CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Familiar songs, a sprawling local cast and a story built around hope and belonging will take over the SALT Performing Arts stage this fall as “Oliver!” opens a four-week run in Chester Springs.
Lionel Bart’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story will run from Oct. 9 through Nov. 1 at SALT’s Chester Springs theater, bringing audiences songs including “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself.” The production will also connect its themes to two Chester County organizations through SALT’s ongoing support of the Chester County Food Bank and a partnership with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.
“Consider yourself one of the family indeed! Join us for our next spectacular production, Oliver!” SALT President and Artistic Director Lauren McComas said. “At its heart, Oliver is a story about resilience, hope, and the universal search for a place to call home.”
Emily Riker and Beckett Cheng are both listed in the title role. The principal cast also includes Emily Merow as Nancy, James Batchelder as Bill Sikes, Stephen Fisher as Fagin, Hope Digby as the Artful Dodger, Candace Deede as Bet, Matt Buzzard as Mr. Bumble, and Shannon Price as Widow Corney.
Sandi Joy directs the production, with Logan Stommel serving as assistant director. Jason Scansaroli is music director, while Chelsea Barnett and Katy Engelman share choreography duties. Robbie Merow designed the set, lighting, and sound, with Jen Frank overseeing costumes and Robin Goodfellow designing hair and makeup.
The production is designed as one of SALT’s immersive, sensory-rich mainstage experiences. Audiences should expect dynamic lighting, loud sound, water-based atmospheric haze, brief stroboscopic effects, and sudden sound effects during performances.
Event Details
- What: SALT Performing Arts presents Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!”
- When: October 9 through November 1, 2026, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the run
- Where: SALT Performing Arts, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425
- Cost/Tickets: General admission, $36.70; seniors, $33.64; ages 12 and younger, $31.60. All ticket sales are final.
- More Info: https://www.saltpa.com/oliver
Opening night is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. with a Dressy Attire & Champagne Opening Night. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the following three weekends, concluding Sunday, Nov. 1.
Because the musical includes mature themes involving domestic violence, SALT is partnering with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Information about the organization is available at dvcccpa.org or by calling 610-431-1430.
McComas said the connection gives the production an opportunity to extend its themes beyond the stage.
“And since there is also the theme of domestic violence in the show, we are honored to have partnered with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County for this production,” she said. “Our incredible local cast and crew have poured their hearts into telling this tale, and we are thrilled to finally share it with all of you.”
The run will also continue SALT’s 10-year partnership with the Chester County Food Bank. The theater will collect food donations at every performance, and $1 from every ticket sold will be donated directly to the food bank.
For patrons who want to contribute, SALT is requesting:
- Food donations brought to any performance through Nov. 1
- No donations in glass containers
“Just like young Oliver, many families in our neighborhood are hoping for ‘some more,’” McComas said. “Help us fill their bowls by bringing a food donation for the Chester County Food Bank.”
Accessibility accommodations are available, with patrons who require accessible seating directed to select Row A seats when purchasing tickets on a computer and email jelliott@saltpa.com. The accessible entrance is on the north side of the building.
With a large local company, Dickens’ enduring story and community partnerships woven into the run, SALT’s “Oliver!” will pair a classic night at the theater with opportunities to support neighbors beyond the stage.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.