All-encompassing, The 5th Avenue Theatre’s current production of Oliver! is outstanding in every facet imaginable. Stupendous staging, gifted performers, and this famously fabulous musical score will reward your trekking out into the cold Seattle air no matter how frigid.  Profoundly difficult was departing the warm glow of the theatre, serenaded by the vitalizing orchestra’s final notes.

Nineteenth Century London/North England came instantly to life through brilliantly designed sets, and lighting, that flowed seamlessly from one venue to the next. This incredible cast has proven, once again, that Seattle’s amazingly talented actors/singers/dancers are at the top of their game! The 36 high-spirited “orphans” in this particular performance were perfectly cast (this reviewer had a soft spot for the smallest with the cool hat); David Pichette’s Fagin was an all-time favorite portrayal in my book (even with failed mike near end of Act 1); and Merideth Kaye Clark’s final solo would have been dynamic enough to rock all of London. Stupendous . . . all!

Another fabulous experience at The 5th. Thank you, David Armstrong and Crew, for bringing Oliver! back!