Initial casting has been announced for New York City Center's Encores! production of the classic Lionel Bart musical Oliver!, which will play the venue May 3-14.
Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, with choreography by Lorin Latarro, the cast will feature Tony nominee Lilli Cooper (Tootsie, Spring Awakening) as Nancy, four-time Tony nominee Raúl Esparza (Taboo, The Homecoming, Company) as Fagin, Tam Mutu (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Bill Sikes, two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar (Mrs. Doubtfire) as Mr. Bumble, Benjamin Pajak (The Music Man) as Oliver Twist, and three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa (Oklahoma!, 42nd Street, On the Town) as Widow Corney.
The ensemble will include William Thomas Colin, Charity Angel Dawson, Julian Marcus DeGuzman, Zachary Downer, Sam Duncan, William Foon, Ethen Green-Younger, Jeff Kready, Jenny Laroche, Devin Miles Lugo, Morgan Marcell, Lindsay Roberts, Eliseo Roman, Michael Cash Savio, and Jacob Keith Watson.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Based on the Charles Dickens classic, the musical follows the story of orphan Oliver Twist, who escapes the orphanage to the streets of Victorian London. Outside, he meets Fagin, the Artful Dodger, and a band of child pickpockets. The show's hit songs include “Where Is Love?”, “Food! Glorious Food!”, and “As Long As He Needs Me.”
Presented by special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh, the limited engagement will have a concert adaptation by Deborah Stein. The creative team also includes production consultant Alisa Solomon, scenic designer David Rockwell, costume designer Sarafina Bush, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designer Alex Neumann, music coordinator Kimberlee Wertz, and music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell.
Casting is by The Telsey Office. The Encores Orchestra will play the orchestrations of William David Brohn.
The 2023 Encores! season opens March 15–19 with Dear World starring Donna Murphy. It concludes with The Light in the Piazza starring Ruthie Ann Miles June 21–25.
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