Classical Catholic Drama Club

of Eastern Oklahoma

 
From the novel by
CHARLES DICKENS

Adapted & Directed by Kenneth Henderson

PRODUCTION DATES

FRI/SAT
February 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7:30PM
SAT/SUN Matinee
February 3, 4, 10, 11 at 2PM

BROKEN ARROW COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

1800 South Main Street
Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Coming Soon

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Step into the enchanting world of “Oliver Twist,” a riveting theatrical adaptation that masterfully captures Charles Dickens’ timeless story of the little orphan boy born under mysterious circumstances. This gripping production weaves together drama, suspense, mystery, and intrigue to bring to life the struggles of goodness triumphing over suffering in Victorian England.

Prepare to be captivated by the heart-wrenching journey of Oliver Twist, a young orphan who embarks on a quest for love, identity, and belonging amidst the harsh realities of a society rife with poverty, crime, and moral ambiguity. This adaptation, skillfully crafted by playwright and director Kenneth Henderson, delves deep into the intricate layers of Dickens’ original narrative, delivering an emotionally charged experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Set against the backdrop of dimly lit streets, the world of “Oliver Twist” is a tapestry of contrasting characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The mysterious Fagin, a cunning and manipulative figure, leads a gang of young thieves. along with the ruthless Bill Sikes, a man consumed by darkness. And who is Monks, a dark and mysterious figure, tied to Oliver’s past and threatens to shatter his chance at a better life. And then there’s Nancy, a conflicted soul torn between loyalty and the yearning for redemption.

As the story unfolds, Oliver’s innocence and unwavering goodness shine through the shadows, serving as a beacon of hope and change in a world tainted by despair. The play’s narrative intricacies and carefully woven subplots keep audiences on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through unexpected twists and turns that lead to a climactic confrontation between good and evil.

“Oliver Twist” not only presents a heart-pounding drama but also invites reflection on the timeless themes of compassion, humanity, and the power of a single individual to make a difference. Kenneth Henderson’s faithful adaptation captures the essence of Dickens’ masterpiece, presenting an authentic portrayal of 19th-century London and its diverse characters. The adaptation’s commitment to retaining the emotional depth and moral dilemmas of the original story ensures that audiences will be moved, challenged, and ultimately inspired.

Join us for a captivating journey through the underbelly of Victorian London, where darkness and light clash in a battle for the soul of a young boy. “Oliver Twist” is an unforgettable theatrical experience that promises to leave you spellbound, pondering the enduring struggle between good and evil, and the transformative power of love and compassion.

