Oliver! Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Oliver!
The Broadway version of Oliver! at the Imperial Theatre
Music	Lionel Bart
Lyrics	Lionel Bart
Book	Lionel Bart
Basis	Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Productions	1960 West End 1962 Broadway 1977 West End revival 1984 Broadway revival 1994 West End revival 2002 Australian tour 2003 Tallinn 2009 West End revival 2009 Chorzów 2011 UK Tour 2016 Arena Stage Washington, DC
Awards	Tony Award for Best Original Score

Oliver! is a famous musical. It tells the story of Oliver Twist, a young orphan boy. The musical is based on the classic novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Lionel Bart wrote all the music, words, and story for the show.

The Story of Oliver!
First Shows and Success
- Broadway Debut
Movie Version
Images for kids
See also

The Story of Oliver!

Oliver! follows the adventures of a young orphan named Oliver. He runs away from a workhouse and travels to London. There, he meets a pickpocket named the Artful Dodger. The Dodger introduces Oliver to a group of young thieves. Their leader is the cunning Fagin.

Oliver soon finds himself caught up in Fagin's world. He also meets kind characters like Nancy. The musical explores themes of good versus evil. It also shows the search for a loving family.

First Shows and Success

Oliver! first opened in London on June 30, 1960. This was at the New Theatre in the West End. The show was a huge hit. It ran for 2,621 performances, which is a very long time! Peter Coe directed the musical. Malcolm Clare created the dances.

The first cast included Ron Moody as Fagin. Georgia Brown played Nancy. Martin Horsey was the Artful Dodger. Keith Hamshere played Oliver.

Broadway Debut

The musical then moved to Broadway in New York City. It opened at the Imperial Theatre on January 6, 1963. Georgia Brown played Nancy again. Clive Revill took on the role of Fagin. Davy Jones, who later became famous with The Monkees, played the Artful Dodger. Bruce Prochnik played Oliver.

The Broadway production was also very successful. It won three Tony Awards. One of these awards was for Best Original Score. This award recognized the amazing music written by Lionel Bart.

Movie Version

In 1968, Oliver! was made into a movie. It had the same name as the musical. The film was very popular. It even won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This is one of the highest honors a movie can receive.