Bartlett (A.R.T.'s Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs the work, which will begin Feb. 17 and open Feb. 21 at the Cambridge, MA, company's Loeb Drama Center for a run through March 24.
"Inspired by the vivid world of Victorian music-hall," reads show materials, "Neil Bartlett's staging of Oliver Twist uses the original language of Dickens' novel to dramatize one of the most deeply felt stories about childhood ever written. A cast of unforgettable characters brings the underworld of nineteenth-century London back to thrilling life – a city teeming with images of danger and fear – all seen through the eyes of an astonished child." The work was seen previously in London.
The company of actors — who double as musicians on such instruments as the hurdy-gurdy and the serpent — include A.R.T. company actors Remo Airaldi (as Mr. Bumble), Thomas Derrah (Mr. Sowerberry/ Mr. Grimwig/Mr. Fang), Will LeBow (Mr. Brownlow) and Karen MacDonald (Mrs. Bumble). Also featured in the ensemble are Ned Eisenberg (Fagin), Michael Wartella (Oliver), Steven Boyer (Noah Claypole), Gregory Derelian (Bill Sykes), Carson Elrod (the Artful Dodger), Jennifer Ikeda (Nancy), Elisabeth Jasicki (Rose Brownlow/Charlotte Sowerberry), Craig Pattison (Charley Bates) and Lucas Steele (Toby Crackit).
The design team is led by Rae Smith (set and costumes), Scott Zielinski (lighting) and David Remedios (sound). The production features original music by Gerard McBurney.
Tickets to Oliver Twist at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square, are available by calling the A.R.T. InfoLine at (617) 547-8300 or by visiting the website at amrep.org.
