Oliver! JR. at DBS Denla British School

As the final curtain draws on this incredible journey, we stand in awe of the collective passion and determination that brought “Oliver! Jr.” to life at DBS Denla British School’s renowned Araya Hall. Over the course of three challenging years, our exceptional cast and crew have shown resilience in the face of adversity, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced us to adapt and overcome unprecedented hurdles, but it also served as a reminder of the power of unity and the boundless potential of the human spirit. With over 100 dedicated crew members working tirelessly behind the scenes, we are humbled by the unwavering commitment to excellence that has made this production truly extraordinary. “Oliver! Jr.” is a testament to the unyielding creativity, talent, and perseverance of our students and staff, and it stands as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration for our entire school community. As we bid farewell to this magical journey, we carry with us the cherished memories, lasting friendships, and the knowledge that together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable experience, and we look forward to the many more milestones we will achieve together at DBS Denla British School. Bravo!

About Oliver! JR.

“Oliver! Jr” is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel “Oliver Twist” specifically designed for younger performers and audiences. Set in 19th-century London, the story follows the young orphan boy named Oliver as he navigates the harsh realities of poverty, corruption, and the search for love and belonging.

The play is a captivating musical that follows the journey of a young orphan, Oliver, as he navigates the harsh realities of Victorian London. Expelled from a workhouse after daring to ask for more food, Oliver meets the Artful Dodger and gets drawn into Fagin’s gang of child thieves. However, when a kind-hearted gentleman, Mr. Brownlow, takes him in, Oliver discovers a chance at a better life and genuine love. As the story unfolds, Oliver’s innocence clashes with the criminal world he’s been thrust into, leading to conflicts and acts of violence. Through themes of resilience and compassion, the musical highlights the power of love and kindness to triumph over darkness, leaving the audience with a powerful message of hope and redemption.

Notes from Directors

Dear Audience,

Welcome to our school production of Oliver! Jr. We are thrilled to have you join us for this enchanting journey (over 2 years in the making!) into the heart of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. This production has been a labour of love for our students and staff, and we are excited to bring this story to life on stage.
Oliver! Jr. is a story that transcends time and resonates with audiences of all ages. Our talented cast, ensembles, dancers, crew, and musicians have worked tirelessly to create a vibrant and captivating experience that will transport you to the bustling streets of Victorian London.
Through the art of musical theatre, we aim to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. This production is not just a spectacle but an opportunity to reflect on the social issues presented in the story. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for compassion, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.

We have witnessed our students dedicate countless hours to rehearsals, honing their acting, singing, and dancing skills, and embracing their characters with passion and dedication. Their commitment to this production is evident in every note, every step, and every line spoken. We are incredibly proud of their growth and the extraordinary effort they have put into making this production come alive.

Mr Robert Smith
Head of Drama

A handful of our music scholars, who form an integral part of the ensemble providing all the live music for this production, have also displayed great commitment and contribution to this production. In spite of their age, they have displayed exceptional musicality and skills, keeping pace with the professional musicians in the ensemble with remarkable tenacity. Their swift learning and the capacity to perform a large repertoire of music is reflection of the calibre of music scholars we are fortunate to have at our school.

We would like to express our gratitude to the entire creative team, including our dedicated teachers, learning assistants, musicians, and technical crew, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every aspect of this production is of the highest quality.

Lastly, we extend our deepest appreciation to you, our esteemed audience. Your presence here today is a testament to your support for the arts and the value you place on the creative endeavours of our students. We hope that you will be swept away by the energy, talent, and heart that our students bring to the stage.

So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to the world of Oliver Twist. Allow the music, the performances, and the story to captivate your imagination and touch your hearts. We hope that this production of Oliver! Jr. will leave you inspired, uplifted, and filled with a renewed belief in the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Enjoy the show! Warm regards,

Mr Jon Ang

Director of Music