Oliver!

Earlier this week The Canadian and I went to check out the local production of Oliver! It wasn't put on by a professional troupe. It wasn't put on a by a school. No, it was put on by the entire school district. One local high school's drama directors produced the show but the cast was made up of kindergardeners through seniors (Canadian translation: Grade twelves) from all over the district (southern translation: county). I don't think I've ever seen anything so impressive.

That's not saying much. I've never been a musical theater fan. When I was a kid my friend, Courtney, constantly sang songs from Cats, Les Mes, Hair, and her favorite, Jesus Christ Super Star. I constantly rolled my eyes at her. I never stopped.

While I'm not a huge musical fan, I don't hate it either. I appreciate talent. God knows I wish I could sing and dance. And they were performing at The Capital Theater. I'd never been but everyone loves the place. It is one of the coolest buildings in our town. I tried to take photos but the usher was glaring at me. I took this photo from my purse. That's The Canadian's knee on the right.

I eventually got brave and took my camera out of my purse. Okay, fine. I asked the usher and he promised not to throw me out. Look how beautiful the ceiling is. The walls were very similar. 

The Capital was originally built in 1922 but eventually fell into a neglected movie theater. In the early '90s the city bought the theater with the intention of returning it to its former glory. Restoration specialists were brought in and soon found the beautiful gold stenciling and ornate decoration buried under four layers of paint.

Nowadays the theater seats 800 folks in two levels and even has those cool little balconies on the sides. 

Back to the show...

"Please sir, can I have some more?" I didn't know that line came from this play!

The costumes were fabulous. Props to the all the moms out there that sewed their little butts off.

"You've got to pick a pocket or two!" 


I'm not sure that's the best lesson to teach our children.

"Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah-pah, Oom-pah-pah!"

You know how in the playbook each actor has their headshot next to a little blurp that explains their background and who they want to thank? Every single kid said something about Oom-pah-pah! at the end of their blurp. So, I was excited to see what this Oom-pah-pah was all about. Do you know what its about? It's about drinking and partying. Lovely.

Meanwhile, the good boys and girls are down in the pitt playing their instruments beautifully. I bet they never partake in any Oom-pah-pah.

Remember this face. I forgot her name. She played Nancy. She stole the show. Mark my words, you'll see her on Broadway. In.Cred.Ible.

This guy was amazing. Rankin? Rafin? Can't remember...You know, the creepy guy with the hunchback that takes the orphans in and teaches them how to pick pockets? Him. A.Maz.Ing.

In fact, the whole cast was incredible. So much talent. So much Oom-pah-pah.

Fagin! Fagin. Not Rafkin. They're kind of close, they all end with 'in'. I knew it would come to me....