THEATER - Alma and Oliver

Local theater puts a new ‘Twist on a classic novel

By VIRGINIA TERZIAN

Daily Titan Staff

Entering the Grove Theater in Upland is at times like taking a trip back in time. With their current rendition of “Oliver,” a musical version of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” one can’t help but be drawn into the world of days gone by.

The play, produced by Sherry Kinison and directed by Calvin Remsberg, tells the story of Oliver Twist, a young boy who has spent the last nine years of his life living in a workhouse or orphanage.

One day the youth makes a request for more food and is subsequently sold to a shop owner. He runs away and spends the rest of the play trying to fi nd a place where he belongs.

In the midst of his search he is befriended by a band of pickpockets and underworld characters. The person to keep an eye out for within this production was Angeline Carr who depicted the role of Nancy, a streetwalker.

Carr’s acting was something to see, with her ability to take over the stage the moment she spoke.

Her performance of “As Long as He Needs Me” was beautiful to hear and illustrated the history of the physical abuse against women.

Jeffry Lewis’ portrayal of Fagin, the elderly pickpocket who attempts to get as many lost youths to work for him as possible, was hilarious.

His side-splitting rendition of “Reviewing the Situation” was worth the price of admission.

During the song Fagin considers whether he should try to live a proper life or if he should simply remain a criminal.

Daily Titan Staff

Hippy prince on quest for idenfor identity

JACQUELINE LOVATO/Daily Titan

Cal State Fullerton theater students gather around a guitar-wielding guru at a dress rehearsal for the musical “Pippin.” The play runs Oct. 22 through Oct. 31 in the Little Theatre. Director James R. Taulli, Musical Director Mitchell Hanlon and the CSUF cast hope to see your groovy selves there.

By KYM PARSONS

One man’s search for love and fulfi llment will be brought to life in the Theater and Dance Department’s production of “Pippin.”

“Pippin,” which opens Friday in Cal State Fullerton’s Little Theatre, is a romantic comedy based on a young prince’s search for love and happiness. Unfortunately, he fi nds himself failing at every attempt.

Director James Taulli said he chose “Pippin” because he felt that the play best suited the talents of the current musical theater students.

Despite the original play being set in medieval times, it has been updated to add a fresh feel to the original story.

“We have chosen to place this production at Woodstock in 1969,” Taulli said. “Our new concept has helped us to make a crazy-fun romp of a show.”

He said the play now focuses on the story of a guy who has just graduated from college and is now trying to fi gure out a purpose for his life.

Choreographer William Lett said that although the lyrics and basis of the play are the same, the change in scenery to Woodstock “works amazingly well.”

“We made sure that we could still justify the play,” he said.

Lett said that when he usually choreographs plays, he likes to come into production with a preconceived idea of how he wants to incorporate dance into the production.

The performance had the entire audience laughing and tapping their toes.

The highlight of the song is when he sang, “Who will change the scenery?” and suddenly a group of stagehands appear shifting the set for the next scene.

One of the most interesting parts of this play was the cast’s ability to portray multiple roles. A band of young boys portrayed several different parts throughout the production.

Also, the director’s ability to make the small stage change to suit any location from a bar in

“With this play, I was encouraged to be more spontaneous,” he said. “When we started, we began in a much more organic place than the original play.”

Lett said that when the cast began production on the play he had cast members improvise movements while he videotaped it.

“I worked elements of the improvisations into the choreography,” he said.

Popular dances such as the twist and the mashed-potato have been incorporated into the play.

Lett said he and the students are psyched and ready for an audience.

“The entire cast is really excited and is itching for an audience,” Lett said. “As we have been adding various technical elements to the play such as the band, costumes and lighting, you can see the energy rising.”

The play, which is completely student-performed on stage also involves student production backstage.

The costumes, sound, scenery, lights and props are all designed by faculty but with students assisting them, Taulli said.

Carol Cotter, technical director for the play, said that students do all the backstage work.

“Pippin” stars Nathan Hunt as Pippin, Erin Watson as Catherine, Megan Bayha, Angelina Holliman and Sage Thommen as the Leading Players and Aaron Gaines as Charles. London, a rich man’s home, the pickpockets’ hideout and even London Bridge showed that the cast and crew knew all the tricks of the trade.

Overall the production was something to see and a great reminder that one need not travel all the way to Los Angeles to see a good show.

Some of the best productions are available right in your own backyard.

“Oliver” runs through Oct. 24 and tickets are still available. For more information call (909) 920- 4343.