Dateline: Chico, CA
The Hooker Oak Elementary School’s production of “Oliver!” featured fine acting, boisterous singing (some slightly off-key), and a large cast ranging in age from kindergarten to sixth grade.
The audience, consisting for the most part of parents, grandparents, and siblings, gave the performance a rousing round of applause. The director, Brian Holderman, who is also the school principal, used the play as a fundraiser to improve the school’s theater, especially the lighting and sound capabilities. The school was built in 1948.
Two actors were standouts. The young woman who played Nancy sang a solo that brought a round of applause. She also delivered a scream that rivaled Fay Wray’s in “King Kong.”
The other standout was Gavin Newkirk who starred in two roles--a workhouse boy and a shoeshine boy. He didn’t just play those parts, he became a workhouse boy and a shoeshine boy. I think young Newkirk could have a brilliant career on the stage.
Its a fact that these kids of ours are the greatest performers. THey make us feel young again.
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