As we close our 2024-2025 season with Oliver!, the timeless musical by Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel Oliver Twist, we are reminded of the enduring themes of acceptance, community, and the unconditional love of family. There could be no more fitting way to celebrate our own vibrant community than by showcasing the extraordinary talent of Minot’s young performers. This production would not be possible without a gifted ensemble of young actors and singers, many of whom are drawn from the Western Plains Children’s Choirs, and of course the talented community actors and singers whose passion and dedication bring this story to life.
I am deeply proud of the work of this company, and profoundly grateful for the unwavering support from this community that makes productions like this one possible. Your commitment not only allows us to create these memorable performances, but it also ensures that generations of singers receive world-class music education. Some of our Western Plains Children’s Choir alumni are now performing on prestigious stages like the Metropolitan Opera, others are shaping the next generation as music educators, and many more are engaged advocates for the arts within their own communities. Tonight, you will see the next wave of these talented singers stepping onto the stage—each of them a testament to the power of music and education.
Opera and musical theater are both beloved and expensive art forms. Yet they have an extraordinary ability to bring together people from all walks of life—families, tradespeople, volunteers, and artists from every discipline. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our success, and it would not be possible without you—our patrons. If you’re inspired by what you experience tonight and would like to become part of this passionate community of opera supporters, we would be thrilled to welcome you. Your involvement, no matter the level, is what makes our work truly special.
Thank you for your continued support of Western Plains Opera—both tonight and for many years to come.
Please enjoy OLIVER!
- Emerson Eads
Ann Nicole Nelson Hall has loop induction for those individuals with hearing devices equipped with T Coils.
SYNOPSIS
Act I
Dozens of workhouse children file into a large barren room and take their places at the table. It is still raining outside while they dream inside of gorging their gullets with delicious eats... but are only given gruel to satisfy their hunger (“Food, Glorious Food”). At the end of the measly meal, one boy approaches the haughty Mr. Bumble and asks for more. The request seems blasphemous to Mr. Bumble and the workhouse mistress, Widow Corney, who catch the boy and demand to know his name before deciding how to punish him (“Oliver”).
After the chaos in the dining room, the Widow Corney and Mr. Bumble retire to the Widow’s parlour. Widow Corney offers Mr. Bumble some gin to calm his nerves, which gives him the courage to kiss her on the lips and propose marriage (“I Shall Scream”). The Matron interrupts them with Oliver. Mr. Bumble takes the boy and his few belongings, planning to sell him for a good price (“Boy for Sale”).
Mr. Bumble and Oliver arrive at Mr. Sowerberry’s, the haggard undertaker who is interested in buying Oliver as a coffin-follower for children’s funerals. The undertaker’s wife, Mrs. Sowerberry, agrees (“That’s Your Funeral”).
Oliver is given a meager meal of scraps and shown his bed amongst the coffins (“Where Is Love?”).
Oliver is startled awake the next morning by a loud kicking at the door. Noah Claypole enters, a brash employee, and instigates a fight by insulting Oliver’s dead mother. Oliver gets trapped in a coffin as Noah catches Mr. Bumble to punish him. Amidst the chaos, Oliver escapes.
A week passes before Oliver, hungry and exhausted, meets a boy named Jack Dawkins, also known as The Artful Dodger. Dodger offers Oliver lodgings at the residence of Mr. Fagin in London (“Consider Yourself”). Dodger leads Oliver to Fagin’s den, where he is instantly welcomed by Fagin and his boys and introduced to their line of work (“Pick a Pocket or Two”). After the boys have gone to bed, the sinister Bill Sikes arrives and unloads his burgled loot for Fagin before silently sneaking back into the night.
Oliver awakens early the next morning and witnesses Fagin having a nightmare. The whole gang soon wakes up as Nancy, Bill Sikes’ girlfriend, and Bet arrive at the den (“It’s a Fine Life”). Nancy immediately takes a shine to young Oliver (“I’d Do Anything”).
Nancy leaves to return to Bill Sikes before he wakes up. Fagin sends the boys off to start the morning’s pickpocketing, leaving Oliver under the tutelage of Dodger (“Be Back Soon”). In the streets of London, Dodger picks his first victim, Mr. Brownlow, and flees the scene, leaving Oliver to be caught for the crime.
