The HHS theater program hosted the opening night of the musical Oliver! on Thursday, Nov. 13. Oliver! was also performed on Friday Nov. 14 and there are two more showing: on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This musical will be the first of three plays and will be followed by a play in both the winter and spring.

Oliver! is based off of the novel Oliver Twist by the famous writer Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist tells the story of an orphaned boy’s journey to find a home in London.

The HHS theater program’s director, Natalie Foster, has been working with the program for two years.

Before moving to Minn., Foster was a professional actress and dancer in Washington, D.C. After working professionally as an actress and dancer, she discovered her love for directing.

“I chose Oliver! [for this HHS musical] because it’s classic musical theatre,” Foster said. “It’s built exactly like a classic musical theater piece where you have dialogue and music that really reveals character and big dance production numbers.”

The musical Oliver! has been put together and performed by thousands of professional and non-professional programs and organizations.

“[The musical] has a lot of work for the chorus, which is a wonderful training ground into big roles,” Foster said. “It’s the best of both worlds and really allows me to usher a younger group of kids through the program.”

Andy Gamble, sophomore, will be playing the role of Oliver. Gamble has been involved in the HHS theater program since freshman year and has been acting since she was a kid.

“When I was little, I always liked to play pretend and I found it really fun. So I thought, ‘Why not do it for the school?’ [I’m looking forward to] the audience’s reaction and the cast’s reaction [to the musical]. Also the energy of the entire thing, it’s just a really good feeling to have,” Gamble said.

Although 14 students involved with theater graduated last year, the program is rapidly growing, having gained over 20 new singers, dancers, technicians, and actors.

“We have really increased our numbers this year, which is always exciting. The program is vital and healthy and growing. It’s a brand-new, young group of kids, and that makes for challenges on my end because not only am I directing the show, but I am actually teaching through technique and building character,” Foster said.

Foster has faith in the musical despite the obstacles the students have overcome.

“It never ceases to amaze me. It will be a week before we open and at that point, I always think everything is going to fall apart. But the hard work of the actors and the process that I truly believe in – mentoring and pacing through the process of creating a show – all come together right in time,” Foster said.