Oliver! at Beverly Arts Center

The Beverly Arts Center proudly presents Oliver!, the Tony Award-winning musical based on Charles Dickens’ beloved novel. This high-energy production, with its sweeping songs and poignant storytelling, runs August 28 through August 31, 2025, on the Baffes Theatre stage.

Set in gritty Victorian England, Oliver! follows young orphan Oliver Twist on a journey from a bleak workhouse to the bustling streets of London as he searches for family, connection, and love. Along the way, he meets the clever Artful Dodger, the manipulative Fagin, the menacing Bill Sikes, and the warm-hearted Nancy — characters who illuminate both the darkness and hope in Oliver’s world.

With timeless numbers like “Food, Glorious Food,” “Where Is Love,” and “As Long As He Needs Me,” this production delivers humor, heart, and a message that still resonates today: every child deserves to be seen, safe, and loved.

“We’re thrilled to bring Oliver! to our stage this season,” said Dr. Carla Carter, Executive Director of the Beverly Arts Center. “It’s a show that tugs at the heart but also uplifts the spirit — and with such a rich score and layered characters, it continues to resonate across generations. What makes this production even more special is that we’re offering high-quality theater right here in the heart of the South Side, where families, neighbors, and friends don’t have to travel downtown or pay for parking to experience something magical. We believe theater should be affordable, accessible, and joyful — and Oliver! is all of those things.”

“Directing Oliver! is a dream,” said Scott Sowinski, the show’s director. “At its core, it’s a show about finding hope and kindness in a harsh world — something we all long for. Our cast of more than 70 actors from across the Chicagoland area and creative team are pouring their hearts into every scene, and we’re excited to welcome audiences into this powerful journey.”

In addition to featuring a large and diverse cast, this production of Oliver! is made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. This funding supports the hiring of high school students in key backstage and production roles, providing them with hands-on training and meaningful exposure to the arts. The IDHS grant also funds our Youth Theatre programming and our internship and apprenticeship initiative for high school and college-aged students — a vocational, immersive training experience in theatrical production. Participants gain real-world skills in set design and construction, lighting and audio engineering, stage management, and costume design.

Performances will take place on Thursday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 30 at 3:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 31 at 3:00 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center’s Baffes Theatre, located at 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL 60655. Tickets are $40 for non-members, $36 for BAC members, and $20 for students enrolled in the School of Fine Arts. Tickets can be purchased online at thebeverlyartscenter.com/event/oliver or by calling the BAC Box Office at (773) 445-3838.