-15 minute intermission-
Act II
In a noisy, smoky pub, Nancy is encouraged by the clientele to perform a rousing song (“Oom-Pah-Pah”).
The fun and revelry are immediately stalled when Nancy’s abusive villain of a boyfriend arrives, striking fear throughout the entire pub (“My Name”).
A frantic Dodger explodes on the scene and informs Fagin that Oliver had been caught and taken off to Mr. Brownlow’s residence. Fearing the safety of their hideout, Fagin and Bill Sikes decide that they must kidnap Oliver back before he talks. Bill violently threatens Nancy to retrieve the boy (“As Long as He Needs Me”).
Oliver is given a clean bill of health after a visit from a doctor, and Mr. Brownlow allows him to return some books and pay a debt just up the street (“Who Will Buy”). On the street, Oliver is abducted by Nancy and Bill Sikes and returned to Fagin’s den. Stripped of his goods and books, Oliver tries to escape. Bill threatens to bludgeon him, but Nancy intervenes, taking the brunt of Bill’s violence herself (“It’s a Fine Life – Reprise”). All exit, leaving Fagin alone as he ponders his life of crime (“Reviewing the Situation”).
Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, now unhappily married, argue in the parlor. They are interrupted by a visit from Old Sally, a former workhouse employee. Knowing that her death is imminent, she must reveal a secret that she has long held – Oliver’s mother died in her care after childbirth and left a single gold locket. Old Sally dies as the Bumbles set out to retrieve Oliver, hoping that they can track down his rich family. (“Oliver – Reprise”).
The Bumbles arrive at Mr. Brownlow’s in response to an advertisement about any knowledge of Oliver’s whereabouts. Mr. Brownlow realizes that the Bumbles are only out for personal gain and sends them away. He notices the face in the locket as his estranged daughter, Agnes, and realizes that Oliver is his grandson. Moments later, Nancy meets Mr. Brownlow in secret and tells him to meet her at midnight at the London Bridge to retrieve Oliver. (“As Long as He Needs Me – Reprise”).
Nancy and Oliver arrive at the London Bridge, only to be surprised by a stalking Bill Sikes. Nancy will not let Bill take Oliver. He throws her to the ground and bludgeons her to death. Mr. Brownlow arrives a moment after and sees Bill fleeing the scene. Alerting a crowd, they chase Bill back to Fagin’s, where they corner him on a roof, Oliver his hostage. A sharpshooter successfully hits Bill, who falls to his death, reuniting Oliver with Mr. Brownlow. Fagin, having successfully avoided capture, decides that maybe it is time to turn over a new leaf after all and leave the life of crime.
Box Office, Ushers, Hospitality . . Jennifer Brenna, Ann Cadwalader, Ellen Fenner, Janet Parton, Deborah Dyste, Holly Eidsness, Jane Hirst, Jeannie Sovak, Paula Simonson, Richard & Cheryl Hagar, Sheree Diede
Marketing .
Photographers
Abbie Eads, Emerson Eads
Rick Heit, Katie Dotson
Addison Merchant
Hi, my name is Addison, I go to Edison Elementary, and in my free time, I play basketball and am really interested in theater. I was in Shrek last summer and am really excited to be on the stage again!
Alex Dhuyvetter-Gil
Hello there! I’m Alex Dhuyvetter-Gil, and this is my second go-around with the Western Plains Opera with Oliver! Within my influences, I have admired the theater trope the Muppets since I was a small child, as well as the chaos and sincerity of the late, great Robin Williams. With this, I started acting at age 12, and have appeared in many musicals and stage shows at Minot State University Summer Theater and Mouse River Players. After a thirteen year hiatus, I returned to theater at the Western Plains Opera 2024 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and I hope to return to Summer Theater this summer to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Hope to see you at Oliver!
