FARMINGTON – Sandy River Players will present Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” – the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic – Jan. 17-29 in Alumni Theater on the University of Maine at Farmington campus.

“Oliver!” relates the rough-and-tumble journey of a young orphan in 1850s London, forced to navigate cruel orphanages and manipulative fiends on his quest for a loving home. Delinquent pickpockets and wealthy benefactors, troubled souls and kind hearts populate Oliver’s world, illustrated on stage through Bart’s well-loved music.

Boasting a cast of 52, “Oliver!” features faces both new and familiar to Sandy River Players audiences. Nathan Backus plays the hero, with Gordon LePage as Fagin, the mastermind behind the gang of pickpockets, and Matt West as his lieutenant, Artful Dodger. Kristen McCormack portrays the protective Nancy, and Matt Finch is her violent boyfriend, Bill Sykes. Also appearing in featured roles are Dan Robbins, Deb Mason, Dan Woodward, Miranda Gauvin, Caitlin O’Reilly and Gavin Pickering.

“Oliver!” is directed by Jayne Decker, with choreography by Bobbie Hanstein and music direction by Dennis Hayes. Other members of the production crew are Dan Bilodeau, set design; Beth Dorr, costuming; Gavin Pickering, set painting; and Jarred Hanna, lighting.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with a 2 p.m. matinee Jan. 27. Advance tickets, ranging from $10 to $17, are available at Howard’s Rexall in downtown Farmington. A discounted rate is available for Thursday performances. Due to high demand, tickets may not be reserved or held. Alumni Theater is on Academy Street. Questions may be e-mailed to [email protected].