Oliver!

The Guthrie’s annual spot of Dickens, as always, remains a recommended option for your holiday theatergoing this year, but it’s always possible that four dead people scaring the hell out of an old man isn’t Christmassy enough for you. In that case, why not try a story about a kid whose parents are dead, or at least missing (perhaps they’re off frightening the miser in the other play), who winds up living in the gutters with a street gang, belting out cheerful songs about pickpocketing, love and food! Glorious food! Kidding aside, this national touring production of the Oliver Twist-based musical is well worth your time if you’re a fan of musicals. This is the slightly darker and more sinister Oliver! as revised by producer Cameron Macintosh, which debuted in London in 1994. Despite a successful run, it’s only now getting a stateside debut, and we’re fortunate enough to get the opening slot. Just don’t go picking any pockets to raise the price of a ticket, OK?
Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul,
(651) 224-4222, ordway.org