Archer Schnaible
Hi! I’m Archer, and I’m a 7th grader who loves to act, play several sports, ride bike, write, and make music! Some of my favorite roles I’ve played include Michael in Elf, the Musical, Ben/Lisa in Disaster and Donkey in Shrek, Jr. This will be my 3rd show with Western Plains Opera, and I’m super excited to play Artful Dodger!
Azalea Welbeck
Hi, my name is Azalea, I’m in 5th grade at Edison Elementary. I play soccer for the U12 Magic City Legends. This is my 5th musical and I love being on stage performing.
Bennett Schnaible
Hi, I’m Bennett, and I’m a 4th grader who loves to play baseball, soccer, play my violin, and sing in choir for both Western Plains Children’s Choir and Edison’s Do-Re-Mi Choir. Last summer I got to play young Shrek in Shrek, Jr. This is my first show with Western Plains Opera, and I’m excited to be an orphan and in Fagin’s gang!
Brittany Armstrong
Minot native Brittany is thrilled to perform in another Western Plains Opera Company production! A graduate of Minot State University with degrees in Theatre Arts and Marketing, her recent credits include Morticia Addams in The Addams Family Musical at MSU Summer Theatre and St. Aphrodisius in WPO’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Some of her other favorite roles include Baroness Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music, Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd, Marmee in Little Women, Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, and Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical. Brittany currently works as SRT Communications’ Digital Media Coordinator and is the Marketing Director for MSU Summer Theatre.
Brandi Fjeld
Brandi Fjeld is a long-time Minot resident and new to the theatre world. Brandi is an Instructional Coach at Minot Public Schools, a driver’s education instructor, and an adjunct professor at MSU. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, golfing, reading, and spending time with family. She and her husband, Howard, have four children, one grandchild, two dogs, and Tasha the cat.
Cate Fitzpatrick
Hi! My name is Cate and I enjoy school and gymnastics. My favorite part about Oliver is the accent! This is my second production. I was in the WPO production of La Boheme last fall. I’m looking forward to performing more!
Charlie Barnes
Hello, I’m Charlie! I love playing Minecraft and hockey, and this is my first musical. I’m really excited to be part of Oliver!
Christian Steinborn
Originally from Germany, Christian Steinborn joins the ensemble of Oliver!, taking on the role of the Chairman. His acting credits include Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie and Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray. He also directed the play Blaubart at his German university. As a military spouse, Christian has embraced life in Italy, Japan, and New York City, developing a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, food, and languages. He is thrilled to connect with local theater lovers in this production of Oliver! and beyond, while he and his husband are stationed in Minot for several years. Follow his journey online @plentyofgroom.
Rylan Zietz
Hi! My name is Rylan, and I attend Washington Elementary. When I’m not busy reading, I love listening to music and playing basketball and fastpitch softball. This is my very first show, and I couldn’t be more excited!
Sara Garver
Hi! My name is Sara Garver, and I go to Minot North and am a freshman in high school. I love to sing and sew. This is my second time being in a musical and I am so excited to be a part of this!
Serenity Ruby
Serenity Ruby is 11 years old and is excited to be an orphan in Oliver. Serenity attends Burlington Elementary. This is her 3rd production with Western Plains, she has also been in Carmen and La Boheme. In addition to this Serenity is in the Western Plains Children’s Choir and has appeared in Productions at Mouse River theater such as Elves and the Shoemaker and Aesop’s Fables. When Serenity isn’t acting, singing and dancing she loves to craft and spend time with her friends and family.
Shad Huber
I am a senior at Minot State University pursuing a Social Science Education degree. Some previous roles that I may be recognized for include Captain Phoebus de Martin from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was a Western Plains production, or Chad from All Shook Up from this previous summer at Minot State Summer Theatre. My favorite thing about acting is having a part in bringing characters from the script to life on stage. Every show that I am able to have a part in is a blessing and I don’t take it for granted.
Sophia Rivas
Hi, my name is Sophia Rivas. I come from Caracas, Venezuela, and am a Minot State University student. I am majoring in Psychology with a Minor in Music. In addition to being a vocalist, I play a variety of instruments, including the piano and the Venezuelan cuatro. I am thrilled to be part of the cast of Oliver! and to bring this classic story to life! I’m passionate about the arts and theater, and I’ve enjoyed acting in other Western Plains Opera shows like Carmen and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and lastly Mama Mia! in high school.
