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Arts & Entertainment

Don't Pick a Pocket or Two—"Oliver!" Isn't That Pricey

Mark Carovale directs and stars in classic show at Brundage Park Playhouse.

Directing a show isn’t easy, and neither is acting in one. So imagine how tough it is to do both.

That’s the challenge Mark Carovale faces as he not only directs “Oliver!” at theBrundage Park Playhouse in Randolph, but also stars as Fagin. Pulling double duty is something Carovale has done on occasion, usually if an actor gets sick during a run, but it’s not his preference.

“It’s not something I like to do, because you then can’t watch the show during performances and correct things that may be wrong," he said. "In the case of this show, my choreographer [Frank J. Burns Jr.], who is also a close friend, watches for me and comes back with notes about the performances. It’s always good to have someone you can rely on to watch if you can’t.”

Making Carovale’s job—or make that jobs—easier are his love for the show and his familiarity with it.

“I have done ‘Oliver!’ many times before, having played Mr. Bumble, Sowerberry and Fagin,” he said. “It is one of my favorite shows. The music is wonderful and you know people will go away humming some number from the show.”

It’s also a favorite of audiences. Based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” the show was written by Lionel Bart and follows the title character (played by Alicia Vega) as he escapes a London workhouse and joins a gang of thieves in 19th-century London. The gang consists of children trained by Fagin to become pickpockets. 

The show premiered in London in 1960 and came to the U.S. in 1962, with a Broadway run starting in January to November 1963. It was later adapted into a 1968 movie. It features some of the most beloved songs in Broadway history, including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself” and “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.”

It also has the famous line (written by Dickens), “Please, sir, I want some more.”

There are lots of reasons for the musical’s enduring popularity, and one Carovale cites is that its characters are searching for something we all want. And he doesn’t mean money or even food.

“I think the story of always seeking that someone to love you and take care of you, which is what Oliver, Nancy, even Fagin, are looking for—love,” he said. “Of course everyone knows the songs from the show, which also adds to its popularity.”

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Audiences bring expectations to a well-known show like “Oliver!” and Carovale said you can’t get too experimental with it. Still, he said he finds ways to make this production his own.

“You try to give your spin on the sets and costumes and also the mood in lights and what the actors are feeling in certain scenes,” he said. “So when you do that, you can get your own vision as to what the overall show looks like.”

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Fagin is a legendary character in literature and on Broadway. His most famous song is probably “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.” But Carovale pointed to another number as a favorite of his to sing.

“Fagin’s big number is ‘Reviewing the Situation,’” he said. “It’s very long and very wordy, but a great spot for an actor. Although the number I like the most in the show is ‘Who Will Buy.’”

British accents are yet another challenge for a community troupe taking on “Oliver!” Carovale said his cast is up to the challenge.

“We have 10 children who have worked very hard to sing and dance their roles,” he said. “The adult cast has also worked just as hard and it seems the accents just came. I haven’t stressed them as much, but certain characters have them with no problem.”

Vital to putting on a quality production, he said, is working with people he can count on. He says he has that with Burns, as well as his music director, Nancy R. James and his set designer Nola Young.

“Without these people I couldn’t have done the directing and be in it as well,” Carovale said. “They all gave their full effort to bring the show to life. Also the parents, who brought their children to the rehearsals three nights a week. It’s just a joy to have people around you who can deliver when the chips are down, give their all and help produce a show that I hope people will enjoy.”

“Oliver!” is being performed at the Brundage Park Playhouse, 502 Millbrook Ave., Randolph, Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for seniors and children under 12. For reservations call 973-989-7092. Go to brundageparkplayhouse.org for more information.

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Audition Alert, "Enchanted:" The Women’s Theater Company in Parsippany is holding auditions for “Enchanted” in February. Equity and non-equity roles. Auditions will be held at the Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany. Bring a picture and resume, stapled together. E-mail an audition time and any questions to info@womenstheater.org.

Wintertime Blues: The  in Morristown will host Hot Tuna Blues, an evening of acoustic and electric blues, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature Hot Tuna with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, accompanied by blues icon Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica and guitar, and two-time Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale. Tickets cost $37-$57. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Gotta Dance! Savion Glover will bring his latest creation, “SoLo in TiMe” to the , Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Glover and his company weave tap and flamenco traditions in this performance described by the ’s website as “a breathtakingly electric montage of speed, rhythm, and song.” Tickets cost $37-$87. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Here’s the Proof: Nutley Little Theatre will stage “Proof,” David Auburn’s 2001 Tony winner for Best Play, Feb. 11 to 26. The Feb. 11 performance is a benefit performance for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Tickets cost $15, $13 seniors/students. For tickets and information, go to nutleylittletheatre.com.

