By Brian Scott Lipton. . .
Those of us who consider ourselves experts when it comes to Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! because we’ve seen Carol Reed’s sumptuous Oscar-winning film adaptation numerous times will be in for a bit of shock if they come to New York City Center and see Encores! take on the original 1963 Broadway show (well, with some cuts and using William David Brohn’s lush 1994 orchestrations).
Yes, all the beloved tunes are still here, including “I’d Do Anything,” “It’s a Fine Life,” and “Where Is Love?,” “to name just a few. And they’re splendidly performed by a top-notch cast led by the adorable Benjamin Pajak as Oliver, the physically and vocally commanding Lilli Cooper as the loving yet self-destructive Nancy, and, especially, the deliciously theatrical Raul Esparza (in a long overdue return to the stage) as the greedy Fagin.
But by restoring some of the show’s darker-hued storylines and songs (including the dreary “My Name” for the villainous Bill Sikes, scarily portrayed by the great Tam Matu), one quickly realizes that Bart’s idea to marry one of Dickens’ most upsetting stories (there’s child abuse, homelessness, murder) with an often-vaudevillian score causes so much tonal whiplash you might need a neck brace to survive the 2 ½ hours.
In fact, it all too quickly becomes clear that both the show’s shaky structure – plus the cost of putting on a musical with such a large ensemble cast (including children who would need to be double-cast) – is why it may never be seen in its original form on the Great White Way again.
Moreover, director Lear deBessonet seems all too happy to lean into the show’s seamier side, especially in the show’s first half-hour (aka the one with the songs we don’t know and which could be cut). After the hungry orphan Oliver is thrown out of the workhouse for asking for more food by the pompous Mr. Bumble (Brad Oscar, both scary and hilarious) and his eventual wife, the Widow Corney (Mary Testa in fine screeching form), he is then sold to the drunken funeral director Mr. Sowberry and his wife (Thom Sesma and Rashidra Scott, both excellent), who treat him worse than their dog.
Only after a scuffle caused by more abuse by one of the Sowberrys’ assistants, does Oliver escape into London, and the show we know finally begins. We’re almost beside ourselves to finally hear “Consider Yourself,” despite an underpowered performance by Julian Lerner as the Artful Dodger, the wayward teen who leads Oliver into a life of crime. Still, this exuberant number shows off Lorin Latarro’s often splendid choreography and gives deBessonet her one chance to add some kids from local communities to join the professionals on stage.
The remainder of the production fares far better, especially thanks to the mesmerizing Esparza, who manages to turn all three of his big numbers (“You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” “Be Back Soon,” and especially, “Reviewing The Situation”) into little three-act plays, and the extraordinary Cooper, who turns both the raucous “Oom-Pah Pah” and the searing ballad “As Long As He Needs Me” into bona fide showstoppers.
There’s also a nice (non-singing) turn by the veteran actor Michael Siberry as Mr. Brownlee, the rich old man who adopts Oliver (after he tries to steal from him) and eventually discovers he has a familial connection to the young lad, as well as a surprisingly welcome return by Oscar and Testa that earns hearty guffaws.
Rashidra Scott – Benjamin Pajak – Thom Sesma
The biggest disappointment is the staging of the gorgeous “Who Will Buy,” since deBessonnet could not possibly match Reed’s magnificent version of this soaring song in the film, which is a triumph of cinematography and choreography. And anyone expecting a big upbeat finale (which was true in 1963) will be surprised by deBessonet’s choice to end the show, rather abruptly, with Fagin’s final, dramatic exit.
Still, despite its flaws, consider yourself fortunate if you get a chance to see this entertaining production. It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Oliver! continues at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street) through May 14. Call (212) 581-1212 or visit www.nycitycenter.org for tickets.
Photos: Joan Marcus
