At Warehouse Theatre, ‘Oliver!’ carries on a holiday legacy | Arts And Entertainment

I think we can agree that Thanksgiving weekend is a time of tradition. The Macy’s Parade, football games on TV, family gatherings, they’re all part of the mix.

For decades, the Warehouse Theatre Company’s holiday productions had a tradition of opening on Thanksgiving night. In recent years, a newer tradition of a Friday night opening following Turkey Day has been the norm. And, thanks to a partnership between East Valley High School and the WTC, large-cast musicals on the EVHS Performing Arts Center stage are also now traditional.

This year, Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” is the Warehouse holiday offering. Directed by Brandon Lamb and produced by the team of Chelle Bos and Pat Seely, the show is just the thing to inspire audiences to be thankful.

An adaptation of “Oliver Twist,” by Charles Dickens, “Oliver!” is a Tony Award-winning musical about a young, orphaned boy who triumphs in his search for a home and love in the uncaring world of Victorian London. When we witness the trials Oliver faces and see the obstacles he must overcome, we can’t help but feel grateful that we aren’t in his shoes.

There are over 70 community members working on and in “Oliver!”. Their efforts tie them to the story even more deeply. They have experienced Oliver’s quest dozens and dozens of times over the past 11 weeks. Every costume, prop, set piece, light cue, dance step and musical note is influenced by that quest.

So, with a nod to another Thanksgiving tradition – imagine here the sound of a fork tapping a half-full water glass – the cast and crew were recently asked to direct their attention to the following prompt: “I’m thankful to be part of community theatre and the Warehouse Theatre Company because…” Let’s go around the proverbial table and hear what 11 production members have to say:

Chelle Bos, 61, producer: I’m so grateful for the people who share their unique skills and talents, solve problems, take direction and cheer each other on. WTC productions are a little like “Stone Soup” – we start with just words on a page, and end with great shows because company members are willing to add their unique seasoning to the mix (sometimes sweet, and sometimes salty).

Pat Boughton, 39, (Bill Sykes): I was a boy in the 90’s who thought flowers were beautiful and music was true magic. There weren’t many places for a boy like me.”

Tony Gerardi, 79, (Mr. Brownlow): This is my 21st WTC show in 20 years as a member of the WTC. I am very thankful to be cast in my first musical production ever. I’m not really a singer but recently after watching the 1968 version of the ‘Oliver!’ movie I decided to try out. Originally cast as Dr. Grimwig, I was excited to be scene partners with an old WTC friend Jack Gaudette. Jack had brilliantly played Oscar Madison in my debut WTC show, ‘The Odd Couple’ in 2006. Sadly, Jack became ill shortly after the ‘Oliver!’ audition and passed away three weeks later. I was asked to play Jack’s role of Mr. Brownlow. This meant I was taken out of the adult ensemble and my singing and dancing roles. Jack will forever be credited for saving our patrons from the sounds of my dulcet voice. I am grateful for my 20 years with my Warehouse Theater family. We have sometimes laughed, we have sometimes cried but we are family forever. While we grieve the loss of one of our stars we are inspired by the kindling of many future ones. The show must go on.”

Andrea Goberville, 54, (Adult Ensemble and Matron): I’m thankful to be a part of the WTC and specifically ‘Oliver’ for a few reasons. I love being able to laugh and spend time with family and friends, old and new. I’m thankful we can provide the opportunity for our community to engage in a live theater experience! And I’m thankful for new creative challenges.

Xavier Gutierrez, 10, (Pickpocket): I’m thankful to be part of the community theater because I love the thrill of getting to show everyone what we’ve been working on. This is my first time doing a big theater show, and it’s been really special to feel like I’m part of a big family with lots of different people who all have awesome talents. It feels like magic when I’m singing, dancing, and surrounded by all the props.

Keira Herron, 18, (Adult Ensemble and Dance Captain): I’m so thankful to be part of the Warehouse Theatre family. I’m grateful for the trust, encouragement, and collaboration from everyone involved. This cast and creative team have created such a supportive, inspiring space where we can work hard, have fun, and grow together.

Rishi Kunhiraman, 14, (Jack Dawkins aka the Artful Dodger): Theater doesn’t discriminate against who you are, no matter your race, religion, beliefs, or anything else. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here but…there’s something greater than that. I’m thankful for the people you do it with. To me, a cast and crew is your second family.

Meagan Lott, 43/Olivia Lott, 10, (Adult Ensemble/Kid Ensemble): The most recent and incredible gift WTC has given me is the opportunity to perform in ‘Oliver!’ with my daughter, Olivia. She lives with a rare genetic condition called MED13L, which impacts her intellect and mobility, preventing her from walking or talking. Being on stage together has introduced her to the beauty that is live theater, and it’s opening up a side of her I’ve never seen! Having this opportunity allows us to proudly show that an intellectual or physical disability is no barrier to being a part of this amazing community. Just as WTC welcomed me with open arms when I auditioned and was cast during the 2007-2008 season in ‘Uh Oh Here Comes Christmas,’ they have done the same for Olivia. I’m so thankful WTC has been such a supportive family for nearly two decades and for cherishing Olivia as one of their own!

Tim McFadden, 65, (Mr. Sowerberry): I only participated in one production in high school because sports always seemed to get in the way. That production was ‘Oliver!’ and I played Mr. Brownlow back in 1979 at Davis High School under the direction of Roger Stansbury. As life went on, I drifted away from the stage. Since moving back to Yakima, I have become more interested in getting back into something that I really enjoy but had been missing in my life. The history and the community support of Warehouse Theatre in Yakima is a beautiful thing and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this ‘full circle’ moment of returning to theatre in this production of ‘Oliver!’.

Jaron J. Mohler, 18, (Noah Claypole and Adult Ensemble): I personally am thankful to be a part of the Warehouse Theater Company because it allows me to continue growing my talents. The cast, crew and the amazing team of directors from ‘Oliver!’ have all grown to be one rather large and happy family over the past couple months. I am grateful to be part of that family … 

Jack Swindell, 20, (Adult Ensemble): I am thankful to be able to bring culture and the arts to the public. I am grateful for a medium that brings people of different backgrounds, working areas, politics, and families coming together for one shared goal. The people I’ve met at ‘Oliver!’ are among the nicest people I’ve ever met, and I feel like I have a second family with these people.

Isn’t it interesting that these messages of thanks share a theme? From the youngest to the oldest, the word “family” pops up again and again. And unlike the actual tradition of giving thanks, no one here had a chance to piggyback on someone else’s answer, as in “That’s what I was going to say.” They each genuinely find the Warehouse Theatre to be a place of belonging.

Their quest to find connection may not be as fraught as Oliver’s, but it’s clear that – as it says in the famous number from the show – they “consider themselves at home” at the WTC. Through their holiday season performances, they’ll welcome audience members into the family as well. Together, they can be thankful that tradition continues at the Warehouse Theatre Company.