Oliver! Brings New Directions for Sydney Company

Newly-founded St George Theatre Company (incorporating Rockdale Musical Society) will make its debut with one of Broadway and the West End’s all-time favourites, Oliver!

Lionel Bart’s legendary musical marks the debut of this new company. STGC incorporates Rockdale Musical Society. Rockdale’s more than 70 years of continuous creative work has included such recent productions as Hairspray, Avenue Q, Songs for a New World and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Oliver! will be staged at Hurstville Entertainment Centre from the 1st – 10th March 2013, the company’s first ever production of the show - and its first time in this venue. That’s just two of many more such ‘firsts’ as the company’s 2013 season extends its reach and its ambitions with a variety of shows (Happy Days in June, Downtown in September) at more exciting new venues.

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist, Oliver! is the story of a young orphan boy who wanted “more”. From the orphanage to the mean streets of London, the ever-optimistic Oliver strives to survive through thick and thin, meeting such memorable characters as Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sikes and the Artful Dodger along the way.

The show’s score includes “Food Glorious Food', 'Consider Yourself’, ‘You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two’, ‘I’d Do Anything’, ‘As Long As He Needs Me’, ‘Where Is Love?’ and many more.

The cast features Osman Kabbara playing Fagin, Charmaine Gibbs as Nancy, Andrew Symes as Bill Sikes, Geoff Gordon as Mr Bumble, Cathy Boyle as Widow Corney, Ralph Bott as Mr Brownlow, Malcolm Purves as Dr Grimwig and Graham Egan as Mr Sowerberry.

The title role of Oliver will be shared by Aiden McLeod (pictured right) and Oliver Noakes (pictured top) and the role of the Artful Dodger by Gus Noakes and Jack Paterson.  

Oliver! is directed by Col Peet, with Ste Casimiro (choreography), David Lang (musical director), James Worner & Fran Appleyard (costumes), Rodney Bertram (lighting) and Cameron Hissy (sound), and features a combined cast and orchestra of over 100.

St George/Rockdale president David Wood said he was thrilled to be bringing Oliver! to the Hurstville Entertainment Centre. “It’s perfect for audiences seeking a great night or afternoon out at the theatre - and it’s a wonderful opening to our big year… and our big plans.

“We’re delighted to bring such a brilliant cast of local stars and the cream of emerging local talent to the stage - and to introduce a new area of Sydney to the magic of theatre through the St George Theatre Company.

“We look forward to greeting new audiences and welcoming back old friends!”

St George Theatre Co (Rockdale Musical Society) presents OLIVER! 
Book, Music & Lyrics by Lionel Bart
Friday 1st March – Sunday 10th March 2013
Hurstville Entertainment Centre, 16 MacMahon Street, Hurstville

Tickets (booking fee may apply): Adult $35 Concession: $30 Child $25

Bookings online: www.rockdalemusicalsociety.com or phone: 1300 244 523

Images above of Aiden McLeod and Oliver Noakes by Grant Leslie, Perfect Images.

Osman Kabbara as Fagin - Photo by Adam Ring.

Toby Powick, Oscar Swan, Ben Moss and Frankie Perri.

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