THE TIME

Mid 1830’s

THE PLACE

London, England

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Oliver Twist, the protagonist of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, is a young orphan boy marked by his innocence and unwavering goodness as he navigates the dark and gritty world of Victorian England. His journey of self-discovery and resilience underscores the struggle of goodness prevailing over suffering, leaving an indelible mark on all those he encounters.
Mr. Thomas Brownlow, a compassionate and just gentleman in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” serves as a fatherly figure to Oliver, embodying integrity and kindness. His unyielding determination to uncover the truth and his willingness to provide a loving home for Oliver showcase his unwavering commitment to justice and virtue.
Fagin, a complex character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is a cunning and manipulative old man who leads a group of young thieves. His shrewdness and influence over the children, contrasted with his vulnerability, make him a captivating antagonist.
Nancy, from Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is a conflicted and tragic figure. A member of Fagin’s gang, she is both streetwise and compassionate, torn between her loyalty to the criminal world and her desire to protect the innocent orphan Oliver. Her inner struggle and ultimate sacrifice add depth to the story’s themes of morality and redemption.
Bill Sikes, a character from Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is a brutal and ruthless criminal. He is physically imposing, known for his violent temper and cold-hearted nature. Sikes is involved in various criminal activities and is particularly feared for his cruel treatment of those around him, including Nancy. His menacing presence adds an element of danger and suspense to the story, making him a central antagonist in Oliver’s journey.
Mr. Bumble, a character from Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is the pompous and self-important beadle of the workhouse where Oliver is born. He is depicted as a greedy and self-serving individual who abuses his authority over the poor and vulnerable. Mr. Bumble’s interactions with Oliver and other characters often highlight the callousness and hypocrisy of those in positions of power. His character serves as a critique of the flaws within the social and bureaucratic systems of the time.
The Artful Dodger, also known as Jack Dawkins, is a prominent character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” He is a charismatic and cunning young pickpocket who introduces Oliver to the world of Fagin’s gang of child thieves. With his quick wit and street-smart demeanor, the Artful Dodger becomes Oliver’s initial friend and guide in the criminal underworld of Victorian London. Despite his charming and mischievous personality, the Dodger is a complex character who navigates a difficult life as a child in poverty, showcasing the harsh realities of the time.
Monks is a significant antagonist in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” Driven by greed and jealousy, he seeks to prevent Oliver from claiming his rightful inheritance and uncovers the truth about his parentage. His manipulative and sinister actions contribute to the central conflicts of the story, as he conspires with Fagin to exploit Oliver’s innocence for their own gain. Monks’ character highlights the themes of deception, hidden motives, and the corrupting influence of greed.
Agnes Fleming is a pivotal character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” As the younger sister of Rose Maylie, she remains a mysterious figure with a tragic past. Her relationship to Oliver is shrouded in secrecy, and her untimely death during childbirth at the workhouse sets off a chain of events that shape the course of the story. Agnes represents the theme of innocence and virtue confronted by the harsh realities of the world, adding layers of depth to the narrative’s exploration of goodness and suffering.
Rose Maylie is a compassionate and virtuous character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” She is the kind and gentle young woman who takes Oliver in when he is in dire need. Rose embodies purity and selflessness, providing a stark contrast to the darker aspects of society portrayed in the story. Her unwavering dedication to helping others and her connection to Oliver add depth and hope to the narrative, making her a symbol of goodness and a guiding light amidst the challenges and turmoil faced by the characters.
Mrs. Corney is a complex character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” As the matron of the workhouse where Oliver is born, she initially appears as a stern and authoritative figure. However, her true nature is revealed when she enters a manipulative relationship with Mr. Bumble, seeking personal gain and material comforts. Her actions highlight the theme of hypocrisy and the moral corruption that can arise when power is abused. Mrs. Corney’s involvement with the darker elements of the story adds depth to the narrative and showcases Dickens’ exploration of societal flaws.
Mr. Grimwig is a supporting character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” He is an eccentric and cynical friend of Mr. Brownlow who often provides comic relief in the story. Despite his gruff exterior and tendency to be skeptical of human nature, Mr. Grimwig ultimately reveals a sense of compassion and concern for Oliver’s well-being. His interactions with Oliver and other characters add complexity to the narrative and highlight different attitudes towards life and society.
Mr. Sowerberry is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” He is the undertaker and coffin maker in the town where Oliver ends up after leaving the workhouse. Mr. Sowerberry is portrayed as a cold and calculating man, more interested in making a profit from people’s deaths than showing genuine compassion. He offers Oliver a place to stay and work but treats him poorly, highlighting the harsh realities of life for orphaned children in the Victorian era.
