No more results on this page
It was a nice performance, but it was a bit flat. The big musical numbers lacked that special Broadway feel. The role of Oliver was very mediocre. Dodger was fantastic and it mAde Oliver look even worse.
Everyone one in the cast was superb. Fagin (Hugh Panaro), Nancy (Janine DiVita), The Artful Dodger (Brandon O'Rourke)..all had strong, clear voices. Mr. Panaro stole the show with his witty songs and beguiling manner. Ms. DiVita's strong, clear voice was exceptional. Of course, Mr. Bumble (Scott Greer) captivated us in the beginning with his voice and acting and the Widow Corney (Mary Martello) made us all stand up and notice her with her very strong voice. Oliver (Gregory Smith) stole my heart with his poignant voice and singing. I brought my 15 year old granddaughter who was enthralled. Everyone, all the children, the rest of the cast that I failed to mention, everyone was exceptional.
A Wonderful play for the entire family!!! I would recommend this play to everyone and I have. The ages in our group ranged from 12 - 79 and we all had such fun watching.
I took my 5 year old grandaughter - who loves live theater - we came from the suburbs into the city on the train - the show was great and the playhouse is an easy walk from the train station.
My grandson and I thought the play was terrific. The actor Panero as Fagan was marvelous, and although there were many talented actors, Panero was the center of attraction for me. The singing and choreography were great! I also loved the Artful Dodger and Bill Sykes, The dancers were excellent. Thanks for a marvelous play, as this was my 10-year old gransons first play.
Terrific! We go to shows all of the time and this was one of the best! Will subscribe to the Walnut!
Fine production, and the adult ensemble cast is first rate and wonderfully energetic. Kids are great too...but the young lad who played Oliver didn't make me really believe he was ready for this part.... Couldn't quite "sell" his role. Fagin too young for the part...a bit too glib...Nancy (Janine Divita) a fine actress with a good pair of pipes, but seemed to clamp down on her phrasing in some very important songs... I am also comparing the production to my memories of the original Broadway show I saw more than three decades ago.... the music holds up and is so singable. I would recommend the production for children, especially.
Oliver was performed well, with excellent acting, choreography and singing. It was billed as a family event, though, and there were many young children in the audience (including my two grandchildren). It was not appropriate for children, especially the final scene when a character (Nancy) was beaten to death and the murderer (Bill) shot dead by police. The fact that Nancy continued to love Bill despite his abuse of her was a terrible example for young children. Again, while this was a well done play, it should not have been billed as a family event.
Great music, great action, great cast! Don't miss it.
Fabulous show! The singing was topnotch, the staging exceptional; this show is fun for all. The children behind us were attentive the whole time. We adults were enchanted, too! Though we knew the story well, having seen the movie and heard the songs many times, I found this show was still fresh and fun!
Great family fun, just beware the misogynistic violence of Bill Sikes. Nancy's murder is a little disturbing. Hugh Panaro as Fagin steals the show! He is perfect.
A wonderful show for the kids and grown ups too. A great cast of characters and so many terrific songs. An event our family will treasure in our memories.
Oliver was delightful! The costumes and sets were amazing, the choreography was spectacular and the children were delightful - not to mention, Buddy, the dog! As always, the Walnut Street Theater delivered another wonderful evening of top-notch entertainment.
The show was very good. The production values were very high and it was one of the best shows I have seen at the Walnut. Hugh Panaro made a very good Fagin.
Wonderful cast, wonderful show greatmusic and dance numbers
Great presentation..... Actors were top notch... Glad we made the trip down to Center City
Oliver was an amazing show, talented actors, great music. The family loved it. Our kids 11 & 14 couldn't get enough. I have not see the movie since childhood and it slowly cane back in a great way. See the show, great cast, great fun.
Nancy and Fagin were great! the role of the Artful Dodger was also very good. Great set and a great time
Overall I was pretty much enthralled by the performance on Wed, Dec 29th matinee. I had some difficulty hearing "Oliver" at times both speaking and singing. That may have been more due to my position in the theater - Orchestra Sect GG. I was delighted by Hugh Panaro's performance as Fagin (you've got to like him even tho' you know you shouldn't). Janine Divita as Nancy was excellent but I do hope that a lot of parents had teachable moments with their children about the words of the song "As Long As He Needs Me". The children were delightful, in particular, of course, The Artful Dodger. I don't know if the actors were distracted by the commotion in the audience by latecomers being seated during the performance several times, one time being during the solo performance of Nancy. I had to stand to let people in to the row not once but twice. I think that the WST needs to rethink this policy and the timing of seating people who can't be there in a timely fashion for the consideration of the actors and audience alike.
Oliver, as a play, was wonderful. The music was great; the actors and actresses were outstanding; and the story line was touching. However, it must be the theatre's policy to seat people anytime during the performance! I have never been to an event where people were up walking around so much during the performance! Sometimes folks stood in the aisle, blocking views. That aspect of the afternoon was a little disconcerting.