Logo, as used by Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
You don’t have to go across the pond to see a production of Oliver. The Queen Creek Performing Arts Center has got it all covered with three performances later this month, and it is shaping up to be glorious.
The story is based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel about Oliver Twist, a little boy forced onto the streets and struggling to survive. Along the way, he meets new friends and foes, including the mischievous Artful Dodger, a sneaky con-man named Fagin, and the dangerous Bill Sykes. The musical first premiered in London’s West End and on Broadway in the early 1960s, and inspired a film some years later. Revivals of the show have come and gone over the years, but now is your chance to experience the family friendly musical right here in the East Valley.
Valley Theatre was fortunate enough to attend a rehearsal and speak to the cast and crew, who are hard at work to make the show a success. Like most community theater, the delightful folks at QCPAC are just like you and me: a lovely group with a common love of theater and the rewarding challenge it takes to put on a show. If you’ve ever had the urge to be in the spotlight, this is the perfect place for you to begin.
“It doesn't matter if you've done this before or not,” says Valeen Nielsen, the director of Oliver. “Most of us never started in theater. If you have any inkling to come be on stage, we will teach you.”
Erica Gledhill, who plays Nancy, adds, “This is a really great place to be. Queen Creek has a good philosophy about how they do their community theater. They put on great shows, yet they have such a family environment. I hope other people can see that and join us.”
It may seem a little intimidating, especially on a show as well-known as Oliver. Gledhill has had many actresses precede her in the role, including talents like Patti LuPone. But Gledhill handles it like a pro. “She is a work-in-progress,” she says of her character. “I've watched other actresses to get ideas, but I've also read through my script and thought about the feelings that Nancy would have. She's a complex character that has a roller coaster of emotions throughout the show.”
If villains are more your thing, Spencer Hale (Bill Sykes) shares the secret to his success. “I'm a dad of three girls,” he says with a gentle laugh. “So I try to act like I'm disciplining them after they've just been completely disobedient. I'm also an attorney. I have to get after opposing counsel or parties quite often, so I kind of draw on that. It's certainly an interesting emotion to play, but it's fun.”
Both the show and the center are good starting points for young people interested in theater. Sydney Kerr (The Artful Dodger) has performed in other shows with the PAC and is happy with the chance to have a big role in Oliver. “It's actually a lot of fun. You have a lot more room to make it your own and have fun with it.”
Joshua Jensen, who takes on the title role, adds, “It's a really good experience for me. I've been in plays before, but this is probably my best so far."
Overall, the show is something for everyone. “Whether you're watching or hearing about it, it's a great family experience,” says Kerr. “You feel like you're right there on the stage. Every seat is a front row seat, and the actors just engage you so well.”
Oliver will be playing at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E Ocotillo Rd, on June 22nd, 23rd, and 25th. The curtain goes up on all shows at 7pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $13 for those 18 and under. They can be purchased at the box office between 9am and 4pm, Monday – Friday, or online at www.qcpac.com.
Valley Theatre thanks the wonderful cast and crew for their time. Break a leg!
