Actors and Singers Wanted for “Oliver” Auditions

"Oliver!"

Have you ever wanted to act up? Be in the spotlight? If so, a unique opportunity is waiting for you. The Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society (MATS) is presenting “Oliver!” the musical in Muswellbrook, NSW Australia in September.

A cast of 40 actors and singers is needed to act and sing in the various roles in “Oliver!”. Newcomers to the stage, as well as those with experience, are welcome to come along to the auditions.

"Oliver!"

A cross-section of ages is needed to fill the roles. Children no younger than eight and youths are required for the main parts of orphan Oliver and his mate the Artful Dodger and adults for criminal trainer Fagin.

“There are lots of different roles, some are speaking, some are singing and some are just acting,” Mr Langford, Assistant Director of the production and MATS member said. “You can do anything at the auditions … you can come in costume too if you want. Most of all they need to stand out, especially if they want to be Oliver or Fagin.”

"Oliver!"

Auditions will be held on Monday 23 April from 5-8pm and Tuesday 24 April from 7-9pm at the Muswellbrook Public School.

If acting is not for you, but would still like to help out, expressions of interests can be made to help with set design or costumes. MATS are also looking to train a new lighting technician.

“Oliver!” is based on the "Oliver Twist" novel written by Charles Dickens and first published back in 1838. It has since been adapted into a musical and performed on stages worldwide.

 

Ron Moody At 50th Anniversary

“Oliver!” premiered on the London stage on 30 June 1960. Ron Moody was the first actor to play the villainous Fagin in this production. He also starred as Fagin in the 1968 film version of the musical alongside Oliver Reed who played Bill Sikes. In recent years Fagin has been played on stage in London by Rowan Atkinson and Griff Rhys Jones. 

“Oliver!” shares the story of a young orphan, named Oliver, living in a workhouse of half-starved boys. When Oliver gets up the courage to ask for more, he is sold into an apprenticeship with an undertaker. After being taunted by Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry and bullied by his overseer, the Sowerberry’s attempt to lock him in a coffin. Oliver escapes in the commotion, only to fins himself face to face with the Artful Dodger, a London street urchin and pickpocket.

"Oliver!"

Dodger invites Oliver to come and live at Fagin’s lair, a criminal who organizes young boys into gangs of pickpockets. With a new home and a new family, Oliver believes he has finally found a place in the world for himself. His ideas are confirmed when he meets the motherly Nancy, an Oom Pah Pah girl. But her live-in boyfriend, Bill Sikes, is a terrifyingly violent man threatens happiness for the whole gang. 

"Oliver!"

At the end of Act One, Oliver takes to the streets with the Artful Dodger, for his first pickpocketing mission. But when he steals from a wealthy old man, Mr. Brownlow, Oliver gets more than he ever bargained for. Will Oliver be able to finally find a family that will fill his heart with the love it deserves? Find out on stage in the musical Oliver!

“Oliver!” is full of favourite songs including “Oliver!,” “I’d Do Anything,” “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” “Be Back Soon,” “Oom Pah Pah” and the classic ballad “As Long As He Needs Me.” 

For further information, contact Rachel-Ann Wilcher on 6543 2667 or Larni Christie on 6543 4444.

Postscript:  The auditions have been completed, with a huge number of people trying out for the various roles and the cast selected, with rehearsals to commence shortly. However, MATS is still looking for people to help out with staging, props, sets, lighting, sound, publicity etc. Just contact MATS at the above phone numbers and offer your services!!!