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"Oliver" Combines Talent from Strauss Theatre and Youth Academy

With the last days of summer vacation, the Strauss Theater Complex and the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts come together for a production of the Charles Dickens classic "Oliver!"

The raucous musical tells the story of the orphan Oliver Twist from the novel by Charles Dickens, then adds music to the many characters he meets as he scampers through the streets of 1860's London.

"Its not so much about Oliver and his journey as it is about Oliver and the different people he interacts with along the way. So there are lots of great characters in this story," says director Walter Allen.

Although SYAA has worked closely with the Strauss Theater since it's creation in 2012, this is the first truly "joint" production. The cast of 30 children and adults have given up the final part of their summer vacations in order to bring this family classic to life. 

Performances are:

  • Saturday, August 6 at 2 and 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 7 at 2 p.m.
  • Friday, August 12 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 13 at 2 and 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 14 at 2 p.m.

More information is available from the Strauss Theater Center online or by  calling 323-6681.

Kirby Rambin is a natural entertainer, having played violin since the age of 9 and performing publicly since he was just 12. As a teen, he performed with the Monroe Youth Symphony and the Louisiana All-State Orchestra.
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