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There have been many revivals of this popular musiâ€" cal, as well as a film adaptaâ€" tion in 1968 that won five Academy Awards including best picture. But Oliver! also has sense of gravitas for those looking for substance at Stratford; it‘s hard to not take meaning from a musical based on the work of Charles Dickens. He was a contemporary of Dr. John Snow, the father of public health epidemiology, who eventually took the unsanitary conditions of London society at the time to task, and gave us the health standards we appreciate these days. But it required a certain amount of moral indignation to prod people to action in those days, and that‘s exactly Critics and others have said the festival is getting away from what put it on the map as the preeminent North American site for mounting the collected works of Shakespeare. But sometimes people just want to be entertained, and Stratford‘s ambitious mounting of Oliver! is just that â€" entertaining. While it‘s a musical that will appeal to the kids, it is interesting to note it‘s the older members of the audiâ€" ence who seem to be swept up by the score and the lyrics composed by Lionel Bart and first staged in London June 30, 1960. Dickens, who penned the story as a serial between 1837â€"39, was unflinching in his portrayal of the underbelâ€" ly of London society. r I The Stratford Festival has taken an unfair rap in the past few years about its reliance on musiâ€" cals to bring audiences into its famous theatres. The music is recognized by many of its audience members, which is clear through the toeâ€"tapping to standards like Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and Pick a Pocket or Two even before the curtain is raised. ‘Oliver" offers a twist on usual Shakespearean fare at Stratford By Bos VrBANA Chronicle Staff what Oliver Twist did The Bart musical stays true to the roots of Dickens‘ morality play, taking an unblemished look at the realâ€" ity of London‘s poorhouses and workhouses. It‘s timely because repreâ€" sentatives of the poor, who are still among us in Canadiâ€" Tyler Pearse is a find for the Stratford Festival as Oliver Bruce Dow (right) turns in a rousing comedic performance as the Beadle Mr. Bumble in the Stratford Festival‘s presentation of Oliver! pmoto countesy of the srratrorp restivat ARTS FOCUS an society, chose to make a statement about their living conditions during the openâ€" ing night of the festival. And while a lot of people thought the public protest was misguided, it did highâ€" light the transforming power of art and how it often leads to societal change. It is unsettling for an audiâ€" ence to have a musical set in the abject poverty of London. And the starvation diet of the title character, with his earnestness in asking for a little more, draws the comâ€" passion of audience memâ€" bers who know that poverty is still alive today. Shakespeare and Dickens still have relevant insights to share about the state of poverty, and even Bart‘s interpretation of that Dickenâ€" sian world is timely. But it‘s not all doom and gloom, as Oliver! the musical is ultimately a redemptive story that leaves people with a sense of hope. Who wouldn‘t pull for young Tyler Pearse, who was an absolute find for the festiâ€" val, in the main role of Oliver. The cherubic Mississauga native has the innocent qualâ€" ity, and the pipes to pull off a demanding role of Oliver. He spends much of the musical at centre stage. The rest of the young cast is also outstanding, portrayâ€" ing the life of the street urchin, especially Scott Beaudin playing the Artful Dodger. If there is another iconic Continued on page 20 Viola Camp‘s new lineâ€"up This year‘s concerts kick off with a recital this Friday at 12:15 p.m., by Douglas Perry, a distinguished Canaâ€" dian recording and touring artist, who following a year as interim principal viola of the KW Symphony has been appointed their artistic administrator. Perry will be joined for a concert featuring works for multiple violas on July 4, at 12: 15 p.m., by the other members of the KWS viola section. On July 2, at 2:00 p.m., James Legge will give a recital, joined by Julia McFarlane, conâ€" certmaster of the North York Concert Orchestra, violin, and with Sydney Bulmanâ€"Fleming, piano. Members of the public who play the viola are invited to join the campers and staff on Saturday for community playâ€" time, a fun session reading pieces for multiple violas. All concerts take place in the chapel at First United Church, King and William streets, Waterloo. For more information contact Elizabeth Graham at 519â€"743â€"8946. The latter phase of the Beatles career features allâ€" time classics, such as Let It Be, Hey Jude and Get Back. Beatlemania captures the original sounds of the Beatâ€" les and uses multiâ€"media, authentic costumes and musical gear to recreate the thrill of a live Beatles conâ€" cert. Viola Camp 2006 is presenting a terrific lineâ€"up of public concerts in conjunction with the annual weekâ€" long camp held at the end of June. â€" â€" This is the 13th year for Viola Camp, which foundâ€" ing director and violist with the KWS, Margaret Metâ€" calfe, describes as "a lively party" open to violists of all levels and ages. Viola Camp should really be described as a viola festival, as this annual event with recitals by distinguished violists has made a tremendous contriâ€" bution to bringing the viola out of obscurity into the prominence it deserves as a beautiful instrument. Coaching is provided by Metcalfe and James Legge, principal viola of the Saskatoon Symphony. Visiting artists also give master classes. This amazing night of entertainment travels through the Beatles diverse musical landscape, openâ€" ing with songs from the early Beatles era, such as I Want to Hold Your Hand, Eight Days a Week, A Hard Day‘s Night and Can‘t Buy Me Love. Dressed in the psychedelic costumes of the 1967 Sgt. Pepper era, Beatlemania performs such hits as Sgt. Pepper‘s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and Magical Mystery Tour. Tickets start at $25. Tickets are available at the ticket centre 519â€"578â€"1570 or toll free 1â€"800â€"265â€"8977 and online at the Centre‘s website www.centreâ€" square.com. Enjoy the sights, the sounds and the magic of the greatest group in music history! This special performâ€" ance features members of the original Broadway cast of Beatlemania, as well as members of the national touring casts of Beatlemania. Relive the excitement of the Fab Four as Beatlemaâ€" nia take the stage of the Centre in the Square on July 8 at 8 p.m. Beatlemania comes to Centre in the Square