Lionel Bart's 'Oliver!' returns to the BeeKay Theatre

Provided.

From left: Owen Swanson, Aubrie Hernandez, Zoey Flowers, Camryn Ferguson, Lilly Kreis, Lily Williams, Sophia Smith, Pedro Garcia, Kyle Swanson, Victoria Weishaar, and Serena Thornburg rehearse for "Oliver!" while director Jason Wheeler supervises from the back.

It will be 16 years this December since my daughter and I walked into the BeeKay Theatre to see the very first Tehachapi Community Theatre production put on there, "Oliver!"

I remember being impressed by the historic art deco style of the interior, the welcoming spirit of the ushers and by golly just how close that stage was to every single seat in the audience! If you've never been to a small theater before, it's an experience like no other. Every seat in the house feels like one you'd pay the big bucks for in a bigger theater. I felt like the actress belting out "As Long As He Needs Me" could see the tears in my eyes, and I wasn't even near the front row (don't worry, the stage lights are so bright the performers can't really make out the people in the audience).

We were swept away by the music, the dancing and the drama. We had just moved to Tehachapi and were still exploring all our little town had to offer. Holy cow, what a gem we had discovered. And now, 16 years later, "Oliver!" is back! Tehachapi Community Theatre Association (formerly Tehachapi Community Theatre) has been rehearsing since mid-July to put on a blockbuster show for you. And, though I never would have believed it 16 years ago, I'm in the cast! We have songs you'll love so much you won't be able to stop singing them even if you try! Oom pah pah! We have dancing that will make you feel light on your feet even though you're sitting still! Sashay and spin! And we have a story that will tug at your heart strings and make you ponder the strength of the innocent in the face of adversity.

It will be an experience you won't forget. It might even lead to something you'd never expect. Come, celebrate our anniversary with us as we come full circle with our second production of "Oliver!"

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.tctaonstage.com/. Get them before they go!

"Oliver!" runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15, excluding Thanksgiving weekend. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the run. There will be a Sunday matinee on the last three weekends. See http://www.tctaonstage.com for more details.

The BeeKay Theatre, home of Tehachapi Community Theatre Association, is located in Downtown Tehachapi at 110 S. Green St.

Please note "Oliver!" is rated PG-13.