'Oliver' opens at Prospect Playhouse
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from June 1994.
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Since the Lionel Bart musical first opened in 1960, it has been seen by millions of people, either in its stage version or the 1968 Oscar-winning motion picture.
The songs are eminently hummable and still well-known. The plot, loosely based on the Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, is also familiar, a factor which can work both for and against any group brave enough to attempt such a complicated project.
The pictures accompanying this story were taken during recent rehearsals when technical details were being worked out and performances were understandably uneven, so any "pre-review" would be inappropriate. Equally important, I don't want to prejudice the reporter who does critique the show.
Having said that, however, I can justifiably point to some tremendous potential, ranging from the precious, precocious children who are Oliver's workhouse mates and, later, Fagin's gang, to some new faces and strong voices which could end up ranking among the best ever on the local stage. Getting the show off to a good start is the presence of a real live orchestra whose members individually are of no small repute.
Among the more than 40 actors and actresses are several newcomers. and a reassuring mix of tested veterans.
In the title role, looking as pensive and vulnerable as his character demands, is Tim Gerbrandt, in Cayman for less than a year. A stu-Cont'd on page A7 from page A6
dent at Cayman Prep, he moved here with his family from Saskatchewan, Canada, where he enjoyed taking part in school plays. He studied for this demanding role by singing along with a tape at home. Now 13, he isn't sure which he likes better, the singing or the acting.
Douglas Tardif has never been on stage in his life. But he's loved the music of Oliver! since first hearing it in 1963. Playing the role of Fagin "is one of those things I've just always wanted to do," he said. When auditions were held last October, there were several others trying for the part: "I was absolutely delighted when they chose me."
From Toronto, Doug has been in Cayman three years, now working with government as manager of small systems for computer services.
Another local stage debut is being made by Lander Scott. If you didn't know the name, chances are you'd be genuinely puzzled by the vaguely familiar voice. Yes, Lander the news announcer on Z99, has adopted a slight Cockney accent for the part of Nancy. Lander may be new to Cayman but she is a veteran performer. A native of Athens, Ohio, she started around age five in community theatre, acted in school plays and went on to major in theatre at college level.
Lander says she would have gone on to graduate school, but a job in radio was open and she opted for the experience. The radio background, of course, is what enabled her to come to Cayman. But before she arrived, she made sure to inquire about any opportunities for theatre involvement.
Seasoned and popular performers taking part include Peter Riley as Bill Sikes, Sue Horrocks as the Artful Dodger, Barrie Quappe as Widow Corney. Having left her demanding job on CITN's early morning programme, Barrie is now able to get back into theatre. But she still enjoys quality family evenings because husband Chuck is in the orchestra and daughter Terri is one of the dozen and more kids on stage.
Putting all the ingredients together is director Alan Hall, assisted by Marilyn Osborn, Maria Fisher, Katie Moore and a hard-working backstage crew.
