Consider yourself invited to Playhouse Merced’s ‘Oliver’

“Oliver,” a beloved musical celebrating its 54th year, will begin a three-weekend run at the Playhouse Merced main stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, just in time for the holiday season, according to a Playhouse Merced press release.

Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic “Oliver Twist,” “Oliver” chronicles the life of a young orphan living in 19th century London. At the orphanage, Oliver is sold simply for asking for more food. Once on the streets, he is accepted by a boy named Dodger, who belongs to a group of pickpockets led by Fagin, an aging criminal. Through Fagin, Oliver meets Nancy and her terrifying boyfriend, Bill Sikes.

Filled with both comedy and drama, and featuring such classic songs like “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself” and “Who Will Buy,” “Oliver” is directed by Colton Dennis, musically directed by Dennis Brown, choreographed by Noelle Chandler and stars Spencer Brown as Oliver Twist, Aiden Mitchell as the Artful Dodger, Matt Capron as Fagin and Melissa Beckwith as Nancy. It also features Dusty Guthier as Mr. Bumble and Dan Hong as Bill Sikes.

“Oliver” runs through Dec. 7: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets by going online to www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, calling (209) 725-8587 or visiting the box office at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced Tuesday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m. The show is rated “E” for everyone.

Playhouse Merced is in its 21st season. For more, visit www.playhousemerced.com.

This story was originally published November 13, 2014 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Consider yourself invited to Playhouse Merced’s ‘Oliver’."