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The story of Oliver Twist is one that has been enjoyed by the general public since the novel was first published by Charles Dickenson, in monthly installments in Bentley's Miscellany between February 1837 and April 1839. It was Dickenson's second novel and at the time critics were harsh with the, now infinitely famous, author for introducing such unsavory characters as prostitutes and criminals in literary work. In the preface to the Library Edition of the book, published in 1858, Dickens responded to his critics by saying "I saw no reason, when I wrote this book, why the very dregs of life, so long as their speech did not offend the ear, should not serve the purpose of moral, at least as well as its froth and cream." It is almost certain that today's critics would have a very different response to Dickens on the subject!
The story was first vied as a musical in 1960, when it opened in the West End at the Albery Theater on June 30 of that year. Cleverly written, the book, music and lyrics are all by Lionel Bart and are considered a wonderful tribute to one of England's great literary masters. For those who have not read the book, watched the musical, or seen one of the many movie adaptations of the story; it is a timeless tale about a young orphan and the quest that he unknowingly sets out on to find family and love.
Born in a charity workhouse in the V
ictorian West Midlands, a young boy named Oliver is brought up as one of many poor orphaned boys who long for food other than their poor daily portion of gruel. The musical opens with the song "Food Glorious Food," with the rousing chorus "Food, glorious food!/Hot sausage and mustard!/While we're in the mood/Cold jelly and custard!/Peas, pudding and saveloys..." And the song continues lauding the delicacies of Victorian era England. Oliver is so overcome by his desire to have a full belly that he does the unthinkable and actually asks for more food! As a result he is eventually sold to a coffin maker, where he is treated most alarmingly.
Oliver soon finds himself back on his feet, although not in the best of company, when he runs away and joins a rag-tag group of urchins and their somewhat sinister leader Fagin, who gives the boys food and lodging in return for their pick-pocketing services. But even more menacing is the figure of the professional thief Sikes, whose temper may just be the end of Oliver's only hope for happiness. This is a brilliant and timeless story first told by one of the greatest storytellers that Britain has ever known. Get your Oliver tickets to see the great musical adaptation of this historic and charming novel online and enjoy songs such as "Where is Love," "I'd Do Anything," "As Long as He Needs Me," and "Reviewing the Situation."
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