OLIVER!, directed by Peter Lofreddo will feature a multi-generational cast of actors. As in last year’s A Civil War Christmas, which involved Oddfellows’ Teen Repertory Company and adult actors, actors and the community will reap the rewards of this unique partnership to produce a tremendous musical. “Oliver contains some of the best known standards in the Broadway show tune canon, ”Consider Yourself at Home”, “Food, Glorious Food,”, “You Can Go but Be Back Soon “and the haunting love ballad, “As Long As He Needs Me.” – Director Peter Lofreddo.
Classic songs, indelible characters and a rich world will offer an entertaining and engaging show this holiday season, with performances December 5-17, 2013. This production is being supported in part by the generous donation from John and Mary Murphy.
Auditions will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse from 7pm – 9pm on Monday September 16th and Wednesday September 18th. Teens and Adults from all backgrounds are encouraged to audition.
Additionally interested teens are invited to attend a pre-audition workshop at Oddfellows on Wednesday, September 11th. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the artistic staff and learn songs, scenes and dances from the show in a fun, introductory session. There is no fee for the workshop or auditions.
Tuition is charged for the Teen Rep program for students. Pre-registration and scholarship applications are available at Oddfellows.org.
Oddfellows and CHP have joined forces on various projects in the past including Higher Ground: an original play dramatizing the long struggle of African-Americans for freedom and equality, and the Connecticut Valley Student Playwriting Competition. They approach this production with the goal of bringing together various perspectives and members of the community to explore themes of juvenile justice, historical views of economic inequity and a youth’s search for family.
“Oddfellows and CHP thought this was a great production to approach with a multigenerational cast because of the age range of characters in the play. There is a lot to learn as an actor when you are portraying a character your own age, rather than someone 20 or 30 years older. Equally as important is the different point of views that a cast with different life experiences brings to a production. It is important that we teach our young people different points of view on the world,” said Oddfellows’ Executive Director Matt Pugliese.
Connecticut Heritage Productions' mission is to inspire, nurture, and sustain an appreciation of the performing arts by entertaining, enlightening, and connecting our audiences to the ever-changing sensibilities of our times. Their work is a collaborative effort of artists, professional staff, board members, and the community.
