“Oliver” was probably the first musical I ever saw and it’s always been a favorite. I’ve seen it performed on stage several times as well as the movie version. I know there can be different interpretations of plays but this one really fell short for me. The major characters - with the exception of the fabulous Nancy - were flat and one dimensional. Fagin is a conman, a rogue - and he was played like a kindly kindergarden teacher trying to teach his young charges a lesson. Bill Sykes is a powerful, dynamic bad guy - not an undertaker who slinks in, dressed all in black, and announces his wicked presence with a few knocks of his cane. And even Oliver, with his angelic voice, stays flat; you see little development, little change in his character, his posture, his voice, his demeanor. Only Nancy was a 3 dimensional character, engaging our empathy, understanding and delight and despair. I don’t think the acting was at fault but the directing definitely missed the mark. This production was a major disappointment.