Photo Flash: Frankel Academy of Metropolitan Detroit Presents OLIVER! 12/1-12/2

By Yoni Weiss

 

Based on the classic novel "Oliver Twist", Charles Dickens' words come to life in OLIVER!, with a book and music written by Lionel Bart. The Frankel Academy of Metropolitan Detroit's fall musical (performed at The Berman Theatre), follows the story of Oliver Twist (Ben and Eli Sider), a young orphan boy, who is bought from his employers, Mr. Bumble (Ethan Grier) and Widow Corney (Talia Schechet), by the undertaker, Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry (Sam Kole and Talia Gothelf). Oliver's adventures lead him to meet such characters as the troubled and clever Artful Dodger (Sarah Fradkin), con-man and pickpocket ringleader Fagin (Yoni Weiss), sleazy yet sweet Nancy (Brenna Gildenberg), her abusive boyfriend Bill (Noah Singman), and many others.

 

With classic music like "As Long As He Needs Me", "Where Is Love?", "Consider Yourself", and "Pick A Pocket Or Two", Oliver! is sure to be a show you won't want to miss.

 

Although OLIVER! is a tried-and-true classic, this cast is anything but traditional. Much like last year's production of The Wizard of Oz, children from all over the community were brought in to portray the Orphans and Fagin's Gang of Thieves.

 

Unlike most high school musicals, this particular production also features freshmen as principal roles (Ben and Eli Sider [Oliver], Yoni Weiss [Fagin], Sarah Fradkin [Artful Dodger] and many others), showcasing the new talent that is sure to grace the Berman stage for the next few years.

 

Oliver! is also a bittersweet goodbye for two graduating seniors in the cast - Brenna Gildenberg (Nancy) and Ethan Grier (Mr. Bumble), who have brought life to the Drama Department for the last few years.

 

With faces familiar and fresh, the cast is very excited about bringing this classic tale to life December 1st and 2nd.

 

Showtimes:
Saturday, December 1st at 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 2nd at 2:00 PM

Regular Ticket: $15.00. Member Ticket: $10.00. Student Ticket: $10.00.
Recommended for ages 5 and over.

 

For more information regarding tickets and upcoming shows, please visit: theberman.org or call the box office: 248.661.1900.

Choreographer working with the Orphans in 'Food Glorious Food'

Yoni Weiss is a freshman at the Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit. He is extremely excited to be portraying Fagin in this years fall musical, Oliver! Recent credits include: Emmet Forrest (Legally Blonde), Man in Chair (Drowsy Chaperone), Gaston (Beauty and the Beast), and Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors). He hopes to continue writing in his future, along with performing.