Oliver! – Musical – Review – Reboot Theatre Company & Theatre Off Jackson

@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.

Recommendation:
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.

Jasmine Joshua as Fagin (center) in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
Marnie Wingett as Widow Corney, Sean Vale as Mr. Bumble, and Ankit Madhira as Oliver in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
Ankit Madhira as Oliver and Tommy Beale as Dodger in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
Steven Rigaux as Bill Sykes in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
Alegra Batara as Nancy (center) in OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of OLIVER! at Reboot Theatre Company.
The cast of OLIVER at Reboot Theatre Company.