WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - Building South Mississippi Together |KNS Theatre presents a coast favorite, "Oliver"

KNS Theatre presents a coast favorite, "Oliver"

By Karen Abernathy – bio | email

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - A classic musical comes to life at the Saenger Theatre in Biloxi this weekend. KNS Productions presents a family favorite, "Oliver."

The play is based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. The story is set in Victorian England, and revolves around orphans who are overworked and underfed. One of them ends up on the street fending for himself, and that's where the adventure begins.

Ten-year-old Taylor Barnes of St Martin plays Oliver. 

"It's great to be part of such a wonderful show," Barnes said.

The cast includes 80 talented performers. Theatre veteran Anthony Kalberg of Gulfport plays Fagin, a character who teaches boys on the street the art of pick pocketing.

Kalberg said he loves playing character roles because, "You get to take that character and create what you see in him, and then throw it out to the audience."

Another seasoned performer in the show is Terese Garguilo Evans who plays Nancy. Terese is a coast favorite, who has been concentrating on directing her students at St James Elementary in Gulfport, and hasn't been on stage herself for seven years. 

"I have missed it, and I am savoring each and every moment," Evans said.

She also enjoys sharing the stage with her son Dylan Evans, one of the orphans in the show.

And while the story is a classic tale filled with adventure, it's the music that will capture the audience, from toe tapping fun to tender ballads. Musical numbers include, "Food Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," "Where Is Love," and "As Long As He Needs Me."

David Delk is the director, Loree Dalgo the choreographer, and Tammy Turnage the musical director.

"Oliver" opens Friday, November 13th with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. You may purchase tickets at ABC Rental in Gulport and Ocean Springs, Crown Dodge in Pascagoula, or on the internet at www.knstheatre.com.

©2009 WLOX. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.