A Legendary Tale at the King’s Wharf Theatre

A Legendary Tale at the King’s Wharf Theatre

Friday, May 17, 2013

PENETANGUISHENE – In just two weeks, the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene will launch its 2013 Season of summer theatre on Georgian Bay with the classic rags to riches tale, Oliver!. A spirited production that’s brimming with warmth and energy, Oliver! enjoys a three-week run starting June 4^th.

The musical follows the adventures of Charles Dickens’ plucky young orphan as he navigates the mean streets of nineteenth century London. Oliver becomes entangled in a sordid scenario of mystery and thievery, all the while struggling to find a place and a family to call his own.

“Oliver! is a true classic in musical theatre,” says Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. “It’s a compelling and exhilarating production, and we’re thrilled to share this renowned musical with audiences in Penetanguishene.”

Theatregoers young and old will be captivated by the musical’s remarkable blend of humour and heartbreak, which is magically conveyed through exuberant dance numbers and unforgettable songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything” and “Where Is Love?”.

Based on Dickens' second novel, Oliver Twist has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations. The stage production has had incredible success since it premiered in London’s West End in 1960, where it enjoyed an extensive run. A successful Broadway production in 1964 led to further tours and revivals including a new London production in 2009. The story is loved by people around the world and the book has been translated into more than 25 languages .

Oliver! is directed and choreographed by Tracey Flye.  The cast includes Joshua LeClair as The Artful Dodger, Steven Gallagher as Fagin, Curtis Sullivan as Bill Sykes and Stephanie Roth as Nancy.

Drayton Entertainment is proud to introduce Aiden Tye as Oliver. The Niagara Falls native was discovered through a province-wide video audition campaign. No stranger to the stage, this talented 12-year old spent two years at The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake performing in Ragtime and My Fair Lady.

Oliver! also features AJ Bridel, whom audiences will recognize as a finalist in Over The Rainbow, CBC Televisions’ hit reality show that saw young performers from across the nation compete for a starring role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz.

Justine Clark, Stephen Findlay, Jason Franco, Joanna Guistini, Grant Landry, Joshua LeClair, Amanda Leigh, Jordan Till, Marcia Tratt, Robin Ward, Christine Watson, Christopher Wilson and Sef Wood round out a stellar ensemble.

Following the success of last year’s production of Annie, which saw a roster of local youngsters cast in supporting roles as orphans, this year’s family production of Oliver! features 24 of the best and brightest local young people to perform as Fagin’s kids alongside the professional cast.

Oliver! is proudly sponsored by John and Terry Hamilton.  Media Sponsors are B101 and The Jewel 88.5.  The Design Sponsor is NEBS. The 2013 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Regular performance tickets are $40.00 for adults; $20.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $32.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Oliver! plays eight shows a week June 4^th through June 22^nd. Tickets may by purchased online at www.kingswharftheatre.com in person at the King’s Wharf Theatre Box Office, or by calling (705) 549-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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For more information please contact:

Valerie O’Brien
Marketing Manager
Drayton Entertainment
valerie@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 235  Fax:  (519) 620-8055

About the King’s Wharf Theatre

Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the King's Wharf Theatre is a 385-seat venue that’s flanked by the historic buildings of a 19th-century British naval and military base. The theatre is located at the end of a beautiful boardwalk that looks on to the homeport of replica ships H.M.S. Bee and H.M.S. Tecumseth.

A visit to the King's Wharf Theatre takes only 45 minutes from Barrie and Orillia, or just over an hour from Collingwood.  While in the area, visitors can explore the local communities of Penetanguishene and Midland, which offer unique shops and dining establishments as well as Ontario's first European Community at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.