BRUNSWICK — New England Regional Theater Company will hold auditions for Oliver, the musical, on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Studio 48 Performing Arts and Dance Center. The Musical Oliver was adapted from the book “Oliver Twist” written by Charles Dickens.

The music, lyrics and book adaptation were written by Lionel Bart. This musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale is that of an orphan who runs away from the orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.

The story takes place in Victorian England in the 1830s. Oliver Twist is the name given by a workhouse warden to a boy born in the workhouse orphanage. Oliver’s mother died in childbirth and whose identity is unknown. Now an adolescent, Oliver, who has never felt loved or accepted, manages to escape from both the harsh workhouse and his equally harsh placements “for sale.”

He manages to make his way to London. Oliver is feeling accepted for the first time in his life by a group of young boys, headed by the Artful Dodger, who “make wallets” under the direction of Fagin. What Oliver is initially unaware of is that they are really a band of pickpockets. Fagin  hides away whatever riches he is able to obtain for his own personal benefit.

One of Fagin’s associates is the violent Bill Sikes who has a girlfriend Nancy who is dedicated to him despite his ongoing abuse. Nancy and Oliver become friends. He soon discovers what Fagin and the boys actually do.

Oliver comes to the attention of a wealthy Mr. Brownlow. Out of circumstance, Bill sees Oliver as both an asset and a liability, but one that needs to be kept enslaved under his direction. Nancy has to decide whether to be loyal to Bill to help him keep Oliver, or do what is best for Oliver by helping him escape, especially as she knows that Brownlow is looking for Oliver when he learns of Oliver’s true heritage.

Oliver, the musical is a great production for boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 16, along with many adult roles.

Directing the show is Adam Blais and musically directing is Rebecca Beck. Come prepared to sing a song from the show. Children’s auditions are from 1-4 p.m. and adult auditions are from 6-8 p.m. Studio 48 Performing Arts and Dance Center is at 20 Davis Street. For more information, call 207-798-6966 or simply show up to audition.

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