Oliver! is a British musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. It premiered at the Wimbledon Theatre in 1960 before opening in the West End, where it enjoyed a record-breaking long run, and successful long runs on Broadway, tours and revivals, after being brought to the US by producer David Merrick in 1963. Major London revivals played from 1977–1980, 1994–1998, 2008–2011 and on tour in the UK from 2011–2013. Additionally, its 1968 film adaptation, directed by Carol Reed, was highly successful, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture. Oliver! received thousands of performances in British schools, becoming one of the most popular school musicals. In 1963 Lionel Bart received the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Many songs are well known to the public. Oliver! was one of eight UK musicals featured on Royal Mail stamps, issued in February 2011.
| Music | Lionel Bart |
| Lyrics | Lionel Bart |
| Book | Lionel Bart |
| Basis | Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens |
| Productions | 1960 West End, 1962 Broadway, 1968 Film Adaptation, 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 |
About Oliver!
Based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, the Tony Award winning musical went on for 774 performances during its first Broadway run. It won Tony's for Best Scenic Design, Best Original Score and Best Music Direction.
Achievement of Oliver!
The play was revived on Broadway in 1984. It first premiered as a West End production in 1960, and was revived for the West End stage in 1977, 1994 and 2009.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Oliver!
August Rush - August Rush is a 2007 American musical drama film directed by Kirsten Sheridan and produced by Richard Barton Lewis. The screenplay is by Nick Castle and James V. Hart, with a story by Paul Castro and Castle.. Musicals based on works by Charles Dickens.. Works based on Oliver Twist.. Plays set in the 19th century.. Plays set in London.. Musicals based on novels.. West End musicals.
