@showsiveseen "Oliver!" #musical by @Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel bold English adult punk aesthetic was a refreshing contrast from the traditional casting with children. Starring @ankit_madhira as #oliverTwist. The toned Tommy Beale charismatically portrayed The Artful Dodger. Closes this weekend! #Review: showsiveseen.com/12311 Photos: Colin Madison Director: Scot Charles Anderson Music Director: Sam Peters Choreo: Annalisa Brinchmann Stage Manager: Michael Latham #CharlesDickens #Dickens #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Food Glorious Food – Peter Pan Singers and Orchestra
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Oliver! musical by Reboot Theatre Company at Theatre Off Jackson. Novel bold English adult punk aesthetic was a refreshing contrast from the traditional casting with children. Starring Ankit Madhira as Oliver Twist. The toned Tommy Beale charismatically portrayed The Artful Dodger.
See it if you enjoyed Annie or any other iteration of the classic Oliver Twist story.
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes, if it was a professional production
Mainstream Appeal: Medium
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): In search of a better life, a poor English orphan joins a gang of street urchin thieves, leading him on an unexpected journey.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company, in association with Theatre Off Jackson, present a bold, reimagined production of Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! with a radical new ‘Twist’. Directed by SCOT CHARLES ANDERSON (Reboot’s 110 in the Shade), music direction by SAM PETERS (Reboot’s Jesus Christ Superstar), and choreographed by ANNALISA BRINCHMANN (Reboot’s Damn Yankees, Rocky/Dance Captain).presents the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist explores themes of social inequality, exploitation, and youthful rebellion in Victorian London’s gritty underworld. Our fresh, edgy interpretation highlights identity, found family, and resilience as orphan Oliver navigates a world of pickpockets and criminals, finding unexpected friendship amidst danger.
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several
Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly static
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you’d probably appreciate this show more if you’re remotely familiar with the classic Charles Dickens tale.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Union Actors: None
Total Actors: 13
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours
Other Rave(s)
- Punk Vibe: The costumes, scenic design, promotional artwork, and dramaturgical displays uniquely embraced a retro anarchistic English punk rock aesthetic, reminiscent of the Sex Pistols, Green Day (albeit American), or the 2021 Cruella film.
- Adult Casting: I was relieved that this production chose not to cast any child actors. I find children’s performing abilities tend to be less developed, or they rely too much on the cute factor. Traditional Oliver! productions (and similar shows like Annie) often employ child actors, but this adult casting choice adds a fresh dynamic of flipping the bird to childhood innocence. This artistic decision strangely reminded me of the hilarious “black Annie” sketch from SNL.
Rant(s)
- Vocal Range: There were multiple noticeable instances when the actors strainingly sang an octave too high or too low from their optimal vocal range. This was likely due to two factors: 1) many songs in the score were written for children’s vocal range in mind 2) and Reboot Theatre Company typically intentionally casts actors in roles that differ from the actors’ birth gender, which can sometimes affect vocal compatibility. Transposition is the key!
Theatre Company: Reboot Theatre Company
Venue: Theatre Off Jackson
Venue Physical Address: 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Price Range: $35
Ticket Affordability Options: You can self-select the $10 price point.
Seating: General Admission
Parking: Paid street parking is usually available north of the theatre on the hill close to the park. You can also try free parking on Jackson Street under/past the I-5 bridge, though it’s a dodgier area. As usual, there are paid parking lots nearby as well.
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Pictures: See production pictures below by Colin Madison Photography.
Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.
