With memorable songs, delightful dance numbers and more than 40 talented performers, Baldwin High School's production of "Oliver!" was a big success. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, the show followed the journey of the orphan Oliver as he searched for a loving home and met some eccentric, unforgettable characters along the way.
Andr Morissette's fun choreography was the highlight of the show. He made clever use of props, the elaborate set and the enormous cast to create huge, intricate and entertaining dance numbers.
The Baldwin High School students did a great job bringing the show's quirky characters to life. Jordyn Clarke was perfectly cast as the spunky orphan Oliver. Her hopeful smile and childlike energy won the audience's heart.
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The Artful Dodger (Serena Perry) and Nancy (Janolin Endrina) promise, “I’d do anything for you” in this high-spirited musical.
HELENA BROWN photo
Jesie Rocetes played the gruff but goodhearted criminal Fagin with deft physical acting and strong vocals. Serena Perry brimmed with confidence and sass as the Artful Dodger, the expert pickpocket who introduces Oliver to a life of crime.
Janolan Endrina showed off her vocal talent and charisma as Nancy, the kindhearted prostitute who gets caught up in an abusive relationship. Kenny Komatsu was appropriately frightening as Nancy's cruel lover Bill Sykes.
One of the most impressive performers was Dylan Bode, who played the pompous workhouse director, Mr. Bumble. His superb vocals and hilarious facial expressions captivated the audience. His scenes with the obnoxious Widow Corney (Erika Magalhaes) were especially funny.
Johnny Nguyen was the henpecked funeral home owner, Mr. Sowerberry, who sang an amusing duet about the ups and downs of the funeral business with his domineering wife, played by Cera Souza.
Josh Eldred played Mr. Brownlow, Oliver's wealthy benefactor, while Annika Otterson played Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow's kind housekeeper.
Other talented performers were Julianna Scharnhorst as Nancy's friend Bet; Jon Sifton as the bully Noah Claypole; Jade Arnold as Mr. Sowerberry's maid Charlotte; Leilani Aipa as Old Sally; Maddy Scharnhorst as Annie; Travis Silva as Mr. Grimwig; and Brittany Holland as the strawberry seller.
Brina Elizaga, Jamie Long, Justyn Haywood, Kaitlyn Brunner, Madeline Hamada, Miquel Morales, Sienna Minnock, TJ Idemoto, Demi Botuyan, Tristen Coito, Mareena Hutchison, Amanda Galvao, Enjolie Galarita, Garret Arnold, Isabel Bayron, Jasmine Hernandez, Kayla Atlan-Kinasz and Travis Andrade made up the show's strong chorus.
The adorable workhouse children were Brooke Aipa, Gabriel Morales, Calie Cummings, Haylie Cummings, Idigo Kaptur, Alex Splajt, Tatiana Aipa, C.J. Piano, Anna Galvao and Noah Splajt.
Director Linda Carnevale, musical director Bob Wills, choreographer Morissette and orchestra director Stephen Rodriguez created a fun, heartwarming production families will not want to miss.
* "Oliver" shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Baldwin Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for kids 17 and younger. No reservations are required. The box office opens 45 minutes before showtime.
