Director: Scott Bradley
Musical Director: Janet Provan
Choreographer: Amy Bosch
Producers: David Postill & Elise Elmer
Oliver Twist is a young boy who lives in a workhouse with other orphaned boys. When Oliver disrupts a meal by asking for more, he is sold to a local undertaker and his family. They treat Oliver horribly and make him sleep under the coffins. Oliver escapes and runs off to Paddington Green, where he quickly befriends another young boy, the Artful Dodger. Dodger takes him to his home, an academy for orphans who learn how to be pick-pockets run by a kind, yet slightly sinister, old gentleman named Fagin. Oliver is also introduced to Nancy Sikes, a lovable young woman, and Bet, Nancy’s best friend.
When Oliver goes on his first pick-pocketing job, he is caught by the police. The man that Oliver thieved, Mr. Brownlow, learns of Oliver’s sad past and brings him into his own home. Meanwhile, Nancy’s husband (the villainous Bill Sikes) worries that Oliver will tell Mr. Brownlow and the police where the thieves live. He forces Nancy and Bet to snatch Oliver from Mr. Brownlow’s house and take him back to Fagin’s.
Nancy does everything her husband tells her to but plans on secretly taking Oliver back to Mr. Brownlow. Before she can do so, Bill finds out of his wife’s plans, and murders her. He then goes after Oliver, but is shot and killed. Oliver and Mr. Brownlow, who turns out to be Oliver’s grandfather, return safely home.
The great British musical Oliver! has entertained the world for over 50 years and become a much loved show. Written by Lionel Bart, the show is based on the novel by Charles Dickens and follows the plucky Oliver Twist in his plight around Victorian London.
Audition Dates:
Sunday 16th March from 5pm
Monday 17th March from 7.30pm
Tuesday 18th March from 7.30pm
Extra night: Thursday 20th March from 7.30pm!
Dance audition: Sunday 23rd March: children 9am – midday, adults 12.30pm to 3pm
Callbacks (if required): Sunday 23rd March from 3:30pm
Auditions will be held at the Altona Theatre
115 Civic Parade, Altona
(please enter via the front doors)
Rehearsals will commence Sunday 30th March 2014. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights (7.30pm – 10.30pm) and on Sunday afternoons (1.00pm – 5.00pm). Rehearsals will be held at the Altona Theatre (115 Civic Parade, next to the Altona Civic Centre)
Performances will be on the weekends from July 11th – 26th 2014 at the Altona Theatre
To book an audition please call (03) 9398 5508 or Skype altonacitytheatre and follow the prompts (open 24 hours).
(Please note that some delays in returning your call may be experienced due to the anticipated volume of calls)
Audition Requirements
Vocal:
You will be required to prepare two songs in the style of the show. Please choose a song in the style of the show and of the character you are auditioning for.
Please bring sheet music and our multi-talented piano player will play it for you. The sheet music must be in the desired key (we will not transpose), and please write in any slight edits you may need.
Please note that backing tracks and a’capella singing will not be accepted.
Acting:
At the audition you may be given some script excerpts to read. Of course, acting is not just something you do with words, your acting during the singing will also be considered!
Age:
Children auditioning must be 8 years of age as at 30th March 2014.
Parents will not be permitted into the audition room.
Lastly:
Don’t be nervous – we will try and make the process as enjoyable as possible.
Relax. Enjoy. Don’t worry if you mess up – we want to see what you CAN do, and we will conveniently ignore any mistakes you make.
PS Learn your song off by heart! Extra points are always awarded for people who are prepared! 🙂
Character Descriptions
Oliver Twist
The protagonist of the story. He is a lonely orphan boy born in the workhouse. Soprano. (Shared Role)
Fagin
A conniving career criminal, takes in homeless boys and teaches them to pick pockets for him. Baritone.
Nancy
Bill Sikes’s lover. She takes a liking to Oliver and treats him like her own child. Alto.
Mr Brownlow
Oliver’s grandfather, a man of wealth and breeding.
Bill Sikes
Nancy’s brutal and abusive lover, a burglar and eventual murderer. Baritone.
Mr Bumble
The pompous beadle of the workhouse in which Oliver was born. Baritone.
The Artful Dodger
The cleverest of Fagin’s pickpockets, he introduces Fagin to Oliver. Soprano.
Mr Sowerberry
He and Mrs Sowerberry take Oliver in and use him in their funeral business. Baritone.
Mrs Sowerberry
She and Mr Sowerberry take in Oliver and use him in their funeral business. Soprano.
Mrs Corney
The matron of the workhouse where Oliver was born, later marries Mr. Bumble. Soprano.
Charlotte Sowerberry
The rude but also flirtatious daughter of the Sowerberrys.
Noah Claypole
The Sowerberrys’ apprentice, he bullies Oliver about his mother and enjoys a flirty relationship with Charlotte.
Bet
Nancy’s friend, one of Fagin’s former pickpockets. Alto.
Charley Bates
One of Fagin’s pickpockets. He is Dodger’s sidekick.
Mrs Bedwin
House-servant to Mr. Brownlow and caretaker of Oliver. Soprano
Ensemble
Kids ensemble: looking for approximately 20 kids for various roles
Teen/Adult Ensemble: various roles
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