From the Production and Music Director:
This is the eighteenth production I have directed at Downingtown Middle School but the first in which I have been responsible for coordinating all aspects of the production. I can tell you this, it has given me a greater respect for my colleagues who have done this job in the past. Most especially, my recently retired friend and colleague, Mrs. Ginny Lucas! Having said that, my job has been made infinitely easier by the help of our production staff and by the willingness of the parents to volunteer when needed to do the many jobs that needed doing. Saying "Thank you" seems woefully inadequate but I do offer them a heart full of gratitude for their help in every way over the past months. I also offer a special word of congratulations to our new drama director, Mrs. Mary Jane Steelman! Well-done, my friend!
I am extremely proud of our students and what they have accomplished in this show. From the lines learned and the dance steps mastered, to songs well-sung, sets painted beautifully, stage and technical cues followed correctly--you deserve all of the applause you receive. We push you to the limits, I know, but the end result is something to be proud of for a lifetime. Thank you for coming on this journey with us.
Oliver! is a story of triumph over great adversity. As such, it has moments of great joy and moments of great sadness. My greatest hope is that we have taught the students who have worked with us on this show that they can TRIUMPH no matter what their circumstances. Enjoy the show!
Break a leg!
From the Drama Director:
This was my first production as Drama Director. Thank goodness, the patient, musical expert, Mr. Floyd Rawleigh, was there to guide me through this wonderful experience. I also need to give a “shout out” to Mrs. Virginia Lucas; she first introduced me to the DMS world of theater with the Shakespeare Club and then the musical. I can’t thank her enough for supporting me in this exciting endeavor.
I would like to thank my family, cast and crew for their hard work and dedication throughout this production. Eric and Matthew kept it all together on the homefront while I "lived" at DMS in January. I was impressed at how awake the cast was on Saturday mornings. Thank you parents! We certainly enjoyed/struggled (with the help of Mrs. Sianna McKinley) learning the difference between a formal English and "Cockney" accent. You never stopped working despite the many times I said, "Do it, again, and this time try..." You will always be my Oliver! kids. You are a talented bunch, and I can't wait to see what you all become!
I once read that finding a new family in an unlikely place is one of the themes in Oliver! Our Oliver eventually finds his real family but has quite the adventure getting there. Set in London during the 1830's, Oliver goes from mistreatment in the workhouse and undertaker's parlour to falling in with a gang of pickpockets (Dodger and company) led by the conniving Fagin, the kindhearted Nancy and the menacing Bill Sykes, before finally finding a true home with the loving Brownlows.
I think I have also had quite the adventure finding my "new family" (Barb, Deb, Floyd, Jane, Laurey & Price)!
Have fun!
