DIRECTOR'S NOTES:
Welcome to TLC's production of "Oliver!" It as been such a pleasure to continue a relationship with TLC that began at its inception. My entire family was in TLC's very first production, Waiting for Christmas, in 2005, and through the years, I and my children have been in many other TLC shows. It is a treat to be able to continue this special relationship as director for this production.
"Oliver!" is based on the novel, "Oliver Twist;" originally written as a series in periodical publications, by Charles Dickens from 1837 to 1838. The 25-year-old Dickens, told the tale of the orphaned boy with a good heart, as means of throwing light on social issues of his time: poverty, crime, corruption, injustice.
In rehearsal, it was fascinating to watch the reactions of our young cast members when Fagin tells Bates to "shut up and drink yer gin," or when a woman in the street approves when Sikes strikes Oliver, "That's what he needs." Explaining the idea of "child labor" to 21st century children is something one rarely thinks about. The idea that "childhood" is a precious time, when the child's needs for life experience, education and discipline should be offered in an atmosphere of unconditional love and support...we need to remember that this is a NEW concept. Child labor laws were enacted in the US in 1938, 100 years after "Oliver Twist" was written. Unfortunately, all over the world, children can still find themselves in desperate conditions, just like Oliver. Dickens calls on us all to be "Brownlow's" for the forgotten child.
Dickens would want us to remember to always be kind and generous to one another, especially to children.
Maren Sugarman, Director
