The closing night party of Oliver Twist concluded our exploration of images of Jews as outsiders. What a production to round up the season! The clever “penny dreadful” style set, designed by Rae Smith, captivated and, at times, startled audiences. But viewers were most taken by the strong ensemble cast that skillfully told the story of literature’s most famous young orphan.Much like Merchant, Twist will have its final performances in another venue. This tour is the American premiere of Oliver Twist. The tour started in Cambridge at the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) earlier this year, and after a short break, it is off to California to finish the run at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Oliver Twist was originally adapted and directed by British director Neil Bartlett, and was performed at London’s Lyric Hammersmith. Mr. Bartlett directed this production’s American cast. The American version received praise from the press in New York and Boston. As one review noted: “If there is a more consistently excellent theater company in existence today than the Theatre for a New Audience, I don’t know of it. This is a superb production.” (Curtain Up)