Photo Flash: First Look at the Cast of Forestburgh Playhouse's OLIVER!

Directed by Trent Blanton, this production aims to give Oliver a grittier, more down to earth feeling than people are used to seeing while still staying true to it's musical theatre roots. The Forestburgh Playhouse was founded in 1947, and is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre in New York State. Dubbed the "Miracle of the Forest," close to 30,000 patrons attend various performances every year and the growth shows no signs of slowing down. As The Forestburgh Playhouse approaches its 69th season, under the new leadership of Producer Franklin Trapp, it continues to thrive and make summer nights special for residents and visitors alike.

Perfect for the part of Oliver is young Jeremy Michael Lanuti. Talented both in song and dance, his performance is soft and gentle, giving realism to the role of a melancholy orphan, and the poignant "Where Is Love" will bring tears to your eyes. - Carol Montana (Times Herald Record)

Two people I really liked were Trista Moldovan as Nancy and Michael Yeshion as Bill Sykes. I don't think I've ever seen anybody embody Bill Sykes like Michael Yeshion did. His opening number "My Name" was every bit as threatening and fierce as every subsequent action he performed or word he spewed. He pulled that billy club out and handled it like a real thug, ready to use it at a second's notice. He played a fantastic bad guy as proven by the boo's he received during his curtain call. A great bit of acting. - Bill Moloney (Sullivan County Democrat)

Cast:

Jeremy Michael Lanuti (Oliver), Trista Moldovan (Nancy), Jonathan Brody (Fagin), Michael Yeshion (Bill Sykes), Kayla Matters (Artful Dodger), Jefferson Behan (Mr. Bumble), Liane Zielinski (Widow Corney), Ellen Pavloff (Mrs. Sowerberry), Cody Cooley (Mr. Sowerberry), Tommy Betz (Noah), Marina Laurendi (Charlotte), Marissa Girgus (Bet), Steve Davis (Mr. Brownlow), Alex Drost (Dr. Grimwig), Missy Marion (Old Sally).

Ensemble/Londoners:

Tristan Buettel, Hattie Lain Marks, Abbey Sierekowski, Chiara Trentalange, Justin Bergson, Hunter Brown, Ezekiel Edmonds, Matthew Lynn, David Visini

Photo Credit: Michael Yeshion