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Summer Theatre Season Underway at Lees-McRae College with ‘Oliver!’ the Musical

Kicking off the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre season from June 26 – July 3, Oliver!, a beloved musical based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, has won numerous awards including the Tony for Best Musical and Academy Award for Best Picture. Set in the 19th century, Dickens makes important social statements about the conditions of poverty in London, yet does it with comedy, empathy and the ever-present sense of hope.oliver-photo

“The sets, lighting and costumes will depict the streets of London in the 1800s, with a streak of sunlight in the sky telling us that just beyond the heights of the soot-covered buildings is the clean and enlightening sun,” said Dr. Janet Barton Speer, artistic director for Summer Theatre and director of Oliver!. “It would be a mistake, however, to see Dickens’ work as sordid and tragic. Much of the musical is lively and comedic with songs such as ‘Consider Yourself.’ Beautifully woven into those moments is the concept that we must continue to pay attention to those who need us, especially children.”

With 44 children participating in Oliver!, this production offers the children a wonderful educational experience while adding a lively and exciting component to the show.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre would like to thank Skyline Skybest, corporate sponsor of Oliver!. Additional sponsors include BB&T Insurance, the Avery County Tourism Board, the many local businesses who advertise in the playbill and the gracious Summer Theatre donors.

The Summer Theatre Box Office is located in the lobby of Hayes Auditorium. It is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Show day hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. The Box Office phone number is 828-898-8709. Tickets can be ordered by sending your ticket request to Tickets, Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre, P.O. Box 128, Banner Elk, NC  28604. Online ticket orders may be placed at lmc.edu/summertheatre (online ticketing fees and tax will apply).oliver

We hope you will come celebrate with us as we also present Lend Me a Tenor July 15-19 and The Denim King August 1-7. We encourage you to dine out in one of our outstanding restaurants in Banner Elk and Avery County either prior to or following the show.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 950 students hailing from 31 states and more than 8 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 828-898-5241.