Medina resident Sara Wagner acts, sings and dances the role of the Rose Seller in Seattle Theatre Group’s presentation of a Lyric Opera Northwest production of the beloved Broadway musical Oliver!
The show is one night only – at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 at the historic Moore Theatre.
The musical is a full-throated production – fully costumed, accompanied by a full orchestra conducted by David Spring, featuring 20 of the greater Seattle area’s talented children, and including dancers and singers from both the Broadway and operatic traditions.
Wagner spent her high school years as a theater stage technician. For the past six years she also has directed an annual children’s Christmas play at various nursing homes in the area.
Now, as she applies to medical schools toward a career as a physician, she says she is thrilled to be back in the theater world. Besides performing in the supporting role of the flower vendor, Wagner has coordinated cast communications, rehearsals and a host of other show logistics.
Another Bellevue resident, 9-year-old Brayden Daher, is among Fagin’s gang of “orphans.” A fourth grader at Cougar Ridge Elementary in southeast Bellevue, he is making his big stage debut. He enjoys tap, hip hop, singing and performing with his new “street orphan homies.”
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist and with music and lyrics by British pop composer Lionel Bart, Oliver! was a huge hit from its debut in 1960. It was the first British musical to transfer successfully to Broadway (2,618 performances in London and 774 on Broadway. In 1968 Oliver! was made into a film which won several Oscars, including Best Film.
Oliver! is directed by the international soprano and baritone team of Pamela Casella Nim and Craig Heath Nim, founders of Lyric Opera Northwest. The choreographer is Pamela Turpen assisted by Jesse Stoddard.
Tickets may be ordered online at www.stgpresents.org or by calling 1-877-784-4849. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for students.
The Moore Theatre is located at Second Avenue and Virginia Street in Seattle.
