came to life under the direction of MS teachers Michelle Berti and Lucca Troutman with choreography by Yeni Lucero. The stage was transformed into a bustling Victorian London, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Crü, who created a truly immersive setting.

 

The lead role of Oliver Twist was played by the talented Keenan L ‘30, who brought a unique blend of vulnerability and resilience to the character, capturing the audience's hearts with his powerful rendition of "Where Is Love?" The notorious Bill Sikes was brought to menacing life by Nathan S ‘29, whose stage presence was both captivating and chilling. Opposite him, Sahana C ‘29 delivered a poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of Nancy, her rendition of "As Long As He Needs Me" leaving a lasting impression. Of course, no production of Oliver! Jr. would be complete without the mischievous Artful Dodger, played with boundless energy and charm by Ellie L ‘29. Her playful interactions with Oliver and the rest of Fagin's gang, a lively ensemble of young performers, brought much laughter to the audience. The iconic character of Fagin was skillfully portrayed by Claire W ‘29, who balanced the character's cunning with moments of unexpected warmth.

 

Beyond the principal roles, the entire cast shone brightly. From the workhouse dwellers' spirited opening number to the lively market scene and the tense confrontations, each student brought dedication and enthusiasm to their performance. The musical numbers were a true highlight, with students delivering impressive vocal performances and energetic choreography. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Oliver! Jr. for a truly memorable and outstanding production. We eagerly await the next opportunity to see the incredible talent of our Middle School students on stage.