ELY – Ely’s annual community musical is here: Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!”

Premiering in 1960 in London, this is a musical re-telling of Charles Dickens’ all-time classic, Oliver Twist, graced with delightfully infectious melodies. If you saw Sir Carol Reed’s Oscar-winning movie of the same name, you already know many of the songs: “Consider Yourself,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” “Where Is Love,” and all the rest.

Like all spring musicals, “Oliver!” is a combined endeavor showcasing Ely’s talent and that of Vermilion Community College, cooperatively with Northern Lakes Arts Association. VCC’s Humanities and Arts instructor Sara Skelton is the artistic and staging director, Marcia Homer is the music director and conductor, Laura Moberly is the choreographer, and Sarah Malick is the costumer.

“As usual, ours is a strong cast. Elementary and high school children, college students, families, and community members all join forces for this year’s collaboration,” she said.

The title role of Oliver is played by Elijah Olson, who had the starring role in Ely Elementary’s “Flat Stanley” last spring. The head of the workhouse where Oliver’s story begins is Mr. Bumble, played by Ryan Bajan, who comes to our stage via the Sommers Boy Scout Base. The lady on whom he has designs, the widow Corney, is played by his real-life spouse, Linda Bajan. Elyites Jonathan Huisman and Karin Schmidt play the Sowerberrys, undertakers who buy Oliver to work in their business.

Also included are Ely locals and VCC students, Paula Gawboy, who plays their daughter, Charlotte, and as their appprentice Noah Claypole, a decided thorn in Oliver’s side, is Giles Trudeau. Oliver’s new best friend, the Artful Dodger, is played by Ely Jr. High’s Cate DeRemee; Dodger’s “boss” and the head of a ring of pocket-picking boys is Fagin, portrayed by VCC graduate Asa Fields. Nancy, the saloon singer who takes care of Oliver, is sung by Ely native Angela Olson, while her no-more-Mr.-Nice-Guy lover, Bill Sykes, is played by VCC student, Joseph Scholberg. Local student Blaise Lah plays Oliver’s other friend, Charley Bates, and Karen Valdez is Nancy’s best friend, Bet.

Ely community member Cathe Gucciardo plays the part of Sally, a pauper, and Cindy Dieter plays her friend Annie. Ely stage veteran Gary Stromback appear as Oliver’s benefactor, Mr. Brownlow, and Justine Carlson is his housekeeper, Mrs. Bedwin. Ely native and VCC student Nathan Huisman performs as Brownlow’s friend, Dr. Grimwig, and Ely school’s Shane Spangler is the Bookseller’s Boy.

Vermilion students and community members join together with Justine Carlson, Cindy Dieter, Laura Gehrke, Cathe Gucciardo, Sabrina Larson, Crystal Poppler, Bre Thompson, Jonathan Huisman, Nathaniel Fox, Scott Olson, Mike Plante, Gary Stromback, Giles Trudeau and Stephen Weber who populate the London streets where the story happens. Look for them everywhere, but especially in “Who Will Buy?” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” Skelton said.

“Throughout, you’ll find wandering hordes of orphans and urchins. You may recognize them as Charley Damman, Blaise Lah, Hannah and Caleb Littler, Julianna and Katarina Schmidt, and Shane Spangler,” she said.

Technical duties, including lights, sound and set design and construction, are handled by Peter Kess, with a crew of Vermilion students building and moving sets, and running technical aspects under Kess’s capable direction. Barbara Kray located and wrangled all the props.

Tickets are available at the door for all performances, and in advance from Music Outfitters. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for NLAA members, and $8 for students. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. on April 12 and 13; 18, 19 and 20; and Tuesday evening, April 16. Sunday, April 14, will be the only matinee. The curtain goes up at 2 p.m.

For more information, call Skelton Humanities and Fine Arts Instructor Vermilion Community College 218-235-2142.