[convict24601]

The cast of Merrily We Roll Along is going to the Stratfrord Festival tommorow to watch Oliver and participate in a backstage tour. I am SO excited! I will post a review of the show (and the events following) either tommorow or Friday.

Has anyone else seen the Stratford production? How was it?

[Mr. Dawkins]

[convict24601]

It isn't a tour. It is put on by the Stratford festival of Canada.

All I can say about this show was it was AMAZING!More details to come when I'm finished my science lab report

[Mr. Dawkins]

[convict24601]

Ok. Here's my review for the first act.

Cast:

Oliver - Tyler Pearse
Widow Corney - Mary Ellen Mahoney
Mr Bumble - Bruce Dow
Mr Sowerberry - Brian McKay
Mrs. Sowerberry - Barbara Fulton
Charlotte - Dayna Tekatch
Noah Claypole - Kyle Blair
The Artful Dodger - Scott Beaudin
Charlie - Antony Grice
Fagin - Colm Feore
Nancy - Blythe Wilson
Bet - Katy Schroeder
Mr. Brownlow - Stephen Russell
Bill Sikes - Brad Rudy
Mrs. Bedwin - Grace Chan

Preshow and first impressions: Before the show started, we got to meet four cast members, which was really cool. They taught us stage combat, choreography and the lyrics to "I'd do Anything".

My first impressions were very good, because this cast was made up of people I've known from previous shows/movies. Plus, being able to see Colm Feore live as Fagin was a treat in itself. I think my only doubts were having a 14 year old Dodger. (Most 14 year old guys I've met have deep voices and are much too tall to play young kids.) But come the overture and I was ready for the amazing show to come

Food, Glorious Food: Wow. These kids were really good. The acted so well and they sang beautifully. Mary Ellen Mahoney great as Widow Corney, and she worked very well with Bruce Dow (Mr. Bumble.) Oliver (Tyler Pearse) was so adorable when he said "please sir, I want some more." I think it would be hard not to give him food.

Oliver: Excellent energy from everyone.

I shall Scream: Though not my favourite song in the show, Mary Ellen and Bruce pulled this one off very well, proving they are perfect onstage together.

Boy For Sale: Don't remember much from this scene, but I do remember it was very well played out.

Thats Your Funeral: Mr and Mrs. Bumble were perfect!

Where Is Love: Wow. Tyler can really hold his own here. And at such a young age! I don't think there was anyone who couldn't sympathise for him.

The Fight/Oliver's Escape: Kyle was so good as Noah. He was really cruel and nasty and I wanted to throw somthing at him. Thank God Oliver saved himself

Consider Yourself: Any doubts I had about our Dodger were erased completely. He acted really well, and he sang even better. None of the keys were changed. And He pulled this one off so well. The cast were so full of energy throughout this, and I was tapping my toe along with the music.

Pick a Pocket Or Two: Colm is worth raving about. His fagin was so well acted out. He made the character his own. His singing was perfect for the role and he really played well next tp the boys.

It's a Fine Life: Ahh. Enter Blythe Wilson as Nancy. I had no doubts about her at all. With her acting ability and voice of titanium and diamond covered in plasma, she stole the show so many times, yet worked really well in the non solo numbers. (like in this number)

I'd Do Anything: that's all I have to say. I'm singing this song still today. Exellent energy and interaction. I loved Colm's line "You know Charlie, when I'm dancing with you I feel....Special"

Be Back Soon/The Capture of Oliver: The show ended on a great note. Energy, stage combat (sort of). I was disappointed the first act was already over and could not wait for the second act. One flaw here though - one of the kids voices cracked when they were singing. I felt so bad for them. But they were really well taught and just kept going.

More to come about Act 2 and some info on the Stratford Festival.

[Mr. Dawkins]

actully dodger usally is in 14 age for porfesional plays. (it mixes) And
thanks for telling

[lucy-lu]

[music is my life!!!]

one of my m8s played Dodger and he was 12