Oliver Takes The Stage At CNY Arts Center

October 2, 2015 Contributor
Oliver, played by Rueby Wood Holsopple, is hard at work learning the music for the upcoming classic musical. From English accent to Broadway style dance, the challenge is big for this eight-year-old actor who loves to perform.

Oliver, played by Rueby Wood Holsopple, is hard at work learning the music for the upcoming classic musical. From English accent to Broadway style dance, the challenge is big for this eight-year-old actor who loves to perform.

FULTON – The cast of Oliver has been rehearsing since August with music and choreography for the classic musical set to run November 6-15 at CNY Arts Center located on the Cayuga Community College Campus at 11 River Glen Drive.

Oliver, played by Rueby Wood Holsopple, is hard at work learning the music for the upcoming classic musical. From English accent to Broadway style dance, the challenge is big for this eight-year-old actor who loves to perform.
Oliver, played by Rueby Wood Holsopple, is hard at work learning the music for the upcoming classic musical. From English accent to Broadway style dance, the challenge is big for this eight-year-old actor who loves to perform.

The cast of nearly 30 includes some familiar faces especially among the youth and several newcomers more often seen in Syracuse area theatres.

Rueby Wood Holsopple leads in the title role as Oliver as he expands his acting roles which include Willy Wonka, Jr. and Narnia, the musical, last spring at CNY Arts Center.

Justin Grower also returns from his role as Peter in Narnia to portray The Artful Dodger.

Joining Rueby and Justin in the youth ensemble are returnees Matthew Oldenburg, Griffin Marriner, Don Austin, Charlie Stoutenger, Chris Tetro, Thi Huynh and Harper Ells.

Returning local favorites include Molly Brown as Nancy, Michael Bolio as Fagin, Sabrina Woodward as Bet, Beth DeRousie as Mrs. Bedouin, Matthew Wood as Mr. Sowerberry and Beverly Poznoski as Old Sally and Jess Tetro in the adult ensemble.

The youth ensemble from Oliver practice music during a recent rehearsal. From left (front row) are: Thi Huynh, Haper Ells and Rueby Wood Holsopple. In back (from left) are: Matthew Oldenburg, Griffin Marriner, Chris Tetro (sitting), Don Austin and Charlie Stoutenger.
The youth ensemble from Oliver practice music during a recent rehearsal. From left (front row) are: Thi Huynh, Haper Ells and Rueby Wood Holsopple. In back (from left) are: Matthew Oldenburg, Griffin Marriner, Chris Tetro (sitting), Don Austin and Charlie Stoutenger.

Veteran actors new to CNY Arts Center stage include Derek Potocki as Sykes, Robert Kovak as Mr. Bumble, Rita Worlock at Widow Corney, Stephanie Long as Mrs. Sowerberry, Harlow Kisselstein as Mr. Brownlow, Katie Tucker as Charlotte, Bill Teetsel as Dr. Grimwig and David Hoy as Charlie Bates.

Renee Monet, Jessie Dobrzynski, Noelle Hedgecock, Marina Corieri and Olivia Flint complete the adult ensemble.

Amy Price is serving as choreographer and mentor to Adam Schmidtmann making his directorial debut with this popular Broadway musical and joined by music director Ben Borenstein, most recently served as music director for Encore Presentations’ “Songs for a New World.”

Michael Bolio and Marguerite Beebe return as set designer and light designer, respectively; while Don Crowe serves as deck crew chief, Matthew Wood is graphic artist and scenic painter, and newcomer Marie Cuyler Sterphone provides costume design with the assistance of Elizabeth Ladd and Taylor Peck on hair and makeup design.

Gina Holsopple fills a new role as parent liaison for the family and friends of the cast supporting the production in community relations, concessions, props and more.

Oliver, the musical adaptation is based on the classic Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, the story of an orphan boy subjected to poverty and abuse in turn of the century London and the journey he takes to find his rightful place in the world.

Sykes (played by Derek Potocki) threatens Nancy (played by Molly Brown) for betraying him in this scene from Oliver. The cast includes nearly 30 local and professional actors from the Central New York area.
Sykes (played by Derek Potocki) threatens Nancy (played by Molly Brown) for betraying him in this scene from Oliver. The cast includes nearly 30 local and professional actors from the Central New York area.

Oliver runs away from an orphanage and gets caught up with a group of boys trained as pickpockets by an elderly mentor.

The stage version has won numerous Tony awards and the 1968 film version won five Oscars.

The production running November 6 -15, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 3 p.m., is licensed by arrangement with Oliver Productions, LTD and Oliver Promotion, LTD.

For more information, visit www.CNYArtsCenter.com or call 598-ARTS (2787).

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