One of the greatest pieces of literature is Charles Dickens' classic tale "Oliver Twist". The musical based on the novel, "OLIVER!", plays on Media Theatre's stage for the holidays Dec. 3-Jan. 4.

Tovi Wayne, a young actor from the San Francisco Bay area, will portray the title role. Tovi has performed with the San Francisco Opera and appears in the upcoming Sean Penn film "Milk". This marks Tovi's first appearance at The Media Theatre and on the East. "I am looking forward to the show," he said. "To work on the other side of the country will teach me more about things as an actor."

One of the songs in the show, "Food Glorious Food", is near to Tovi's heart. "I look forward to trying out some of the different types of food here in Media," he explained. "We don't have hoagies in California like they do here!"

In the musical, the boy Oliver Twist leaves the orphanage run by Mr. Bumble and becomes involved with a gang of boys and The Artful Dodger. He eventually starts to spend time at Fagin's Den and learns many lessons about what is right and wrong as he yearns to be adopted. The Dickens' tale is an entertaining adventure onstage with a cast of 40. The score, written by Lionel Bart, includes "Consider Yourself" and "I'd Do Anything".

Elisa Matthews, who recently appeared in Media's critically acclaimed "My Fair Lady" as Eliza Doolittle, will play the role of Nancy in "OLIVER!" and sing the poignant "As Long As He Needs Me". Bev Appleton, also of "My Fair Lady", will play the role of Fagin.

To see The Media Theatre's "OLIVER!" December 3-January 4, call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org.