Woodhull’s Oliver! Is a Smash Hit
Topping last year’s fabulous show seemed an impossible task for the Woodhull Intermediate School theater arts club, but it did just that with a remarkably high quality production of “Oliver!” that left crowds nearly speechless.
Woodhull has a history of stunning drama productions, to be sure. Year-in and year-out students rise to the occasion and put in hundreds of hours to keep up the school’s long tradition. This year the cast and stage crew totaled more than 100 members, helping make the show a true school-wide production.
Many audience members used the similar phrases, calling Woodhull’s “Oliver!” a “terrific show” and “very impressive.” The crowd roared its approval, with deafening applause over a two-day period. The show was performed for both Woodhull students and others in the district, as well as parents and family members.
The theater arts club played off the creative and artistic talents of students to develop a show that effectively raised the bar another few inches in the school’s history of drama productions. “After last year’s performance, I didn’t think they could do any better,” Woodhull Principal Kenneth A. Card said. “I was wrong!”
In 12 scenes over two acts – plus the show’s finale, students on stage and behind the scenes shined. “One audience member from a surrounding district said that she could not believe that all the students who tried out got to be in the play as cast members,” Dr. Card said. “She said that in her district only 25 students participated and they had to practice on Saturdays.”
Students assisted in all aspects of the show from sound and lighting to operating curtains and moving scenery. Mr. Hiscox headed the set design, scenery and choreography efforts while Ms. Parrett handled costume design and served as acting coach.
“The quality of the show was really amazing,” Huntington Superintendent John J. Finello said. “There was exceptional acting and singing, and the poise and presence of the students was hard to believe. It was fantastic.”
Haylee Karpman played the part of “Oliver” and Nick Arleo was “Fagin.” Kristen Berner was the “Artful Dodger” and dozens of other students had parts large and small, including about two dozen who were Fagin’s pickpockets. “The actors really commanded their roles and displayed remarkable confidence, especially when singing,” Mr. Finello said.
The crowd offered kudos to faculty advisors Todd Hiscox and Nicole Parrett for their professionalism and commitment that helped bring the show together. The production took more than four months to put together.
“Many audience members wanted me to convey their sincere appreciation to Todd and Nicole for their hard work and efforts in working with the students of Woodhull,” Dr. Card said. The pair was rewarded by seeing the smiling faces of cast and crew as they received hugs and kisses from parents and guests. That made months of sacrifices well worth it.
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