Tom Barger
Tom Barger plays Mr. Brownlow in Oliver! Born and raised in Hershey, PA, he began hamming things up as mascots and characters at Chocolate World. Past productions include Fiddler on the Roof and Hairspray. When not on stage, Tom enjoys listening to vinyl records and developing film photography skills. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he’s been stationed all over the world with the U.S. Air Force and can proudly order a drink or ask for the nearest bathroom in multiple languages! Currently stationed at Minot Air Force Base, he’s grateful to be welcomed into this vibrant and magic community. He thanks his Mom for taking him to the theater as a kid.
Zeb Wallace
Zeb Wallace has been involved with theater for over 20 years and has performed in over 40 productions. Most recently he appeared in Hunchback of Notre Dame with the Western Plains Opera Company. Other credits with the WPO include The King and I, Barber of Seville, Into the Woods, Carmen, and Die Fledermaus. He also appeared recently in the Mouse River Players production of Little Women. Apart from theater, Zeb is an associate professor of geography at Minot State University and has called Minot home since 2017.
PRODUCTION BIOS
Abbie Eads, MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Abbie Eads is a “versatile and passionate musician” who captivates audiences nationwide as both a conductor and cellist. Known for her clarity and consistency, she “brings out the best from all those under her baton,” delivering performances that reflect the composer’s true intent. Abbie is respected by conductors, singers, and instrumentalists around the world, and is equally at home performing both early music and contemporary works, blending tradition with innovation. This season, she is collaborating with ensembles including the Western Plains Opera, Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, Minot Symphony Orchestra, Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, and Dakota Pro Musica. Abbie also serves as Development Officer at Minot State University’s Foundation, fostering support for the arts. In addition to her classical pursuits, Abbie recorded tracks for Bloom, the latest EP from Raynes, a BritishAmerican trio signed to Sony Music Publishing. She contributed to the EP’s lush chamber pop arrangements, blending folk, pop, and world music influences. The EP was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Chris Sclafani, known for his work with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, The Weeknd, and Ariana Grande. Abbie’s previous roles include Conductorin-Residence with the NW Edvard Grieg Society, Director of Music and Liturgy at Seattle’s Our Lady of the Lake Parish, and Director of Orchestras and Adjunct Professor at Pierce College in Puyallup, WA. She earned a Master’s in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Washington, studying under Ludovic Morlot and David A. Rahbee, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Minot State University, where she studied cello with Erik Anderson. Abbie has performed globally, working with numerous orchestras and at festivals like the International Conducting Workshop & Festival (Bulgaria), Telemark Symfoniorkester (Norway), Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra (Ukraine), and Pierre Monteux Festival Orchestra (Maine). She was a soloist with the Minot Symphony Orchestra after winning their 2014 MSO Concerto Competition.
Seth Honerman, STAGE DIRECTOR & SCENIC DESIGN
Seth M. Honerman is a professional artist specializing in directing and acting. He has primarily been working in the Midwest with academic and summer stock theaters. His work has been seen at the Northern Fort Playhouse, Minot Summer Theatre, Hoffman Road Stage Company, and Prairie Repertory Theatre. Honerman earned his Master of Fine Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato where he was awarded the Nadine B. Andreas Teaching Assistantship. During his time in Mankato, he also earned entry into the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers union as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V SDC fellowship winner. Honerman currently works as an English educator and theatre director for Minot Public Schools.
Angela is excited to be working on another WPO production as both the children’s chorus director and choreographer. She has choreographed for MSU Summer Theatre, Western Plains Children’s Choir Theatre productions, Make a Scene Kids Theatre, Entertainment Inc., and musical theatre workshops in Los Angeles, CA. Some of her favorite shows she’s choreographed include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Jr., and Shrek, Jr. Angela is a music educator at Edison Elementary, and she is also the director of two children’s choirs: Western Plains Junior Choir, and Edison’s Do-Re-Mi Choir.
