Twelfth Night Productions’ is in the second weekend of its summer production Oliver! at West Seattle High School. A beloved musical, Oliver! tells Charles Dickens’ story of the little orphan boy who would not be overlooked. The colorful characters he meets on his journey teach him about life and love as he struggles to make it on the streets. A few of the memorable songs include “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You've Got to Pick a Pocket, or Two,” and “As Long As He Needs Me.” This year’s cast and crew of more than 80 include children from over 17 local schools and adults from all over the Seattle area.
It is often said that life imitates art. In a world crafted by Charles Dickens, we see the timeless story of despair and hope, and a deep desire for belonging. Oliver Twist’s world is one of poverty and desperation; a world that we see mirrored in many neighborhoods around our city. Times have changed since the days of the workhouse, but our understanding of the life of those living in poverty still remains a challenge. We no longer force those who are poor and homeless into the poor conditions of a workhouse, but the images of those struggling to survive each day rings true non-the-less. Oliver Twist’s message is as important today as it was when Dickens first wrote it. The story is a clear reminder that life cannot exist without hope, and that we all need to find the light for ourselves and others.
Each summer TNP partners with a local organization and donates a portion of their proceeds from the summer production. This year, they are partnering with Treehouse, a particularly ideal partnership for this production as the Treehouse mission is “to give foster kids a childhood and a future by working with children, families, and systems to help youth learn, connect to experiences every child deserves, and provide key material needs.” “There are many children today who find themselves placed in foster care and we are excited to help bring light into their lives,” explains TNP Artistic Director, Mary Springer.
Treehouse has been around since 1988 and helps fill the gaps for kids in foster care by providing services overlooked by other agencies. Among other services, they provide money for extra-curricular activities and summer camps, professional educational support services, and clothing and supplies to help kids fit in at school. In addition to donating proceeds from Oliver!, TNP will also help facilitate a back-to-school drive for Treehouse, collecting school supplies, backpacks and new or gently used clothing items for kids in foster care. Please bring these items with you to the high school on the day of performances. There will be a collection area for them at that time.
Oliver! runs in a special limited engagement at West Seattle High School, August 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 PM and August 14, and 21 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets and at West Seattle High School, 3000 California Ave SW Seattle WA, on performance days. Prices are $18 for adults and $15 for students & seniors.
