Christopher Gaertner cast as Fagin in Oliver! The Musical

2014 Feb 19

A theater enthusiast, Christopher Gaertner lands the role of Fagin when the Mercyhurst Theatre Program presents Oliver! the musical in October 2011.

The British musical is an adaptation of the well-known novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Lionel Bart produced the music for the show.

Oliver! follows the orphaned Oliver Twist on a difficult life journey, beginning with his escape from an orphanage. The downtrodden youngster who never felt loved is welcomed on arrival to London by what he later discovers is a band of professional pickpockets headed by the immoral leader, Fagin. Drama ensues when Fagin's former business associate Bill Sykes becomes threatened by Oliver. The story has a happy ending when it is discovered that Oliver is actually the illegitimate son of the late Edwin Leeford, a wealthy man who left a portion of his estate to Oliver.

Gaertner has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Theater Appreciation Club, of which he has held the position of president. Gaertner is majoring in Communications.