MGP's "Oliver" Opens Tonight in Avon Lake

Mighty Goliath Productions “Oliver” opens tonight, Feb. 10 at Performing Arts Center.

This year’s productionfeatures veteran actor and singer Ian Atwood, who has starred in Pick Wick and Frolic Martini Show, is playing Bill Sykes. Elicia J. Bryant is playing Nancy and Avon Lake native and former teacher Casey Wolnowski will play Fagin. Wolnowski directed last year’s MGP production of The Sound of Music.

Oliver is being played by Oberlin 4th grader Nicholas Bertoni.

The musical is being directed by Avon Lake attorney Douglas Brill and is being produced by Lynn Maslinski and Fiona Walker. The cast includes 86 members, which includes 26 family members. Twenty-five musicians will be playing in the orchestra.

Oliver features musical classics such as Food, Glorious Food, I'd Do Anything, Where is Love? Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, and Who Will Buy.

Oliver is based on Charles Dickens' moving tale of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy who escapes from the orphanage only to end up in the company of pick pockets. When Oliver has a chance to live a good life, love and hate battle as Sykes and his girlfriend, Nancy, have different ideas for the young boy. Dickens' characters are always larger-than-life, and the musical captures his unforgettable creations.

This year’s play, the 53rd MGP production, marks the directorial debut by Brill, who said MGP will work with to alleviate one of the problems addressed in Oliver.

"One of the theme’s of Oliver is hunger,” Brill said. “So, this year we decided to add a second charitable event. MGP is partnering with CRS to raise money for the purchase of food for the many hungry in our community.

Performances are Feb. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will be performed on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $10; tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance at and (both in Avon Lake) or at www.ticketspigot.com.  Visit www.mightygoliath.com for more information or call 440-930-2886 or email tickets@mighygoliath.com.