Oliver! Who Will Buy?

While many may buy into this cutesy, community quality production, Cameron Mackintosh may need to go back to the drawing board or at least back to the Dickens novel to retrieve and revive this classic treasure.

The kids are talented enough as an ensamble. An oversized cast truly adds life to the big, colorful numbers "Consider Yourself" and " Who Will Buy," which are packed with action and solid choreography. But unfortunately this is about as entertaining as this latest adaptation gets. I found myself asking, " Please sir, I want some more."

The adults offer little to admire or detest and lack any depth of character that we so enjoy about this beloved tale. Perhaps we have seen one too many wonderful stage and film versions of this bittersweet musical.

The Sowerberry's (Jimmy Flannery and Kimberly Martin) labor on in a melancholy fashion and the comedic team of Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney (Ken Clement and Gwen Eyster), never quite connect as well as one would hope. Much of the first act struggles and lingers far longer than it seems.

The title role of Oliver is played by Justin Pereira. Pereira sings the role sufficiently but lacks the ability to draw out much emotion from the audience, or at least not this audience member. While sweet to look at, he is simply not gutsy or charming or pulled at any heartstrings to make me want to buy this " Boy For Sale."

Oliver's young pickpocket, peer "Artful Dodger" (Andrew Blau) plays his part with joy and enthusiasm and is by far the single most delightful cast member to watch.

Renata Renee Wilson makes her post-college debut as Nancy and does so with a glorious voice. Sadly, she seems a bit too focused on her vocals and misses the chance to portray Nancy as the desperate, strong heroine that you want to fall in love with.

Bill Sikes (Shane R. Tanner) is little more than a fiendish, bully, who struts about the stage like Mr. Hyde waiting to bop his next victim. Here is where the story fails miserably. There is nothing redeeming in his character at all and certainly no hint of any relationship of any kind with Nancy, which makes the lovely, well- executed ballad " As Long As He Needs Me" fall short of any meaning. The song stress sings to a brute that whacks her down shortly after her big number.

While the first act drags, the second act seems rushed to fill all the scenes and the ending is a race to "Review the Situation" and conclude what is a pleasant yet un-polished production.

Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart, Directed by Graham Gill.

Oliver! Played at the Academy of Music from January 6-11

For information about Oliver! Visit www.oliverontour.com

For information and tickets for The Academy of Music visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway or call: 215.893.1955