Angela holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Mississippi and a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix. She has performed professionally as a Burning Hills Singer in the Medora Musical, a singer/dancer in the Valleyfair Galaxy Theater, as well as acting for film and television. She resides in Minot with her awesome husband of almost 25 years and 3 wonderful children, two of whom are in Oliver!
Emerson Eads, CHORUSMASTER
Dr. Emerson Eads currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at Minot State University. As a composer and conductor, Emerson has devoted himself to music of social concern. His Mass for the Oppressed, a setting of the Ordinary of the Mass featuring textual interpolations by his brother Evan Eads and a Credo adapted from the diary of Pope Francis, reflects on some of the most poignant social issues of our time. The Mass was written to muster public support for the Fairbanks Four, Native Alaskans from the composer’s hometown who were wrongfully imprisoned for eighteen years. Eads’ cantata “…from which your laughter rises” was written for the mothers of the Fairbanks Four. It was conducted to acclaim, paired in a concert featuring Haydn’s Stabat Mater. His newest opera, The Princess Sophia, is about the sinking of the SS Princess Sophia. It was premiered in Juneau, Alaska, on October 25th, 2018—the disaster’s centennial–to rave review in Opera Magazine. His most recent large-scale project, A Prairie Cantata, recovers lyrics from a neglected North Dakota woman poet and was premiered with the Minot State University Choir. Dr. Eads studied choral conducting with Carmen-Helena Tellez at the University of Notre Dame, working with eminent choral conductors including Joseph Flummerfelt, Stephen Cleobury, Anne Howard Jones, and Peter Phillips. Prior to his graduate work, he studied composition with Alaskan composer John Luther Adams.
With Special Thanks To
Aaron Hughes, MSU Student
Activities Director
Adam Papin, Minot Daily News
Myles Alexander Barcomb
Amanda Francis, MSU Print & Design Services
Angela & Chad Schnaible
Ann Cadwalader
Bethany Jensen
Brandon Trondson
Briana Schwan
Brittany Armstrong
Chad Gifford, Minot State
Summer Theater
Cheryl Nilsen
Cole Krueger, MSU
Marketing Director
Colton & Courtney Bourquin
David Rolandson
Deborah Dyste
Elizabeth Eckert
Eloise Ogden
Ellen Fenner
Eric Furuseth
Evan Putt
Richard & Cheryl Hagar
Jane & Stanley Hirst
Janet Parton
Jennifer Brenna
Jonathan Starr
Justin Anderson
WESTERN PLAINS CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
Katie Dotson
Ken & DeVera Bowles
Kendall Merkel
Kevin Vandal
Laurel Livingston
McKenna Jensen
Michael Linnell, MSU
Communications Director
Minot Area Chamber EDC
Minot Area Council of the Arts
Minot Daily News
Minot State University -
Dr. Steven Shirley
MSU Theatre Department
Nicole Barnes
Paula Simonson
Prairie Public Radio
Rich & Paula Jensen
Rick Heit
Rinat Mouzafarov - Institute of Dance & Ballet Theater
Roxi Mathis, MSU Print & Design Services
Seth Honerman & Sarah
Belfrage Honerman
Ted Bolton, Northern Sentry
Teresa Zahn
Tonia Vitko
Visit Minot
Western Plains Children’s Choirs & Staff
Western Plains Children’s Choirs, with three ensembles for grades 3-12, provide the opportunity to develop individual potential within a joyful musical community. Dedicated to helping children reach high levels of musical performance within a child-centered environment, our directors seek to serve and represent the Minot area as ambassadors of beautiful children’s choral music. Minot and Minot North High School’s Choral Director Lindsay Kerzmann will be returning as Western Plains Children’s Choir director. Western Plains Youth Ensemble will be directed by Longfellow’s Claire Romich. Angela Schnaible from Edison Elementary will be directing Western Plains Junior Choir. We look forward to the beautiful and fun choral experience they will create for all our young people.
September 7 at 5 p.m. – Registration, Introductions, Informational meeting for singers and their parents. Rehearsals begin for all choirs that evening from 5:45 – 7 p.m.
Please contact WPCC Administrator Janet Parton at 701-660-0566.
