The Saline County Library’s Rising Stars homeschool theater program will present a one-night-only performance of Oliver! Jr. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Bryant High School’s Love Auditorium.
The musical begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome to attend. Organizers encourage guests to register in advance to reserve seating, although registration is not required.
The annual production features nearly 50 homeschooled students ages 8 to 18 from across Saline County. Students have spent months rehearsing lines, choreography, and musical numbers in preparation for the live stage performance.
Since September, cast members have met weekly under the direction of Mason Newberry, director of Rising Stars and assistant public services manager at the Saline County Library. Music Director Nathan Clay, a part-time library assistant, coached students through the musical portions of the production.
This year marks the seventh annual theater production presented through the library’s Rising Stars program. Previous productions have included Peter Pan & Wendy, The Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet, and The Lion King Jr.
Cast:
Oliver – Emma DeNagle
Artful Dodger – Ryanne Cruthis
Fagin – Josiah Minick
Nancy – Faith Wilson
Mr. Bumble – Jonah Mahan
Widow Corney – Azlyn Barnard
Bet – Zoey Moore
Mr. Brownlow – Jason Altman
Bill Sikes – Carter Brawley
Mr. Sowerberry – Ezra Heyl
Mrs. Sowerberry – Sophia Denagle
Noah Claypole – Gabriel Russum
Mrs. Bedwin – Isabella Durham
Dr. Grimwig – Hannah Byram
Old Sally – Evalyn Russum
Charlotte – Jolee Jenkins
Captain – Amaya Jones
Handwalker – Kiera Altman
Charlie Bates – Job Jenkins
Nipper – Gia Lancaster
Chairman – Lily Plaisance
Milkmaid – Hannah Byram
Strawberry Seller – Leah White
Knife Grinder – Gabriel Russum
Rose Seller – Lana Russum
Matron – Sophia DeNagle
Dance Chorus:
Ryann R., Hannah B., Sophia D., Kiera A., and Bella D.
Ensemble:
Arihanna R., Elizabeth D., Ellie, Helena B., Jack W., James W., Kameron K., Victoria L., and Charlotte B.
Director: Mason Newberry
Choreography: Evalyn Russum
Newberry said the program continues to help students grow both artistically and personally.
“I think Rising Stars is a great program. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really enjoy it,” said Newberry. “But don’t take my word for it!”
Students involved in the production say the experience has strengthened friendships and built confidence.
“Rising Stars has really made me appreciate theater. It’s impacted my life in such a great way,” said Faith Wilson, who plays Nancy in the production. “Seeing the younger kids blossom makes me really happy. It’s made my love for theater grow!”
Evalyn Russum, choreographer for this year’s show, said she has watched students transform during rehearsals. “I’ve seen people who were once too shy to speak transform into confident performers by the end of the season. It’s an amazing program.”
Lily Plaisance, who plays Chairman, said the theater group has become an important part of her life. “Rising Stars has been a great experience in my life. I’ve had some of my best memories here and met some of my best friends here,” she said. “It’s an amazing community. It’s just a light in my life.”
Jonah Mahan, who plays Mr. Bumble, echoed that sentiment. “Every year I get to make new friends, and have fun doing it by doing something we all love, which is the theater,” Mahan said.
In place of admission tickets, attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Saline County Library Community Pantry. Requested items include shelf-stable foods and hygiene supplies such as: cereal, granola bars, instant oatmeal, peanut butter, Easy Mac, ramen noodles, toothpaste, soap, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other essentials.
The performance will take place at Bryant High School Love Auditorium on Saturday, May 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Patrons may register online through the Saline County Library calendar at: https://salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/event/16570036
The library has also published a digital playbill featuring the cast and crew of Oliver! Jr. at: https://www.salinecountylibrary.org/oliver-playbill/
The Saline County Library serves residents through branches in Benton, Bryant, and East End, offering books, technology access, community programs, and nontraditional lending items including tools, video games, and cake pans.
Browse MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/events.
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