University News

'Oliver!' Production July 12-14 at WIU Showcases Talent of Local Students

June 19, 2019

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MACOMB, IL – The College of Fine Arts and Communication at Western Illinois University has announced the second season of SummerStage, with performances of "Oliver!" Friday-Saturday, July 12-13 and Sunday, July 14, in Hainline Theatre.

The Friday and Saturday productions are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday performance is a 2 p.m. matinee. This summer's production is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance Hadey Kamminga-Peck. The cast is made up with students in fourth grade through high school, as well as local adults.

"This is my first production with SummerStage, and I am simply astounded by the talented people who have joined us on this production," said Kamminga-Peck. "'Oliver!' is a fascinating show that confronts a lot of serious issues, many of which are still present today, and this cast and crew have dived into the script and this story with such open minds and hearts - it delights me to work with them every night."

Music Professor Matt Bean is the show's musical director, Theatre and Dance Associate Professor Heidi Clemmens is the choreographer and Faculty Assistant Dan Schmidt is the stage manager.

The production is sponsored by Citizen's Bank, a division of Morton Community Bank, with support from the Performing Arts Society (PAS).

Local residents and youth in the "Oliver!" cast include:

• Mrs. Bedwin: Alexis Aurelio
• Mrs. Sowerberry: Becky Bean
• Charlotte: Dorothy Blome
• Charlie Bates: Matt Clanin
• Mrs. Brownlow – Old Sally: Nan Crossman
• Bill Sikes: Tom Engle
• Noah Claypole Grimwig: Morgan Johnson
• Mr. Bumble: Josh Keck
• Nancy: Jessica Patrick
• Mr. Sowerberry: Tim Roberts
• Oliver: Mathew Sadler
• Widow Corney: Susan Trusley
• Bet: Callie VanHootegem
• Fagin: Dan Woods
• Ensemble: Tyler Lucas, Mary McMurtery and Maya Stovall
• The Gang: Taylor Baldi, Delaney Bartlow, Nick Butcher, Addison Clow, Edan Clow, Boston Gentry, Mars Harroun, Hannah Hawkins, Harry Kennedy, Kate Killian-Johnson, Dahlia Lauer, Kayla Ratermann, Vida Schmidt, Alyssa Shockency and Karsyn Trusley
• Alternate: Ingrid Jones
• Assistant Stage Managers: Owen Horton and Kaelin Lopriore
• Scenic Designer: Steven House
• Costume Designer: Jeannie Galioto
• Lighting Designer: Josh Wroblewski
• Costume Manager: Rebel Mickelson
• Producers/House Managers: COFAC Dean and Interim Provost Billy Clow and WIU Department of Theatre and Dance Tammy Killian
• Videographer: Austin Thompson

"Oliver!" is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning show, also winning an Academy Award for best picture. Oliver is a malnourished orphan in a workhouse who becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. He escapes to London and finds acceptance among a group of petty thieves and pickpockets.

Tickets, $20 for general admission and $15 for senior citizens and students, are available by calling (309) 298-2900, or by visiting wiu.edu/cofac/summerstage.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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