It is a great show–this theater is a treasure in the community!—Juliane Smith

My favorite comment overheard after Friday night’s show: “We can’t believe this is community theatre!”—Debbie Swanson

I LOVED it! I have spread the word, but will keep spreading it. The kids were fabulous, the music was wonderful! Just a great show all around!—Cheryl Keene

Had the chance to see “Oliver” last weekend and may I say it was a wonderful performance from “Widow Corney (Debbie Swanson) and Mr. Bumble (Jonathan Peterson)!!! What a HOOT they are, great comedic timing! That little Oliver also got many ooohs and aaahs from everyone around me, he has such an angelic face and voice!—Christina Nelson

Saw Oliver tonight! Wonderful!! EVERYONE should see this show. Strong cast, well-orchestrated choreography and the orchestra was excellent! Great evening!—Marlene Colvin

I just wanted to let you know that I saw Oliver on Friday evening.  What an outstanding performance.  I have felt that many times this little theater goes beyond many expectations, but this time you topped the charts.—Kathy Mackowick

Lyric Arts was lucky to have had Tim share his time, talent, and passion with us…not to mention his own particular brand of joyful mania. We all loved him very much and will miss having the opportunity to see his star shining brightly here, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Tim most recently appeared at Lyric Arts in “The Mousetrap” this January. Tim also performed in “You Can’t Take It With You” (2007) and “Lend Me a Tenor” (2005). Our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tim’s family, including sister April, who shared the Lyric Arts stage with him in “Pirates of the Great Lakes” in 2008.

Lyric Arts, in conjunction with Tim’s family and friends, will be planning a memorial event for the month of in April. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.

As You Like It: Director’s Playbook

“The Club”

As You Like It and the Bible

Shakespeare’s Birthday Party (Each person can get a free ticket to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival if….See page for details.)

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular musical interested you.

CC: I had seen Bob’s other work and liked what I saw. Oliver! is an interesting dark tragic/comedy. It was time to participate in what I love.

LA: For those that are unfamiliar with Oliver! can you tell us about the show?

CC: It is so Dickens.

LA: Talk about the character that you play in Oliver!. How have you developed this character?

CC: I pretend, “acting”!. I imagine I am that person in their time, I am a party woman, milkmaid and a snob.

LA: Why should people come and see the stage version Oliver!.

CC: It is highly energetic and fast paced yet dark and foreboding.

LA: Talk about your fellow cast members, how do you see their characters developing? Any that you are particularly amazed at?

CC: I am impressed that the techniques that Bob used to bring this show together work, he works in chunks’. It came together really well.

LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of Oliver!?

CC: I am impressed with our awesome children’s chorus, they have such beautiful unaffected clear voices. Bob chose the kids well. Also Charles is a perfect little “Oliver.”

LA: Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together?

CC: The chorus does a great job of changing the scene the set changes very rapidly. GO CHORUS!

LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

CC: I have ridiculous amounts of energy!

Each tax-deductible sponsorship pays for one orphan’s share of the cost of royalties, music, scripts, costumes, props, special effects, sound, lights, sets, and even programs.  Click here for more information about “Sponsor an Orphan.”

In addition, Lyric Arts is donating 17 cents to Feed My Starving Children’s Haiti Relief Effort for every ticket purchased to Oliver!, the cost of one meal for a child.  So far, Lyric Arts donation has reached $478.38, or 2,814 meals for children in Haiti.

Oliver! continues through March 21!  Buy your tickets today!

Thank you for all who auditioned!

Our next auditions are:

Father of the Bride
Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 24, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Thank you to Tim Carlquist for producing the video.

Make sure to mark your calendars for this audition!

See you at auditions!

Opening night this past Friday was a success!  Thank you to everyone who came to any performance during opening weekend.  Here are some of the comments we’ve heard so far:

“Such amazing talent!  I’ll be returning and bringing more people.” – Opening Weekend guest from Maple Grove.

“The orchestra was so fantastic, that I thought they were recorded instead of live!” – Opening Weekend guest from Andover.

“Really enjoyed the performance tonight! Lots of fun… thought the interaction with the audience after intermission was cool idea.” – Larry Luffell

“The opening night of Oliver! was brilliant, praise for some of the difficult scenes that [director] Robert [Neu] tackled with ease, exceptional.

Character Mr. Bumble, Jonathan Peterson, is something I will never forget, completely incredible delivery, he is a skilled professional that left all of us giddy in our chairs and still talking about him today. This show is anchored by some of the Twin Cities true thespian spirit, some who also know that any production under Robert Neu is worth the drive to be in a play he is directing. Perfectly cast!

There are many more standouts in this production but you have to go and see, once you walk into the theatre you know you have just stepped through a threshold of awe inspiring spirit and the ride you are about to have will be wonderful.

To all the Brilliant actors and behind the scenes production, we thank you for an unforgettable evening! Over the Moon!” - Jill Novotne

If you happened to see it this past weekend, let us know what you thought!