Middle School Musical

Oliver
28 & 29 August 2009

This year’s presentation of Oliver by Ballarat Clarendon College Middle School is set to be a highly entertaining and vividly theatrical presentation. Inspired by original illustrations for Oliver Twist the set and costumes are all in black and white until the songs see the stage awash with colour. Silhouettes and shadows fill the world of London in the 1800’s as Oliver’s stirring tale is retold. From his suffering in inhumane conditions of the workhouse through to his final release from uncertainty and poverty Dickens’ Oliver remains a powerful symbol of courage and optimism. In our modern times we are witnessing the rise of homelessness and dispossession and can see links with the story that unfolds through the musical. Oliver also has, in many of its greatest songs, an uplifting sense of optimism and a message of love. ‘Consider Yourself’ is rightly thought to be one of the greatest songs of belonging in the musical theatre and it is this sense of belonging, as well as the great humour running throughout the musical that is perhaps its greatest legacy. Ballarat Clarendon’s College’s production promises to be an energetic and intriguing interpretation of Oliver; one that will hopefully set feet tapping, tickle the funny bone, question how much life has changed since the 1800’s and, finally, to touch the soul.