PALATINE, Ill.—“Lionel Bart’s Oliver!” was an immediate hit when it first opened in 1960, and it became even more successful when it was made into the 1968 movie musical. Now, its revival by Music on Stage at Cutting Hall Arts Performance Center in Palatine, Illinois, allows us to enjoy that sparkling gem of a show.
Based on Charles Dickens’s novel, “Oliver Twist,” published in 1838, the story follows a young, mistreated orphan who escapes a harsh workhouse and runs off to London. There, he falls into a criminal gang, but ends up holding on to his innocence and goodness, and with the help of well-meaning adults, escapes his impoverished past to find familial love.
Adapting a Dark Classic
The musical stage version of Dickens’s tale is titled “Lionel Bart’s Oliver!” to distinguish it from the Dickens classic. Although Lionel Bart based his theatrical version on Dickens’s tale, there are differences between the novel and the stage musical.
In the original novel, Fagin is a sinister villain who fits into anti-Semitic stereotypes. Bart, who was Jewish, humanized Fagin into a comedic rascal who acts as a kind mentor to London’s street children. Bart’s musical is cheerful as opposed to the dark and terrifying melodrama of Dickens’s Victorian underworld. Furthermore, Bart composed a rousing, melodic songbook to accompany Dickens’s story.
In the original Dickens narrative, Fagin is arrested, suffers a mental breakdown in jail, and is publicly hanged. In Bart’s musical, Fagin avoids justice entirely, traipsing away to happily pick pockets another day. In the original, The Artful Dodger is arrested and deported to Australia. In the musical, he stays free to continue as Fagin’s sidekick.
A Rousing, Heartwarming Revival
With fine direction and choreography by Jocelyn Adamski, the show moves with an exhilarating energy that grabs one’s attention from beginning to end. The set design by Emily Fujioka, with its background of lanterns and iron railing, suggests the bridges and streets of London, which allows for the action to move from Mr. Bumble’s (Don J. Orlando) workhouse to a funeral parlor, and to the den of juvenile thieves. The atmosphere is further enhanced by Amanda Gouskos’s lighting design of flickering gaslights and Patty Halajian’s costume design of ragged wear for the kids and long coats for the adults.
The highlight of the show, however, is the ensemble. Jessica Lauren Fisher creates a nicely layered Nancy as a strong-willed woman with a heart of gold who delivers a show-stopping rendition of “As Long as He Needs Me.” Sam Garrison comes through as Bill Sikes with a charming sense of villainy. And Hudson Taylor is the street-wise Artful Dodger who takes Oliver under his wing when he belts out “Consider Yourself.”
Furthermore, there are two standout performances at the center of the show. The first is that of Brian Rabinowitz as Fagin, who shines with “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” and “Reviewing the Situation.” The second is that of the adorable Spencer Schillenger who does a great job playing the naive orphan Oliver. Schillenger has a lovely voice and tugs at your heartstrings when he sings “Food, Glorious Food” and “Where Is Love?”
In addition, the ensemble of children portray the winsome urchins in Fagin’s gang as the members come together in harmony with “I’d Do Anything.” Indeed, much of the show’s joy comes from its music. Overflowing with the kind of unforgettable musical score that once marked the classics of the 1960s Golden Age of Theater, this production overflows with wonderful tunes at the direction of Marty Karlin and terrific sound effects by Marcus Olmos.
This production of Oliver has everything going for it. Oliver never loses his innocence as he dreams of a better life, embodying the show’s theme through his determination and the power of love. This heartwarming musical is engaging entertainment that will captivate all ages, and is especially perfect for families looking for an upbeat, joyous experience.
“Lionel Bart’s Oliver!”
Produced by Music on Stage at
Cutting Hall Arts Center
150 E. Wood St., Palatine, Ill.
Tickets: 847-202-5222 or MusicOnStage.org
Runs: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
Closes: May 24, 2026
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