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“Consider Yourself” lucky to have the chance to see the smash Broadway smash musical, Oliver! without traveling anywhere but to downtown Owensboro. You probably remember reading the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist, the story of a feisty orphan on his voyage through the seedy underworld of 19^th century London in search of a family, in about the ninth or tenth grade. Be prepared because Oliver! is coming to life along with a full cast of colorful characters who will sing and dance their way into your heart with 22 hit songs.

            Oliver! is the story of a young orphan who lives out his days at a scandalous work-house in London, England. Through a series of mishaps, Oliver is sold to the local undertaker and is made to sleep in the basement with the coffins. The next day, Oliver escapes from the undertaker and is “rescued” by a small-time crook, Artful Dodger, and is taken in by Fagin’s gang, unknown to Oliver is a motley crew of pickpockets and criminals. He is also introduced to Nancy, a young lady that is in love with a cruel man, Bill Sikes. The gang decides to rob Mr. Brownlow, a wealthy older gentleman, but Oliver is still unaware of the nature of the band. They leave the naive Oliver looking guilty to the wealthy old man, but he is cleared in court. He takes Oliver in to make up for his mistake.

            While this is happening, a dying pauper woman tells the owner of the workhouse where Oliver originally lived about the night that Oliver’s mother died when she brought Oliver to the orphanage; leaving him a gold locket implying she was the daughter of wealthy parents. Also, Dodger relays to Fagin that the boy has been taken in and Fagin decides Oliver must be kidnapped to avoid any persecution and the gang snatches Oliver from his new home.

            Mr. Brownlow opens the golden locket that Oliver possessed and discovers a photo of his daughter, Oliver’s mother. Nancy, Oliver’s only friend, decides to bring him to his grandfather but Bill Sikes discovers her plan and kills her. Sikes takes the boy but is killed by two policemen who are in hiding. Oliver is then reunited with his grandfather and goes to live out his new life.

            Directed by Blayton Phillips, this newest staging of Lionel Bart’s masterpiece will continue to delight audiences when it comes to RiverPark Center in Owensboro for one performance only on Thursday, October 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets, priced at $43 and $53.50 can be purchased at the RiverPark Center Box Office, www.riverparkcenter.org or by calling 270-687-2787. Discounts are available for season subscribers and groups of 20 or more. A special $5 off discount for Olivers! is available to children 14 and under.