Boy, what a ride. We held auditions for the cast of Oliver in March expecting a June show. Then you know what happened. That pushed our show back to late October, early November. When you cast kids in the 11-13 year-old range, they tend to change. I ordered them not to, but they did it anyway. The young actor we cast as Oliver was 4 feet tall when we auditioned and now he's 6 foot 4 inches with a man's voice. Not quite, but you get the picture.
I have wanted to direct Oliver for several years and, thanks to the HLT Play Selection Committee, it was slotted for this year. I love this show. Charles Dickens was a genius. On top of that, I was blessed with a great crew of music directors, assistant director, production assistant, choreographers, wardrobe, sound, lighting, dialect coach, set builders and stage crew, assisted by personnel in the box office, house managers, Anthony's Lounge, administration and cleaning crew. Yep, it takes an army to put on a show at HLT and to think, everyone you see is a volunteer - amazing.
I couldn't ask for a better cast. You will see some old faces and new ones too. It always amazes me how much talent we have in little ole Highlands County. There are musical numbers in Oliver that remind me of Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, Into the Woods and the Sound of Music. See if you can pick them out as you watch the show.
I want to thank everyone involved with this production. For without them, there would be no show. I also want to thank you, our patrons, for supporting live theatre in Highlands County. For without you, there would be no show. Thank you all.
Now, sit back, and let Charles Dicken's story of Oliver transport you back to 1836 London. Let your cares disappear, at least for a couple of hours. I dedicate this show to my mom, Rae McMillian, who's loved HLT and is watching from above.
Mike McMillian
