A beloved gem among British musicals, Oliver! follows a young orphan who overcomes mistreatment, deception, and abduction to make a better life for himself and his new-found friends. Adapted from Charles Dickens’ ever-popular novel, the musical includes some of theatre's most loved songs, including; ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two’, ‘I’d Do Anything’, ‘Oom Pah Pah’, and the heartbreaking ‘As Long As He Needs Me’.
 

Born into poverty and misfortune, Oliver Twist  escapes the harsh conditions of a workhouse and ventures into the streets of London. There, he encounters a cast of colourful characters, including the Artful Dodger, the villainous Fagin, the kind-hearted Nancy, and the menacing Bill Sikes. As Oliver navigates a world filled with danger and deception, he seeks love, family, and a place to call home. 
 

While this show does have darker elements we will be leaning heavily into the comedic elements and characters.  Looking for strong actors with great comedic timing.  

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PRODUCTION INFORMATION: 

Vocal Auditions are
September 27th 9am - 12pm 
September 29th 6 - 9pm 
Appointments are available but not required.  Email info.obctheater@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.  Walkups welcome!  

Callbacks are by invitation only September 30th 6 - 9pm.  

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Rehearsals November 1st - January 31st.  

Rehearsals for select cast members will begin October 18th to prepare for promotional events

Rehearsals are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Evenings & Saturday mornings.  Not all cast members are called for all rehearsals - usually 2 - 3 rehearsals a week.  
No Rehearsals December 22 - 28th, December 31 - January 2

Performances: February 6 - 15th 
(must be available for10am school performances on February 12th & 13th (with a possible additional school performance February 6th).  
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AUDITION INFORMATION 

AUDITION LOCATION 

Auditions are held at: 
Over the Moon Escape Rooms 
1307 W 6th Street Unit 109 

Corona, Ca 92882 

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Please prepare a 32-bar cut (1 minute of music) in the style of the role you’re auditioning for. No acapella singing - an accompanist will be provided.  YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN SHEET MUSIC. Music from the show is encouraged.  ​    

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*A Stipend is provided to all actors over 18 years of age

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CASTING INFORMATION

Character Descriptions for Oliver
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN except the role of BILL SYKES has already been cast.  

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CASTING girls/women ages 7 - Adult

CASTING boys/men ages 7 - Adult

Casting 10 - 12 young actors (ages 7 - 16) 
Ensemble will consist of 10 - 15 Adult Actors.  All ensemble actors will play multiple roles 

 

Oliver Twist: A orphan workhouse boy, age range 8-13.  Boy Soprano.  (can be played by either gender) 

British (not cockney) accent, bright and innocent. 

 

Artful Dodger: A street kid, must portroy 13-18, strong singer. 
Cockney accent. Very energetic, highly personable, intelligent and savvy beyond his years, Fagin’s right hand “man”.

 

Fagin: Middle aged leader of a children’s band of thieves

Cockney accent. Described as devious, a user, sly fox, con man, very personable.

 

Nancy: When she was younger worked for Fagin, now a “barmaid” at the Three Cripples Bar,

age range 25-40s.  Should have decent movement skills.

Cockney accent. She lives with and loves Bill Sykes, pretty, intelligent, longs for a better life.

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Mr. Bumble: The Master of the Workhouse. (High Tenor) Age Range 25 - 50.
Cockney accent. A large, pompous and corrupt bureaucrat.

 

Widow Corney: The Mistress of the Workhouse, age range 25-50.  (Soprano) 

Cockney accent. Sharp tongued widow, also corrupt​

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Bet: Nancy’s friend, has worked for Fagin, age range 15-25. (Soprano).  Should move well.
Cockney accent. She idolizes Nancy.

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Mr. Sowerberry: The undertaker, age range 30-45. (Baritone) 

Cockney accent. Kind of creepy, “buys” Oliver from Bumble to work in the funeral home as a coffin follower, may be an alcoholic.

 

Mrs. Sowerberry: The undertaker’s wife, age range 30-45. (Mezzo/Alto)
Cockney accent. More business savvy than her husband.

 

Noah Claypole: Undertaker’s apprentice, age range 18-25. Cockney accent. May have also come from Workhouse. Feels threatened by, dislikes and torments Oliver.

 

Charlotte: Sowerberry’s daughter, age range 16-21.  Cockney accent. Attracted to Noah, kind of flirty.

 

Mr. Brownlow: Older gentleman, age range 40-60.  British (not cockney) accent. Kind upper class gentleman, Oliver’s grandfather.

 

Dr. Grimwig: A doctor, age range 35-55. British (not cockney) accent. Upper class, friend of Mr. Brownlow.

 

Mrs. Bedwin: A housekeeper, age range 30-55. British (not cockney) accent. Works for Mr. Brownlow. Warm personality.

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Featured Roles: Oom-Pah-Pah soloists, The Rose Seller (mezzo), Strawberry Seller (soprano), Milk Maid (soprano), Knife Grinder (baritone) and Long Song Seller (Tenor); Old Sally and Old Lady (cockney accents)

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Workhouse & Fagin KIDS

Age ranges 7-18, Casting boys and girls

 Singers/actors, Need to move/dance well &  any “special skills” are an added plus (i.e: acrobatics, tumbling, juggling, dance etc.  We are looking for boys and girls who are bright and personable. Boys and girls will be in one or more of the following:  Fagin's Gang, Workhouse Boys, Workhouse Assistants, Street Vendors & London Townspeople.  Many featured solos and speaking roles.  

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Adult Featured Ensemble
Age ranges 16 and up,

Need singers (all voice types), characters with cockney and traditional British accents. Include in this are the featured soloists: The Rose Seller (mezzo), Strawberry Seller (soprano), Milk Maid (soprano), Knife Grinder (baritone) and Long Song Seller (Tenor); featured roles Old Sally and Old Lady (cockney accents), & the Chairman.  Strong actors, vocalists & strong dancers needed.  

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