Mrs. Sowerberry is a secondary character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” She is the wife of Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker in the town where Oliver is sent after leaving the workhouse. Mrs. Sowerberry is depicted as a stern and domineering woman who often clashes with her husband. She has a sharp tongue and is known for her critical and condescending attitude towards others, including Oliver. Despite her harsh demeanor, she is not entirely unsympathetic and provides Oliver with some meager comforts during his stay in their household.
Noah Claypole is a fellow orphan and charity boy residing in the Undertaker’s home. Arrogant and cruel, he often directs his disdain towards Oliver, showcasing his unpleasant nature. Through his interactions with Oliver and other characters, his negative traits become evident, shaping his role within the story.
Charlotte is a supporting character in “Oliver Twist.” She is a maid in the household of the Sowerberrys, the undertakers. Charlotte is portrayed as a flirtatious and shallow young woman who is involved in a romantic relationship with Noah Claypole, another servant in the Sowerberry household. She often displays a self-centered and materialistic attitude, seeking to advance her own interests. While her role is relatively minor, Charlotte adds some lighthearted moments to the story and contributes to the depiction of social dynamics in the lower classes of Victorian society.
Mr. Fang is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.” He is a magistrate who presides over Oliver’s case after Oliver is apprehended for a supposed theft. Mr. Fang is portrayed as a pompous and biased figure, more interested in asserting his authority than in delivering fair justice. He is dismissive of Oliver’s claims of innocence and quickly condemns him without proper consideration of the evidence. Dickens uses Mr. Fang’s character to highlight the flaws and injustices within the legal system of the time.
Mr. Limbkins is a cold and bureaucratic figure, serving as a representative of the workhouse system. As the master of the workhouse, he exhibits an unsympathetic attitude towards the poor and vulnerable, making decisions based on rigid rules rather than compassion. His interactions with Oliver and other characters highlight the callousness and indifference often associated with those in positions of authority within the workhouse.
Bet is a minor character in “Oliver Twist.” She is a young girl who is part of Fagin’s gang of child criminals. Bet is known for her tough and street-smart demeanor, having grown up in the same criminal environment as the Artful Dodger and other members of the gang. Despite her tough exterior, she is still a child and is often seen as a foil to Nancy, displaying a more carefree and rebellious attitude. Bet’s loyalty to Nancy and her interactions with other members of the gang contribute to the portrayal of the harsh realities faced by impoverished and exploited children in Victorian London.
Charley Bates, is a supporting character in Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist.” He is a member of Fagin’s gang of child criminals and is one of the close associates of the Artful Dodger. Charley is portrayed as mischievous, humorous, and somewhat of a troublemaker. He is known for his quick wit and ability to make light of even the most serious situations, often using humor as a coping mechanism for the challenges of his life as a young criminal. Charley’s camaraderie with the other members of the gang, particularly the Dodger, adds depth to the portrayal of the tough and precarious existence these children lead in the grim and poverty-stricken setting of Victorian London.
Mrs. Bedwin is a kind and maternal character in the story. She serves as Mr. Brownlow’s housekeeper and takes care of Oliver Twist when he comes to live with Mr. Brownlow. Mrs. Bedwin is compassionate, nurturing, and genuinely cares for Oliver’s well-being. She provides a comforting and stable presence in his life, offering him warmth and care in contrast to his earlier experiences of hardship. Mrs. Bedwin’s character highlights the theme of goodness and compassion prevailing over adversity in the story.
Toby Crackit, often referred to simply as Toby, is a secondary character in the story. He is a skilled criminal and a member of Fagin’s gang. Toby is known for his agility and cunning, making him a valuable asset in their criminal activities. While he is a loyal member of the gang, Toby’s role is not as prominent as some of the other characters. He participates in various heists and schemes orchestrated by Fagin, showcasing his expertise in thievery.
Mr. Gamfield is a minor character in the story of “Oliver Twist.” He is a brutal and callous chimney sweep who seeks to exploit Oliver’s vulnerability by offering to take him on as an apprentice. Gamfield’s cruel intentions are evident as he sees Oliver as a means to profit from his labor. His harsh demeanor and lack of empathy highlight the harsh realities faced by orphans in the Victorian era. Though a minor character, Mr. Gamfield serves as a representation of the dark side of society that Oliver encounters on his journey.
Old Sally is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist.” She plays a brief yet significant role in the story. Old Sally is a pauper who resides in the workhouse where Oliver Twist’s mother, Agnes Fleming, gives birth to him. It is revealed that Old Sally is present during Agnes’s delivery and that Agnes dies shortly after giving birth. Before her death, Agnes entrusts a locket and a wedding ring to Old Sally, requesting that they be given to her son if he survives. Old Sally’s presence in the workhouse and her involvement in the events surrounding Oliver’s birth contribute to the mystery and intrigue of his background. Her possession of the locket and wedding ring becomes a crucial piece of evidence that later helps unravel Oliver’s true identity. While Old Sally’s appearance in the novel is brief, her actions have a lasting impact on the course of the story by connecting Oliver to his past and setting in motion the events that lead to his discovery of his true lineage.
Workhouse Children, Townspeople, Fagin’s Gang of Child Pickpockets, Police Officers, and Shop Owners

 

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