A Night For Love: The Chester Theatre Group at the Black River Playhouse in Chester will present a Valentine’s special, the romantic comedy “Love Letters” by A. R. Gurney on Feb. 11 and 12, 8 p.m. The play follows the “near misses” of a relationship through a lifetime of letters between a man and a woman, played by Chester Theatre Group regulars Pat Sheffield and Robert Sackstein. Their friendship unfolds from what is written—and what is left unwritten—in 50 years of letters, from summer camps and boarding schools through college, war, career and relationships. All seats cost $10. Reservations recommended: 908-879-7304. The Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Maple and Grove streets in Chester. For more information, go to chestertheatregroup.org.

"The World Goes Round," You Go To Parsippany: The Women's Theater Company in Parsippany will produce "And The World Goes Round, The Songs of Kander and Ebb" starting Feb. 11. The revue features songs from "Cabaret," "Chicago," "Funny Lady," "Kiss Of The Spiderwoman" and other Broadway hits. Performances are Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. Friday and Saturday performances are 8 p.m. Sundays are 3 p.m. The show is at the , 1140 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. Tickets are $18, $15 for seniors and $12 for students. Call 973-316-3033 or e-mail info@womenstheater.org.

Love After 40: Celebrate love Valentine’s weekend when the off-Broadway smash “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” comes to the in Morristown Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. The musical comedy features four actors playing characters north of 40 in a revue of songs and comic scenes about the ups and downs that come with male/female relationships. Tickets cost $32-$57. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Audition Alert, “The Mousetrap:” Brundage Park Playhouse will hold auditions for its production of “The Mousetrap” Feb. 12 and March 2, 7 to 9 p.mThose auditioning are requested to bring a headshot or snapshot to the audition. Cold readings will be provided.   No appointments are necessary. The mystery written by Agatha Christie features five male roles (three in their 20s, two who are older) and three female roles (two in their 20s and one who is older). Performances are May 5 through 15. For more information, go to brundageparkplayhouse.org.

Have A Killer Time On Valentine’s Day:Luna Stage Company in West Orange is presenting a benefit reading of a David Wiltse’s “Murder Too” on Feb. 14. Billed as a “murder comedy,” the play is about an artistic director (played by Luna’s artistic director Jane Mandel), her best friend (Luna’s managing director, Mona Hennessy), her best friend husband (Mandel’s real-life husband and Luna board president Franki Faison, whose screen credits include "The Wire"), and a young actor (played by Dave Mason). Tickets cost $30 and include a light wine and cheese reception before the performance. Click here for information.

Let’s Get Real: Get your handkerchiefs ready because  in Hillsborough will present “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Feb. 18 through March 6. Anita Larsen adapted this version of Margery Williams’s classic children’s story of the special bond between a boy and his stuffed animal. Hilde Steinberg directs. The theater is located at 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough. Tickets cost $12. For tickets and information: 908-369-7469; www.svptheatre.org.

Hollywood Ending: There’s no business like show business, especially when David Mamet’s writing about it.  will present Mamet’s 1988 play “Speed the Plow” Feb. 18 through March 5. Filled with Mamet’s trademark, rapid-fire dialogue, it focuses on the ruthless nature of Hollywood and the movie industry. With the writer’s dialogue and taught plotting the seemingly superficial depiction of two Hollywood producers looking for a big break finds deep meaning. The show stars Robert Barwick, from Wayne, as Bob Gould; James Sloan, from New York City, as Charlie Fox; and Danielle Pennisi, from Cedar Grove, as Karen. Trey Compton is the director. Tickets cost $20, or $15 for  students. For tickets: see here  or call 908-273-2192. Summit Playhouse is located at 10 New England Ave., Summit.

This Bull Won’t Fight: Hudson Vagabond Puppets will perform “Ferdinand the Bull” at the  in Morris Township Feb. 19. The story of the peaceful bull is told with giant puppets in a narrated ballet with a larger-than-life bull, masked dancers, and specialized mechanical figures. The presentation includes an on-stage demonstration of techniques to resolve problems without fighting. Find more information here.

