Details: Keep your hand on your pocket watch, as the pickpockets take to the Shea Stage in The Country Players' production of Lionel Bart's musical "Oliver!" Based on Charles Dickens'classic novel "Oliver Twist" the music will get your toes tapping and start you singing "Food Glorious Food" and asking for more!

"Oliver!" opens Friday, July 10 at 8 p.m. and continues July 11, 17, 18 with a Sunday matinee on July 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be reserved at the Shea box office in Turners Falls by calling 863-2281 ext. 1.

The Country Players are celebrating 30 years of theater production in Franklin County, and almost every one of those years have included their signature summer musical production. This year the widow Corney is played by Sue MacDonald of Conway, who appeared in the very first TCP production as Lucy in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.." She is joined by her daughter Keara who shows she has inherited her mother's musical talent as she takes the stage as the Artful Dodger. The cast of over 60 includes residents of 16 Franklin County towns from Hawley to Orange, as well as actors from Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester County.

The title role of the rags-to-riches orphan Oliver is played by Emma Henderson of Southampton. You will be captivated by her soulful rendition of "Where is Love?" Sara Gibson of Greenfield directs "Oliver!" with help from her music director Erin Girouard of Royalston and choreographer Hayley Descavich of Greenfield. All three talented artists are younger than the organization and all three have previously appeared on stage in TCP productions. Every story needs a bad guy, and Dave Peck is as bad as they get as Bill Sykes, as tries to top his dark portrayal as Judd in "Oklahoma" last July. Dave Grout of Turners Falls schools the boys in their illicit trade as Fagan, and shows off his pipes for the first time on the Shea stage. Dave has directed several musicals himself, is employed by Amherst Leisure Services as performing arts and education coordinator, and also directs the youth chorus at Our Lady of Peace church in Turners Falls. Jessica Holton of Greenfield is Oliver's lovely protector, Nancy, and brings her five-year-old daughter Ellie into the production for her second summer musical experience. Also returning are a pair of Orange residents: Jack Arnot as Mr. Bumble who began with TCP in 1985 in "Gypsy," and 17 year-old Ian Pulley in his third summer musical, joined by newcomers Christi and Billy Ashenden among the troupe of work-house orphans.

The setting in Victorian London will be brought to life by Rick Mauran of Greenfield, whose previous designs include the Classic Theatre of Harlem, Wheelock Family Theatre and the Boston Conservatory.

For more information go to the web site www.countryplayers.org.