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Show Page 20—THE HERALD. Provo. Utah, Friday, January 18, 1980 Lively Arts The newest trends in music, drama, films and leisure fun Play Review ALK Kramer vs. Kramer Hoffman and Streep Actors Controlled, Enjoyable Seen as Top Actors In Orem Theatre’s ‘Oliver!’ By CHARLENE WINTERS Lively Arts Editor Take several dozen performers, many of whom have no prior acting experience, place them in a musical extravaganza, and don't be surprised if the result is chaotic. Only those urfamiliar with Bruce riereford's direction, though, will be surprised that Orem Civic Theatre’s ‘‘Oliver!"’ is a workable, enjoyable and controlled production. The play officially opens tonight at 8 p.m. at Lakeridge Junior High School in Orem, but Wednesday was a specialfinal dress rehearsal to honor theater veteran and community playhouse promoter, Jerry Elison It is to Bruce Hertford's credit that he has taken more than a dozen boys, ranging in age from six to early teens, and transformed them into likable, restrained performersportraying workhouse orphans. Noel Paterson is a fortunate choice as Oliver Twist. He has an appropriately angelic face and stands outin a crowd — a combination ofhis obvious sincerityin his role, and his clean cut face which shines among the muddy makeupofhis urchin contemporaries. Another fortunate choice is Dan Thompson as the Artful er. He is among the more talented performers in the troupe and projects well a humorous pick pocket. If anything, he could exaggerate his acting even more to become the audience favorite. The same can be said of Bruce Hertford as Fagin. He plays the character somewhere between the evil character portrayed by Charles Dickens and the almost loveable Ron Moody With the divorce rate in the nation. and Utah, at an alarminglyhigh rate, Fagin seen in the 1969 movie ‘‘Oliver!’’ Though good, this reviewerfeels he could be even more exuberant. Strongest performanceis given by Carol Hertford as Nancy. Though her voice whenshefirst appears on stage is grating (reminiscent of Audrey Meadowsin ‘‘The Honeymooners,"’), her characterization changes subtly and carefully, and she gives the most believable, compelling performancein the play Lively moments were also provided by Charles Saporiti as a thoroughly despicable Mr. Bumble; by Linda Williams as Widow Corney; and by MikeStrickland, Ray Anderson and Dennis Lisonbee. Wednesday’s dress rehearsal featured polished performers. The technical part of the production, however, suffered because of the absenceof the primary lighting director. The set conceived by Eric Fieldingis an imaginative one which can adapt to several different scenes. Scene changesarestill quite awkward, but do not detract immeasurably from the production. Uncomplicated choreography by Charlie Sorenson mayhave been a necessity because of the relatively small performing stage in relationship to the numberof performers. “Oliver!” is well paced to the music (which was directed by Dan Perkins and conducted by Jerry Jackman), and is.a delightful choice for fant ily entertainment. It is a show worth atte ing. “Oliver!” can be seen Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 28. fic, to the hospital. All are evidenceof Benton's coming of age as a director. Having now been swayed from the the Paramount Theatre in Provo, is mother's side to the father's, our loyalties are again challenged when timel| Streep re-enters the picture, after 18 The film, which is on everycritics Ten Best List, stars Dustin Hoffman months, wanting custody of her son. It is in this emotional tug-of-war that and Meryl Streep as Ted and Joanna Krammerand Justin Henry, a 7-year: Hoffman andStreep show whythey are old with no prior acting experience, as twoof America’s finest actors. The ensuing trial allows both to show a range their son Billy. Hoffman is a successful New York of emotions as they attemptto prove advertising executive who has been why they are justified in having the working his way up the corporate child. Oneof the film’s greatest assets is ladder, unawarehis wife, who gave up her career to marry him, is dis- Justin Henry. Discovered by Hoffman contented staying home. One fateful and Benton at a public school, after day, when he has just landed the big- hundredsof auditions proved fruitless, gest account of his career, he comes he is the most endearing and natural hometofind his wife packed and walk- child actor since Butch Jenkins graced the screen in the 1940's. ing out the door. Amblesupportis lent by anotherfine Bewildered, Hoffman must now makea new life for himself and his son. actress, Jane Alexander. Best known It is in the scenes between the new for her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt, father/mother and his stranger son she portrays a sympathetic neighbor that writer/director Robert Benton whois also going through a divorce. In a recent column Ann Lander’s (“The Late Show’) shows his skill by capturing someof the film’s most answer to a quiery about whythere are memorable moments: Hoffman's vain so many marriages breaking-up, was attempts at making Frenchtoastafter that both men and womenfeel Treeler mommyleft; trying to explaintoBilly than everbefore to go their own ways. his mother left because she had been This film is certainly a reflection of forced to be something she wasn’t; Bil- this fact, but does not lay the blame on ly challenging his father’s authority any one party. It is an objective atover which comesfirst, dinner or ice temptto showall sides and providesincream;-and a frantic Hoffman running ses on how wemight avoid the same with an injured Billy in his arms, from dilemma. Putit on your mustseelist. — By PETER WILT Central Park through New York traf“Kramer vs Kramer,”’ now playing at his characterizations — and makeup — are very Henderson Directs ROBERT HENDERSONwill conduct two concerts, Jan. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. of the Utah Symphony. The concerts will be in the new Symphony Hall. Jerome Lowenthalwillbe atthe plano keyboard to perform the Chopin Piano Concerto No.2. Included in the program will be a world premiere performance, Ramiro Cortes’ “Symphonic Celebration.” junior overalls reg. °20 14.99 Allright! Cottondrill overalls for juniors with an adjustablebib. Navy, wine, rust, and blue denim, sizes 3to 11. It's time to go west! 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