In "Oliver!" A N.Y. Boy Takes On the London Streets

At just 11 years old, Ivan Howe of Millbrook, N.Y., is preparing to take center stage in a production of “Oliver!” directed by Michael Kevin Baldwin at The Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Conn., starting Friday, Aug. 4. Howe has previously performed in “Elf Jr.” at the Sharon Playhouse.

Emma Benardete: How and when did you get involved in acting?

Ivan Howe: Actually, I was first introduced to acting by my best friend who is doing “Oliver!” as well, Harriet [Luongo]. I actually saw her in “Oliver!” five to seven years ago. I thought it was super cool, her acting on stage, and I thought I wanted to give it a try, and so my mom signed me up for first another theater group called SRO — Standing Room Only — and then I did this and one school play.

EB: What’s your favorite part about being in this show?

IH: I really like everyone here. Everyone’s super nice. And I also like the show a lot. I think it’s really interesting and it’s super fun to be in it.

EB: In what way do you think you’re the most similar to the character that you’re playing?

IH: Well, Oliver is, for most of the whole thing, searching for love and always wants love, and that is very similar to me, I feel. I’m a people person.

EB: Any part of this role or this show that has been particularly challenging for you?

IH: In the song “Where Is Love”, which is Oliver talking about that feeling, I have to cry in it, and that’s been challenging because I have to really connect with the character in order to do that. Also, I’m not the best dancer. I don’t have any dance training, so choreography always requires a little practice.

Original poster for "Oliver!" On the West End

Mark Lester in the 1968 film MovieStILLSDB

Original poster for "Oliver!" On the West End