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Musical comedy 'Twist' debuts in Ogdensburg this weekend

Posted 10/4/16

OGDENSBURG -- St. John’s Conservatory Theater’s original musical comedy “Twist” premieres this weekend, Friday Oct. at 7 p.m., and runs Oct. 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and matinees …

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Musical comedy 'Twist' debuts in Ogdensburg this weekend

Posted

OGDENSBURG -- St. John’s Conservatory Theater’s original musical comedy “Twist” premieres this weekend, Friday Oct. at 7 p.m., and runs Oct. 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and matinees October 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available electronically at brownpapertickets.com for $10.00 (under “Twist” or “St. John’s Conservatory Theater”) or at the door the night of the performances for a suggested donation of $15.

A comical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic “Oliver Twist,” the Ogdensburg-based theater company presents a mix of students and seasoned professionals in what the troupe describes as “a stunning, handcrafted period piece.”

Similar in look and feel to their “Alice in Wonderland,” “Christmas Carol” and “Sleepy Hollow” adaptations, the fully orchestrated “Twist” boasts 18 actors, 20 songs and over a dozen artisans and technicians working to bring their vision of this time-honored classic to the stage.

“We have a very talented company from all over the North Country,” said general manager Bill LaMere. “This is the closest you’ll get to an original off-Broadway production right here in Ogdensburg. Everything from the handmade costumes, props, and sets to the acting, singing and dancing are as entertaining as any regional theater in the country.”

“Twist” has an original book, music, and lyrics by award-winning writer/composer Richard O’Donnell, who received three ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Awards for his off-Broadway musical comedy “One & One.” Penned under his nom de plume Brazillia R. Kreep, “Twist” is a combination of Dickens’ Victorian themes, Tim Burton’s Gothic sensibilities, and a bit of the whimsical Monty Python thrown in for good measure.

“TWIST is both funny and touching,” said actress Angela Conzone Dwyer, who plays Nancy Sikes and Mrs. Bumble. “Sometimes it’s hard to keep a straight face with all the silly antics, but then a poignant moment emerges and you’re fighting back the tears.”

The cast includes eleven year old Chris Rodriguez as Oliver Twist, 13-year-old Hailey Weber as Agnes Brownlow, 13-year-old Cole Siebels (Gouverneur) as the Artful Dodger, Richard O’Donnell as Fagin, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Nancy Sikes/Mrs. Bumble, Christopher Dwyer as Bill Sikes/Mr. Bumble, Shelly Murdock as Mrs. Sowerberry, Ryan Woodard as Mr. Sowerberry/Mr. Ham, Krista Kelly as Mrs. Brownlow, Angelina Schembry (Lisbon) as Nelly Claypole/Cager, Grace Brunet (Morristown) as Napper, Gabby Ott as Minerva, Madison Miller as Newt, Conner Grenier as Octavius, Macy Murdock as Rip Torn, Megan Gardner as Hamstring, Jennifer Ann as Prudence, and introducing two-year old Rozalyn Dwyer as Anne Sikes.

SJCT principal creative staff includes Executive Producer and Director O’Donnell, Musical Director and Choreographer Angela Conzone Dwyer, Arranger and Orchestrator Ryan C. McNally, Scenic and Prop Designer Stephen Chambers, Costume and Makeup Designer Karen Fischbeck (Heuvelton), additional Costumes by Ann Losurdo and Heron Hetzler, Technical Director and Production Coordinator Christopher Dwyer, Stage Manager Shelly Murdock, and Props Master Tonya Ott. Collectively they have over five decades of professional theatrical and academic experience including regional, stock, bus and truck, off-off-Broadway, off-Broadway, and Broadway stages.

Other vital SJCT personnel includes Rector Michael O’Donnell, assistant Technical Director Ryan Woodard, assistant Props Emma Murray, assistant Costumer Hannah Gardner, house manager Sheila LaMere, and general manager Bill LaMere.

St. John’s Conservatory Theater’s Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/stjohnsconservatorytheater.