ST. MARTINVILLE — The British musical “Oliver!” is being brought to the stage this weekend by the Evangeline Players, which is comprised of actors young and old from all over the Teche Area.

Based on the Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist,” the musical is set in an orphanage in the 1800s.

The weekend performance is an encore to Youngsville’s Firelight Per-forming Arts Academy’s summer production.

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The musical’s director, Laura Blum, is bringing the play to the DuChamp Opera House for three performances, with the first one starting at 7:30 p.m. today. A 7:30 p.m. show Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday matinee are also scheduled.

Blum said the performance is for audiences of all ages.

The unique cast, she said, includes members ranging from 6 to almost 80 years old.

“It’s great family entertainment,” Blum said.

She said the musical is a good introduction to the Dickens novel that many children are required to read in school.

“ ‘Oliver!’ is an old, old story — it’s a classic,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. A lot of kids are in the show so it’s enjoyable for all ages.”

“Oliver!” celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Familiar songs include “Consider Yourself,” “Pick a Pocket or Two,” “Food, Glorious Food,” “Oom Pah Pah,” “That’s Your Funeral” and “As Long As He Needs Me.”

Local actor Vincent Barras plays the orphan Oliver’s conniving antagonist, Fagin. He has been acting in local productions for 22 years and says performing in this summer’s musical has been a joyous experience.

“This is my 50th play in 22 years,” Barras, a St. Martinville native, said. “I was really shooting for this one, and I was lucky enough to get the part. It’s a classic. It’s just a really, really marvelous opportunity.” 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students 12 years old or younger. Tickets can be purchased the night of the performance at the opera house at 200 S. Main St. or by calling 394-5574 or 394-6604.