Ready for action
Wheaton Drama announces cast for 'Oliver!' production
Wheaton Drama, at 111 N. Hale St. in downtown Wheaton, has announced the cast for its next production, "Oliver!"
This is the second show of the 2009-2010 season for Wheaton Drama. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, the musical features the music of Lionel Bart.
Cast in principal roles are: Brian King and Casey Watson (sharing the role of Oliver Twist), Jay Pauer (Mr. Bumble), Amy Royle (Widow Corney), Jacob Fletcher (Noah Claypole), Ron Fletcher (Mr. Sowerberry), Donna Fletcher (Mrs. Sowerberry), Katie Kanturek (Charlotte), Billy Jet (The Artful Dodger), Ken Kaden (Fagin), Bonnie Johnson (Nancy), Traci A. Cidlik (Bet), William D. Nelson (Bill Sikes), Jack Dentinger (Charles Bates), Steven Merkel (Mr. Brownlow), Genevieve Pastore (Mrs. Bedwin) and Andy Kanturek (Dr. Grimwig).
The pickpocket and kids ensemble includes Leah Crandell, Brynn Frantz, Alissa Kanturek, Mitchell Kinn, Caroline Neidballa, Griffin P. Quigley, Margaret Richards and Nathan Sahly.
Other children in the production are Renee Fletcher, Shane Frantz, Emma Pauer, William Harry Richards, Brock Royle and Madysen Simanonis.
Bruce Ebner is directing, assisted by Carla Mutone. The music director is Sue Kinney-Watschke, choreographer is Carla Mutone and the production manager is Becky Poole, assisted by Jennifer Neidl. Debbie Trueblood is stage managing.
Additional production staff includes: Ben Aylesworth (set construction), Lisa Baggott-Miller and Marc Ludena (Web site), Ken Beach (production photography), Mary Engle (props), Barb Giblin (set design and decoration), Melissa Sokasits (youth management), Melissa Heischberg (costumes), Dee Hicks and Jo-Ann Ledger (publicity), Denny and Dolly Jamieson (tickets), Nancy Lovato (graphic design), Jessica Orozco (assistant stage manager), Jennifer Neidl (program), Genevieve Pastore (sound), Becky Poole (front of house), Annie Walker-Bright (hair and makeup) and Jim Van De Velde (lights).
"Oliver!" performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 13, with no show on Thanksgiving. Show times are 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $21, with a discounted rate of $18 on Thursdays. For tickets, visit www.wheatondrama.org or call 630-260-1820.