Can We Talk?Dover Little Theatre will present a staged of reading of George Castellitto’s “Four Distant Conversations” Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The reading will feature Clinton L. Scott, Tom Morrissey, Tim Murphy and Thom Florio, and will be followed by a talk back session with Castellitto and a wine and cheese reception. Tickets cost $5. Reservations are recommended. 973-328-9202; www.doverlittletheatre.org.

What a Pippin: Villagers Theatre in Somerset will present the Tony-award winning musical “Pippin” through Feb. 20. The show tells the story of a young prince, named Pippin, who sees the secret of happiness and fulfillment, through war, temptations and politics, and then through home and family. The show debuted on Broadway in 1972, running until 1977. The show’s music is by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Wicked”) and was originally directed by Bob Fosse.  Corey Rubel will direct Villagers’ “Pippin,” with choreography by Jillian Kimberlin and musical direction by David Regner. Tickets cost $18, $16 for seniors and students. The show contains mature subject matter recommended for audiences 16 and over. For ticket information, call 732-873-2710; villagerstheatre.com.

Vienna Waits For You: Opole, Philharmonic of Poland will perform a “Vienna Gala Program” at the  in Morristown Feb. 18. It's an evening of the music of Vienna featuring the orchestral, violin and vocal music of composer Johann Strauss Jr., as performed by Poland’s leading symphony orchestra, and the show starts at 8 p.m. There is a free pre-performance lecture at 7 pm for ticketholders. Tickets are $37-$52. Call 973-539-8008 or go to mayoarts.org for tickets.

Getting Nice and Naughty at the : A gay movie star, a male prostitute and his girlfriend, and a ruthless Hollywood agent take center stage in "The Little Dog Laughed" at the Bickford Theatre in Morris Township until Feb. 13. The comedy by Douglas Carter Beane ran in New York both off-Broadway and on Broadway in 2006, and received a Tony nomination for Best Play. In the play, actor Mitchell Green is poised to become a Hollywood star, but is determined to come out of the closet, leading Diane, his agent, to do whatever it takes to keep him there. The production stars Liz Zazzi, Mark Irish, Scott Tyler and Cynthia Fernandez. Eric Hafen directs. For ticket information, call 973-971-3706 or go to the theater’s websiteAlso, see our full story on it here.

Audition Alert, “Take Me Out:”Nutley Little Theatre is holding auditions for Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out” at the theater’s Barn, 47 Erie Place, Nutley, Feb. 13 and 14. The play is about Darren Lemming, a star baseball player who mistakenly thinks he’ll be accepted when he comes out of closet. For information on roles, go to nutleylittletheatre.com or e-mail takemeoutnlt@gmail.com. Some roles require nudity. The play opens April 8 for a three-week run.

How Do You Spell Quirky? The "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is continuing at the  through Feb. 13. From the theater's description, it's the story of "six quirky competitors and three oddball adults in search of spelling bee glory." It's a musical that tells its audience, "If you like to laugh, if you like to spell, you'll like this competition very well."

Audition Alert, “Beyond Therapy:” The Chatham Community Playerswill hold open auditions for Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy” Feb. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. The production runs May 6 to 21 at the Chatham Playhouse. Auditions will be at The Chatham Playhouse, 23 N. Passaic Ave., Chatham. Director Lauren Moran Mills asks actors be familiar with the script. Sides will be provided at the audition. The character breakdown is two women (one in late 20s to early 30s, another late 30s to early 50s) and four men (two in their early to mid 30s, one late 30s to early 50s and one in his 20s). All roles are open, none are precast, and everyone is encouraged to audition. Contact Kristin Furlong at 732-208-4184 or kristinbarber33@yahoo.com with any questions. More information can be found at here

Audition Alert, “The Wizard of Oz:” Hexagon Players of Mendham will auditions for “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Great Lutheran Church, 65 E. Main St., Feb. 16 and 18 at 6 p.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a song from any show and bring sheet music in the key they’ll be singing. Show dates are May 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 at in Bernardsville. For more information, call 973-543-8770.

