Oliver theatre for the Soroptimist International of the Coos Bay Area

Little Theatre Oliver will present a special performance for the Soroptimist International of the Coos Bay Area on 5th May Thrusday

For $20 guests before the perform hors d'oeuvres, wine and punch will be served. Party starts at 6 pm, curtain will rises at 7 pm.

Like every year this year even Coos Bay Club about local scholarships and awards out $ 5,000 grants.

Tickets are available to sale from individual Soroptimists or at the Homebuilders Association of Southwestern Oregon in Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend; at the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center, Coos Bay; or by calling 541-297-6003.

Oliver star John Paul Pare to solve the problem of production

As for training local community production wrapped up the "Oliver! The Musical," John Paul Pare, to deal with the problem of production, answer questions.

Were you pleased with being offered the role of Bill Sykes?

Originally I wanted Fagin, but when Richard Williams was cast I was in agreement. Bill Sykes has been a complete departure from what I normally portray. He is full of violence, pure evil and selfish tendencies fueled by the motivation to stay out of jail. I went deep into his back story to discover what his true objective in life is.

Why is Bill Sykes a violent person?

Survival of the fittest. In the play, even the name "Bill Sykes" incites fear. He uses his name as an introduction to the violence which he spreads.

How did Bill Sykes begin his journey to being a criminal?

The script clearly states that Bill Sykes was one of Fagin's pupils. At a very young age, he was taught to steal in order to be successful. Violence was the path for him. His numerous jail encounters increase his tendency to eliminate the adversary.

Do you consider Bill Sykes a figure of courage or cowardice?

Bill Sykes is a bully; he creates his enemies and builds walls around himself for protection. His courage tarnishes and ultimately is cowardice. In defense of Bill Sykes, any youth could become him based on early environmental conditions.

What is your opinion of the violence being depicted onstage?

You can't have a good drama without conflict. It (Oliver!) isn't a fairy tale; it's a depiction of the times when it was written.

How does Dickens' violence in "Oliver!" compare to the world today?

There is less violence in Oliver! than there is in any Oscar nominated film. Yes, there is domestic violence with Nancy but it is implied. Video games and modern entertainment are more violent than what this show implies. There is no blood. This cruelty is portrayed by thuggish behavior and the reaction Bill Sykes causes in people.

Have you ever experienced violence in your family that could be compared to what Dickens describes in "Oliver!" ?

No, I am the 9th son of a minister who has been happily married for 60 years. Never, in fact my oldest sister volunteers at a battered women's shelter and she would be horrified if she knew I was playing this role.

What is the message in "Oliver!" ?

Good always prevails. The true malevolent evil is conquered and the audience will feel that justice has been done. This is a story that will resonate with young and old alike. A classic worth every minute, I am very happy to be a part of this story and the message it sends out.

Londoners press to save 'Oliver Twist' workhouse

To save a crumbling brick building that may have inspired Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist." are being fight by a group of Londoners.

The novelist lived down the street from the former workhouse when he was commencing his writing career. Academics say the sights and sounds of poverty likely influenced his novel about a workhouse boy who falls into London's seamy underworld.

The building's owners want to tear it down and build new apartments, but protesters hope the government will order it protected.

Historian Nick Black says it's important that London keep "some vestiges of the 18th-century world of the impoverished and the poor" and not just preserve the homes of the rich.

The U.K.'s Department for Culture, Media and Sport says it will make a decision by early March

'Oliver' to be performed at Wartburg

The musical "Oliver!" on Feb. 10-12 at Wartburg College will be present by students and community members.

William Earl directed the play which features 60 performers, 30 from the Wartburg Players and the college's music department.

Waverly-Shell Rock School District and St. Paul's Lutheran School will be represent by another 30 students.

The musical will be performed nightly at 7:30 p.m. in Neumann Auditorium.

Tickets are available in advance at the information center in the Saemann Student Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door.