Oliver at the Regal- Anyone?

Did anyone in Perth Western Australia who frequents this site actually go to Oliver? I seem to remember seeing lots of people out there! Anyone want to post a review? This will be the first MS Society production to not have a big controversial series of posts if you don't! Anyways, seriously, it would be nice to know what anyone out there thought of it. We certainly had fun, but I'd like to see what you lot thought! I would review it myself, but I was in it! My personal favourite was the fat old guy with the big stick, but hey- I'm biased! Anyone?! Neville

I mostly enjoyed this production. There were some definate stand outs: Cassandra Charlick as Nancy (powerful and moving especially in her song As Long As He Needs Me), Troye Mellet as Oliver was exquisite to listen to and portrayed Oliver with a little cheekiness as well an innocence. The Artful Dodger was also fantastic and sang Consider Yourself with energy. I didn't like the direction by John Milson. I thought it was a little lazy and lacked attention to detail. There were moments where the ensemble seemed to be filling in time while waiting for the next bit of action to take place. Pick-a-Pocket wasn't staged with much imagination, which was a real shame as the boy chorus were strong. I wish the ensemble were picked up better with microphones. The Street Sellers scene was lost over the orchestra compared to the excellent sound of the principals, again a shame as it is a lovely piece. I just thought the magic of this production wasn't there this time. Milson was obviously trying to keep to the tried and true stagings but it ended up looking lazy and unimaginative. But a good choice for a fundraiser, and the audience were definately enjoying themselves!

This was honestly one of the worst shows that I have ever seen. I hate to be honest but I did not enjoy it in the slightest.. Definetly the worst that the MS Society has done to date. The show lacked, well everything. There was NO energy, sharpness or quality from any of the portrayals. Except the lady who played Nancy - Her voice was excellent and really the onli positive the show possessed. I really don't mean to sound negative but it was very poorly done and lacked any sense of professionalism or quality in the production. The group I was with, we wanted to leave at interval. Hopefuly next year will be a step up.

Obviously we went to Oliver! on seperate nights Em_78. The night I went , the show was tight and full of energy. I'm not a big fan of musicals generally but I thought this was really well done, and judging by the audience reaction, I was in the majority. I agree Cass Charlick was a standout (seen her on stage numerous times but had no idea she had such a brilliant singing voice!) and the boy who played Oliver on the night I went (skinny little dark haired runt of a kid) absolutely nailed "Where is Love?". There were no real weak links in the leads and all in all it was a great night.

I find myself agreeing with the first comment posted. It was an enjoyable show in all, but lacked several qualities. Primarily, the choreography was poor. Having boys jump up and down on the spot and step side to side could not be considered choreo and was cringeworthy. Alot of the spark and energy was absent and lacked the true emotion Oliver! requires, although this in a sense is unfair to compare to previous perfroamnces due to artistic interpretation. The roles of Nancy, Bill and Oliver (Troy) were fantastic and really stengthend the cast. I must say though i was dissapointed with Faegen, although my friend i went with enjoyed him. He lacked the essence of the character, had a very weak singing voice, could have done with a beter costume and overall underacted a role that requires almost overacting. It seemed as if he was trying to copy the movie version of Fagen but just didnt work. I must say though the boys ensemble was strong and also enjoyed the sets and lighting. However, added microphones would be beneficial. Overall a good show, but lacking the proffessionalism of a show to be at the Regal.

I agree fully with you. Also, the guy with the stick at the start (im bad with names) had poor characterisation; just looking like a frumpy man walking around on a stage with no purpose, fierceness or intimidating nature whatsoever.