OLIVER! to Run 5/15-24 at Beck Center

Beck Center Youth Theater closes its 66th season with Oliver! May 15 - 24, 2015 on the Mackey Main Stage. Featuring 56 Beck Center students, audiences will follow the adventures of the young orphan, Oliver Twist, as he explores the streets of London. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. A special student matinee performance will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 21. Tickets are on sale now.

Based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens, this family-favorite musical includes the very famous quote, "Please, sir, I want some more." With music, lyrics, and book by Lionel Bart, this adaptation begins as Oliver runs away from the London warehouse where he was raised. Alone amongst the streets of London, he is soon recruited into a gang of juvenile pickpockets. Unaware of such unlawful activities, Oliver discovers that he is unfit for a life of crime. Join Oliver on his quest for family as memorable songs such as "Food Glorious Food" and "Consider Yourself" are brought to life by this talented young cast.

Patrick Ciamacco directs the cast of Beck Center student who range in ages 6 to 17. "With a cast made up of children and teens, Oliver! provides each of our actors a chance to shine in their own way," remarked Ciamacco. "It's not often you find a story that allows so many kids to play a character their own age, while allowing the teens to fully explore some deeper level character study." Together, this cast and director aim to create a realistic, emotional, and entertaining version of Dickens' classic tale.

This production of Oliver! is musically directed by Matthew Dolan and choreographed by Rebecca Frick. Tickets are $12 for Adults/Seniors and $10 for Children (18 and under) and may be purchased online at beckcenter.org or by calling 216.521.2540 x10. Discounted group rates are available for student matinees and can be scheduled by calling Customer Service Manager Rennie Tisdale at 216.521.2450 x28.

Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking is available. This production of Chicago is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. The 2014 - 2015 Youth Theater season is sponsored by First Federal Lakewood. Beck Center is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.

Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies, outreach education programming, and gallery exhibits featuring local, regional, and international artists.