MUSIC ON STAGE announces auditions for its production of ​

LIONEL BART’S OLIVER! 

 

The story follows Oliver, an orphan, who, after having been raised in a harsh workhouse, escapes to 1830s London where he's taken in by a gang of pickpockets, led by the elderly criminal Fagin, who discovers the secret of Oliver's parentage. Through it all, Oliver never loses his innocence as he dreams of a better life. Featuring themes of courage, determination, and the enduring power of love, "Oliver!" is a heartwarming show with a classic Golden Age score, featuring standards such as "Where Is Love," "I'd Do Anything," and "As Long as He Needs Me" that you'll be sure to love all over again. Consider yourself invited to this charming, poignant, and Tony-award winning musical that's sure to steal your heart. 

  

LIONEL BART’S OLIVER! is directed and choreographed by Jocelyn Adamski, with associate choreographer Pauline Urso, and music direction by Marty Karlin. 

 

Auditions will  take place at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E Wood St, Palatine, IL 60067 on: 

Monday February 16th – 6:00pm-9:00pm (kids only 6-7:30pm) 

Tuesday February 17th – 6:00pm-9:00pm (kids only 6-7:30pm) 

Walk-ins are accepted at auditions. 

Callbacks BY INVITATION ONLY on Thursday February 19th – 6-10pm and will include dance. 

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• Prepare 32 bars of an up-tempo song or a ballad in the style of the show and representative of the character you are auditioning for. Songs should be appropriate to your vocal range and sung from memory. Bring sheet music in the correct key with your start and stop points clearly marked for the accompanist (provided). 

• If auditioning for the roles of Oliver Twist or The Artful Dodger, please prepare a one-minute monologue of your choice. Please show us your best British accent. If you cannot perform a British accent, just use your regular voice and we can work with you if cast in the show. 

• There will be dance at callbacks only. If called back, please wear clothes you can move in and bring appropriate shoes (dance shoes or dress shoes). Street shoes will not be permitted on the stage. 

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*The roles of Oliver Twist and The Artful Dodger may be double cast, with an equal number of performances.*

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This show is rated PG and is not suitable for all audiences. Must be 8+ years old to audition. 

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To book an audition slot: click here 

To complete the Audition Form: click here and upload your headshot. 

If you are unable to attend auditions, we are accepting limited video submissions, but you will have to attend callbacks in person. Please sign up for a video audition slot, fill out an online form and send your video (not links to online files) no later than Monday February 16th directly to: production@musiconstage.org 

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If chosen for the cast, limited conflicts will be allowed during the 8 weeks of rehearsals and no conflicts will be allowed during tech week or performances. Conflicts will be considered when making casting decisions, so please include all known conflicts on your audition form. Although you will not be called every day, you must be generally available on rehearsal days.  If your child wishes to be considered for Oliver or Dodger, please understand that they will be required at a larger number of rehearsals. 

Rehearsals for LIONEL BART’S OLIVER! will be held in Palatine beginning March 8th, 2026, 

Sundays from 2-5pm, Monday through Thursday from 630-930pm. 

*Please note, the first rehearsal ONLY (Sunday, March 8) will be from 6-9pm* 

Tech Week is Sunday May 3rd through Friday May 8th. 

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The performance schedule is as follows: 

Sat May 9th @ 7pm 

Sun May 10th @ 1:30pm 

Sat May 16th @ 1:30pm & 7pm 

Sun May 17th @ 1:30pm 

Sat May 23rd @ 1:30pm & 7pm 

Sun May 24th @ 1:30pm 

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ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE.

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MOS is committed to diversity and inclusion in our casting practices. Character ages listed are stage ages, and the genders are as presented in the script. We strongly encourage actors of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, ages, and abilities to audition for any role they identify with.​

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN 

Oliver Twist - A workhouse boy about 11 years of age. 

*this role may be double cast, with an equal number of performances* 

Gender: male 

Age: 8 to 12 

Vocal range top: E5 

Vocal range bottom: A3 

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Fagin - An elderly receiver - runs training academy for young pickpockets. 

Gender: male 

Age: 50 to 70 

Vocal range top: F4 

Vocal range bottom: A2 

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The Artful Dodger - Fagin's brightest pupil - an undersized 16. 

*this role may be double cast, with an equal number of performances* Gender: male 

Age: 14 to 18 

Vocal range top: E5 

Vocal range bottom: A3 

 

Bill Sikes - A villian in his prime. 

Gender: male 

Age: 30 to 45 

Vocal range top: D4 

Vocal range bottom: A2 

 

Nancy - 23 years old - a graduate of Fagin's academy, and Bill's doxy.  

Gender: female 

Age: 20 to 25 

Vocal range top: E5 

Vocal range bottom: F3 

 

Bet - A 15 year old lass in Fagin's establishment - idolises Nancy.  

Gender: female 

Age: 14 to 18 

Vocal range top: G5 

Vocal range bottom: Ab3 

 

Mr. Bumble - A large and pompous Beadle of the workhouse.  

Gender: male 

Age: 35 to 60 

Vocal range top: Ab4 

Vocal range bottom: C3 

 

Mrs. Corney - A sharp-tongued, domineering widow - the Workhouse Mistress.  

Gender: female 

Age: 40 to 55 

Vocal range top: F5 

Vocal range bottom: C4 

 

Mr. Brownlow - An old gentleman of wealth and breeding.  

Gender: male 

Age: 55 to 70 

 

Mr. Sowerberry  - The Undertaker. 

Gender: male 

Age: 45 to 60 

Vocal range top: F4 

Vocal range bottom: C3 

 

Mrs. Sowerberry - Mr. Sowerberry's wife and his overseer. 

Gender: female 

Age: 45 to 60 

Vocal range top: F5 

Vocal range bottom: C4 

 

Charlotte - The Sowerberry's sluttish young daughter. 

Gender: female 

Age: 18 to 25 

 

Noah Claypole - Mr. Sowerberry's pimply apprentice. 

Gender: male 

Age: 18 to 25 

 

Mr. Grimwig - A Doctor 

Gender: male 

Age: 30 to 50 

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Mrs. Bedwin  The Brownlow's Housekeeper. 

Gender: female 

Age: 45 to 60 

Vocal range top: B4 

Vocal range bottom: C4 

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Old Sally - A Pauper. 

Gender: female 

Age: 50 to 70 

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Charley Bates - A boy in Fagin's establishment. 

Gender: male 

Age: 10 to 18 

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Ensemble - Workhouse boys, workhouse assistants, bow streetrunners, street vendors and 

crowd, etc.  

Gender: any