DiVita, Andrews, Lawton and More Will Join Panaro in Walnut Street's Oliver!

By Andrew Gans
16 Oct 2009

Hugh Panaro
Hugh Panaro
Photo by Ben Strothmann

Casting has been announced for the Walnut Street Theatre's holiday season production of Lionel Bart's Oliver!, which begins performances Nov. 10.

Barrymore Award winner Mark Clements will direct the classic musical, which will officially open Nov. 18 and continue through Jan. 10, 2010.

As previously reported, Broadway's Hugh Panaro will head the cast as Fagin. He will be joined by Maggie Anderson, Josie Andrews as Bet, Bill Bateman, Kelley Faulkner, Scott Greer, Joe Jackson, Anthony Lawton as Bill Sikes, Sonny Leo, Mary Martello, Rob McClure, Michael Philip O’Brien, Peter Schmitz, Denise Whelan, Janine DiVita as Nancy, Robert Abdoo, Chelsey Clark, Kolina Janneck, Freddie Kimmel, John Peakes, Erin Reilly, Rebecca Robbins, Beth Wheeler and Troy Woodcroft.

Based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," Oliver!, press notes state, "is the story of a young orphan boy who wanted 'more.' From the orphanage to the mean streets of London, the ever-optimistic Oliver strives to survive through thick and thin. This proves no easy task as the boy encounters both saints and sinners on his journey."

The creative team will also include musical director Douglass G. Lutz, scenic designer Todd Edward Ivins, lighting designer Jeff Nellis and costume designer Colleen Grady, plus choreographer Mary Jane Houdina (WST's 42nd Street and Hairspray).



Tickets are available by calling (215) 574-3550, ext. 6 or by visiting walnutstreettheatre.org.