Uplifting show tunes and the overwhelming vocals of a small boy and a large man are currently engulfing the MusicalFare Theater at Daemen College this month.
The theater company, which prides itself in bringing quality musical acts to Western New York, presented Oliver!, a musical rendition of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.
Before the play even began, the cast of Oliver! walked up and down the aisles in character, chatting up the audience to get them ready for the show. While mingling with the crowd, the cast went a long way toward setting the show's tone, and even went around asking for donations in comical Cockney manner.
Oliver! is set in the desperate economic circumstances of a gloomy 1933 London – a slightly more modern parallel to the source material's Victorian setting.
Things kicked off with the classic number "Food, Glorious Food," and a quick introduction of the show's star, Oliver, performed by Adam Kulge, 11 of Tonawanda.
Kulge had absolutely no reservations or fear while performing as the title character. As the only minor among a cast of 11 adults, Kulge's vocals and performance of the sometimes naïve and innocent Oliver impressed the audience.
"I've seen other [renditions of Oliver!], but never a boy who carried himself and the character like that," said Christine Lewandoswki, 58, of Williamsville.
A song that exemplified the talent of Kulge was "I'd Do Anything." The song included the character of the Artful Dodger, played by Cassie Gorniewicz.
Gorniewicsz doubled as Charlotte Sowerberry, daughter of local undertakers Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry – together the three of them take care of Oliver. Charlotte's character was deranged and dark, in stark contrast to the conniving, yet cheerful, Artful Dodger.
Oliver! is Gorniewicz's debut with MusicalFare, and her portrayal of two polar opposite characters shows means that she will likely become a staple in the theater company.
Philip Farugia played the lead role of Mr. Bumble, the ill-tempered man who helps run Oliver's orphanage. Farugia also played other supporting roles, but his portrayal of Mr. Bumble was what really captured the adoration and esteem of the audience.
"When I read the book I was scared of Mr. Bumble, but [Farugia] made me laugh. It's interesting how different a play can make you look at a book," said Amanda, 13, of Williamsville.
The theater company in general did not shine as much as the three above mentioned actors, however. Much of the acting was outshined by the group's vocal capabilities. The Albrights, the in-house band, supplied the audience with clap-along tunes, and gained more praise than much of the acting.
MusicalFare's execution of Oliver! left much to be desired dramatically, but the play ultimately captivated the audience.
MusicalFare will continue to present Oliver! until Oct. 16. The show can be seen at 4380 Main St. in Amherst at Daemen College campus.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
