Weekend Pick: 'Oliver!' At NFCT A Delight For All Ages

MATTITUCK, NY — What better way to christen the summer season on the East End than by bringing the family to experience the joy of community theater?

There's a dazzling, magical, talent-infused production of Lionel Bart's "Oliver!" playing through June 3 at the North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck that's sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The story of Oliver Twist, a young orphan left to find his fortune in the city only to fall into a band of young marauders and then, finally, the path that leads him to his destiny, is a story that elicits a full range of emotions, as audiences find themselves rooting for a boy whose indomitable spirit remains unbroken despite the ravages of poverty and nefarious pickpockets hoping to line their pockets with his innocence.

Celebrating its 60th season on the North Fork, NFCT has a long legacy of bringing fine shows year-round, and of giving young talent, in some cases, their first chance to shine. Directed by Kelsey Cheslock, a familiar face on the NFCT stage, with musical direction by Karen Hochstedler, "Oliver!" exemplifies why NFCT has had such enduring chops on the East End canvas — it's an incredible ensemble that raises the bar, time and time again.

From the very first "Please, sir, can I have some more?" uttered by the talented young Skyler Valderrama as Oliver Twist, the audience know it's in for a treat, a roaringly funny, tender, moving and, at times, heartbreakingly dark "Oliver!" that showcases the talents of each member of large and finely tuned cast.

Audiences, who headed happily into theater even on a recent Thursday evening, could be heard singing along to familiar tunes including "Food, Glorious Food," "Oliver," and "Consider Yourself," and wiping away tears at a sung-to-heartaching-perfection rendition of "Where is Love?" by Skyler's Oliver.

Along with his top-notch performance, the musical sparkles with talent in every corner, featuring show-stopping performances by Mike Hipp as "Fagin;" Hipp's eyes literally glitter with a mixture of greed, mischief, levity . . .and broken dreams. Another familiar NFCT face, Hipp is a treasure, an actor who consistently brings a level of talent rarely seen on the community theater canvas, and who does it with humility and a genuine love for bringing live theater to local audiences.

Hipp's family has long been involved with NFCT; indeed, this show features a hilarious turn by his wife Kimet Speed as Mrs. Corney, with two of their sons also helping to bring "Oliver!" to life.

Andrew Lenahan deserves a nod as a dark and evil Bill Sikes and Jenna Wolf dazzles in her role as Nancy, equally feisty and forlorn, brave and broken as she captures the essence of a battered woman determined to stand by her man, as long as he needs her —with a voice that literally echoes with pathos and passion in minds and hearts long after the last notes have faded.

The large cast of young performers also leaves a mark with their impeccable timing, humor, spot on vocals and standout choreography, masterfully designed by Jenna Spates.

Any parent who's ever had a child find their path on the stage — or any parent who's ever seen wonder and imagination reflected in their child's eyes as they watch a live performance — will know exactly how invaluable and life-altering community theater can be.

Watching "Oliver!" on Thursday night were a little boy, 4, and his sister, 3, who'd traveled with their dad from Babylon for the show. It was the fourth time they'd seen it, he said. "They love the songs," he added. And, indeed, as the cast wowed the audience with unbridled talent, the eyes of the children were wide, their smiles and giggles infectious — not an electronic device in sight.

For both the large cast of young people on the stage — many of whom will go on to lifelong careers in the arts — and those children enamored in the audience, as well as the scores of adults clapping enthusiastically, "Oliver!" is a testament to the NFCT's long and rich legacy.

Here's to the next 60 years.

Performances of "Oliver!" will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays through June 3. NFCT is located at 12700 Sound Avenue in Mattituck. For additional information, ways to donate to NFCT, and to buy tickets, click here.

Patch courtesy photo.