Make It Up As You Go: Actors can add to their skill set and non-actors can try something new through ’s Improvisational Comedy for Adults course. Starting Feb. 19, Lulu French, a visiting artist with experience in improv, will help students of all levels learn traditional improv games, explore their own creative side in a supportive environment, develop spontaneity, and learn how to shed inhibitions. The last class will allow students to invite friends and family members to a showcase performance.  The class is open to students 18 and older. Classes will be held Saturdays, Feb. 19 to April 23, 10 a.m. to noon at Dreamcatcher’s third-floor space at the Baird Center in South Orange. Registration is on a first-come, first-servved basis. Cost is $333; register by Jan. 31 and save 10 percent. For information, go to dreamcatcherrep.org/education.html or e-mail info@DreamcatcherRep.org.

Feeling Folky: The  in Morristown will host an afternoon of folk music with The Second Annual Garden State Folk Festival Feb. 20, 3 p.m. The concert will feature the comedic songs of Carla Ulbrich, the 20-member all female a cappella group Hickory Tree Chorus, The Dirdy Birdies Jug Band and Roger Deitz. Tickts cost $20 and are available at 973-539-8008 and www.mayoarts.org.

Service With A Smile: Brad Zimmerman will present “My Son The Waiter, A Jewish Tragedy” at the  Feb. 24. In the show, the comedian shares the story of his struggle to make it as an actor in New York. Zimmerman has opened for Joan Rivers, Brad Garrett, Susie Essman, and was George Carlin’s regular opening act for two years. Tom Cotter is Zimmerman’s opening act. Tickets cost $25, for information, call 973-539-8008 or go to www.mayoarts.org

A Gala Evening: The Growing Stage children’s theater in Netcong will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the re-opening of the Palace Theatre with a gala on March 5. The evening includes cocktails, hors d ‘oeuvres, buffet dinner and dessert catered by the Black Forest Inn in Stanhope, a silent auction and performances by cast members of the theater’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Tickets cost $125, with proceeds benefiting The Growing Stages’ programs. RSVP by Feb. 19. Contact Managing Director Tom Romano at 973-347-4946 or mgdir@growingstage.com for reservations.

It's Better Than Even Money: 's musical for this year will be "Guys and Dolls," March 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m.; a matinee will also be March 12 at 2 p.m. Shows are in the West Morris Central High School Auditorium. More information here. (Note: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated the show would be "42nd Street, which the school performed a few years ago).

Doobie Brothers Tickets on Sale: Tickes for The Doobie Brothers’ April 22 concert at the  are going on sale to the public Feb. 11. The legendary band’s hits include “China Grove,” “Takin’ It To the Streets” and “Jesus is Just All Right With Me.” Tickets cost $69-$109. For information, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

With a Banjo on His Knee: There’ll be nothing wild and crazy going on when Steve Martin comes to the . Tickets for his concert of bluegrass and banjo music are on sale now. The concert is June 28. Martin’s 2009 album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” won the 2009 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. For information on all shows at the Mayo Center, go to mayoarts.org or call the box office at 973-539-8008.

Audition Alert, “The Taming of the Shrew:” Roles are still available for Brundage Park Playhouse’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Needed are two men in their 20s to 30s for the roles of Tranio and Hortensio, and two men in their 30s and up for the roles of Vincentio/Philip/Ensemble and The Mercent/Baptista’s Servent/Ensemble. All performers should move well. There is a fight scene that ends the first act involving basically the whole cast. The show, in general, will have a lot of physical comedy. Those interested should contact the director at director@theshakespeareinitiative.org directly to arrange an audition.

Celebrating Young Talent: The Madison Young Playwrights Festival will soon be taking reservations. It's a day-long festival celebrating work written by students in  Madison schools. Watch this space for more information.

New Managing Director for Shakespeare Theatre: The  in Madison announced that Jeanne Barrett, general manager of the theater since 2009, has been named managing director. Barrett will oversee the business operations and finances of the theater and, together with artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte and a team of six senior staff members, will oversee the production, artistic, education, development and marketing operations. “I am thrilled to have Jeanne by my side as we approach our milestone 50th Anniversary season," Monte said in a release from the theater. “Jeanne understands the challenges we face and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, and she will be instrumental as we continue the great work of this theater.

Do You Have A Jersey Voice? The  group is seeking original, one-act plays, short musicals or original dance pieces, written by New Jersey authors, for the 17th annual "Jersey Voices." Play submissions of any genre, style and length up to 20 minutes maximum running time will be accepted through March 15. E-mail submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF format to: jerseyvoices@chathamplayers.org. For more information on the festival itself, see here.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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