GIVING `OLIVER' A HOME SANCTUARY TURNED INTO THEATER FOR ANNUAL PRODUCTION.

Byline: MARK KELLAM Valley News Writer

For two weekends each year, the sanctuary at Woodland Hills Community Church is transformed into a theater. A stage and sets are built, stage lights are hung, and props and costumes are put in their proper places for performance time.

This year, the church will present the musical `Oliver' the next two weekends.

The show's co-director, Bruce Barbee, has been involved with the church's theater troupe since its inception about 30 years ago.

The group started with smaller shows that had religious themes. By 1982, however, it had moved into big, well-known musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Cats."

During the following 14 years, the productions have included "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Oklahoma," and "Footloose."

About 40 young people in third through 12th grades, are involved in "Oliver," which features such classic songs as "Consider Yourself," "Where is Love?" and "As Long As He Needs Me."

The performers come from across the West Valley and only about half are members of Woodland Hills Community Church, Barbee said. Others come from a variety of other faiths, which Barbee said helps expand everyone's "ethnical development."

Barbee said he gets lots of help from local artistic professionals such as Broadway veteran Ray Saar, who is co-director, and artist Constance Mallinson, who paints the scenery.

Parents also help make the productions successful by volunteering their time and talents.

The productions don't just teach the young actors how to sing, dance and act. They teach the importance of teamwork and build self-esteem, Barbee said.

Cara Cagan, whose son, Danny, plays the Artful Dodger, said the theater program gives children something to do in the evenings. She feels that so many after-school programs are targeted for lower-income children, but kids from middle-class families also need something to do to keep them active and out of trouble.

Cagan said the church's theater program fits the bill perfectly.

While the sanctuary is changed into a theater, the congregation meets in the church's multipurpose room, Barbee said. It's a small sacrifice because the annual production is such a great community outreach, he added.

Others in the cast are Hunter Paris, as Oliver, Travis Petersen as Fagin, Amanda Carson as Nancy, Matt Quinn as Bill Sykes, Jonathan Sanders as Mr. Bumble, Miranda Petersen as Widow Corney, Max Fine as Mr. Sowerberry, Kayla Alperson as Charlotte, Alex Shapiro as Noah Claypoole, Lily Comeau as Bet, Shane Patterson as Charley Bates, Brandon Pool as Mr. Brownlow, Ember Knight as Mrs. Bedwin and Chad Patterson as Mr. Bumble's assistant.

Cast members also include Nadezhda Aries, Alyssa Banarer, Josh Barney, Taylor Bongiovi, Sierra Barton, Julian Comeau, Julian Denizot, Gabriella Denizot, Emily Gilbertson, Jeffrey Hoyos, Theresa Jungwirth, Malous Kossarian, Caroline Kester, Jacqueline Kester, Emily Lowe, Genna Palermo, James Palermo,, Chad Patterson, Shane Patterson, Hank Petersen, Hanna Petersen, Griffin Scott, Eamon Shea, Jennifer Walter and Jeremy Walter.

Dianne Meyer is musical director and conductor on the production and Michael Antonacci is assistant director and stage manager.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. May 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. May 7.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for children under 18 years old.

For reservations, call [phone].

Woodland Hills Community Church is at 21338 Dumetz Road.

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Rehearsing the number ``I'd Do Anything'' are Danny Cagan, left, Amanda Carson, Lily Comeau and Hunter Paris.

(2 -- color) Hunter Paris and Danny Cagan play Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger in the upcoming production of ``Oliver'' at Woodland Hills Community Church.

Mark Kellam/Valley News