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PHOTOS from "Oliver" at Music Mountain Theatre

By John Posada

originally published: 03/18/2023

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre is presenting Oliver, the award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel, weekends through April 9. This musical features some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to grace the stage. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The streets of Victorian England come to life as a malnourished workhouse orphan, Oliver, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.

Anna Hentz leads the production team along with the cast of 49 adults and children as the director. Hentz guest directed previous productions for Music Mountain (Matilda, A Christmas Story) and, as one of the theatre's resident company members, can frequently be found on stage as well in roles such as Rose in Gypsy!, Donna in Mamma Mia!, and will be seen as Norma Desmond later this season in Sunset Boulevard. Also no stranger to the MMT stage, Jaimie Geddes joins the team as choreographer with Sue den Outer handling musical direction.

The role of Oliver is shared by Rothe Ripley (seen last season as Ralphie in A Christmas Story) and Asher Hyland who is appearing in his first mainstage show at Music Mountain. David Whiteman returns to reprise the role of Fagin from the Open Air Theatre Production, with Rachel Fingles as Nancy, Erik Snyder as Bill Sykes, Sky Carter and Gavin Prikril alternating the role of Artful Dodger, and Asher Mendelssohn sharing the part of Charley Bates with Gary Carter.

Music Mountain’s production of Oliver opened March 17, and plays on weekends through April 9. Showtimes are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets are $32 for adults and $30 for students/seniors/military and can be purchased by visiting musicmountaintheatre.org, in person at the box office, or by calling 609.397.3337.

 

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The 3:00pm matinee performance of Oliver on Sunday, March 19th will be a sensory-friendly, relaxed performance. A Relaxed Performance provides a sensory-friendly, judgment-free zone where all are welcome to be who they are. Some adjustments will be made so that individuals with high sensitivity or anyone who would benefit from a relaxed environment, can enjoy the magic of live theatre with their families and friends.

Music Mountain Theatre is located at 1483 NJ-179 in Lambertville, New Jersey.

Here are more photos from the production.

Music Mountain Theatre has remained committed to its mission of enriching, educating, and entertaining the community through the appreciation of the arts during this difficult time. The Theatre strives to provide a safe environment for all with rigorous cleaning procedures and, more recently, the installation of state-of-the-art air scrubbers to increase indoor air quality and reduce contaminants.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 70 productions for over 40 different theatres. Click here for John's website.