Home is Equal Parts Journey and Destination

What is a home without those we love? 没有安全? To define home is an ageless journey of varied paths; the key to each destination where one finds acceptance and respite is perseverance; and more, to be the hope and safety you seek so that wherever you find yourself, it is always there.

Travel back in time and overseas with us as Victorian England comes alive on the Richard Perry Theatre stage, in the 中学 production of 奥利弗! Jr. on Friday, 5月17日 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, 5月18日 at 2:00 PM. As you may have guessed, Lionel Bart’s classic musical, 奥利弗! Jr. is based on Charles Dickens’ beloved novel, 雾都孤儿, is set to music that elevates the story’s heartwarming nature. The coming-of-age story follows 奥利弗, an orphan who leaves a gloomy atmosphere of neglect for London, forges a daring path to a new future, in hopes to find the true love of family. As 奥利弗 finds acceptance in unexpected places, encounters twists and turns along the way, he shows the value of perseverance in the face of adversity. This Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience.

奥利弗! Jr. Brings Important Themes Together

奥利弗! Jr. brings together the themes explored in Poly’s other play productions this year across the Middle and 上学校, such as family reunification from “Comedy of Errors,” the evils of materialism and classism from “Robin Hood,” and the preservation of basic human rights from “The Prom” or “Antigonick.” Andrew Cooper-Leary, the Director of the 中学 音乐al: 奥利弗! Jr. shared why the play was selected as this year’s production. “虽然 奥利弗 has nineteenth century origins, it is still very relevant today: poverty is viewed as a moral failing, we live in a society that values children but neither education nor childcare is free.” 奥利弗! Jr. shows how gaps in empathy and understanding leave people vulnerable, that small acts of kindness are our greatest hope, 他说.

Behind the Scenes

“The kids have brought a great sense of fun and  overwhelming energy to the process. I am lucky to have an amazing support system within the 表演艺术 department. 曼迪怀亚特 is a precise and patient music director who connects the actors with the music and the story.” said Cooper-Leary. “阿什利黑客 is a gifted choreographer and, as a department chair, she provides magnificent support and guidance. 大卫·海厄姆, 金正日格里芬, 丹尼尔·霍根 are the best tech team I have ever worked with,” he added.

Noting that this is the final theatrical performance of Poly’s 2023-24 season, he also reflected on the starring cast features so many talented students who will bring this musical production to life. Among them are several Grade 8 students for whom this will be their final 中学 production: 亚历山德拉L. ‘29, 泰勒C. ‘28, 露西F. ‘28, 米克瓦. ‘28, 亚历克斯一个. ‘29, 莱拉D. ‘28, 布赖森年代. ‘28，以及其他. We look forward to seeing them all in future 上学校 performances!

Reserve Your Tickets!

Families are asked to register to attend our 中学 音乐al, 奥利弗!Jr. , 周五, 5月17日 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, 5月18日 at 2:00 PM in the new Poly 艺术中心’s Richard Perry Theatre.

Tickets are $5 for students/children over 5 and $10 for adults.