Palmerton Area High School Drama Club will bring the streets of London to life this weekend with its production of “Oliver! Jr.,” a musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist.

The show will be performed Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Palmerton Area High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available online at phsdramaclub.ludus.com or at the door.

Director Bill Marks said the production gives young actors a chance to explore a well-known story while developing their stage skills.

“Our production gives students the opportunity to interactively learn about a great story in an entertaining way,” Marks said. “The engaging music and the ability to learn about a culture outside of our own provides an educational benefit as well as the creative opportunities to develop deep characters and learn ensemble singing and vocal development on stage.”

The cast features Calianna Smale as Oliver Twist, Violet Heist as the Artful Dodger and Vladimir Jacob Kotow as Fagin. Other leads include Nathan Marlatt as Mr. Bumble, Payten Miquel as Widow Corney, Kylee Wagner as Nancy and Sarah Swanger as Bill Sikes.

Supporting roles are filled by Elise Hammond as Bet, Bailey Fichter as Mrs. Sowerberry, Logan Wagner as Mr. Sowerberry and Elizabeth Bollinger as Charlotte. The cast also includes Landon DiDario as Charlie Bates, Jenna Cwiertniewicz as Nipper and Giulianna Cirillo as Captain.

Marks said audiences will likely recognize much of the score.

“Many of the music numbers will sound familiar to many people,” he said. “A lot of them have appeared in pop culture and commercials. They will be able to bridge from their origins. The musical numbers are highly entertaining and the action in the show will keep the audience entertained.”

Students have been rehearsing for more than a month, taking on not only music and dance but also technical stage work.

“Musicals generally are complex,” he said. “Students have to learn many aspects both from an actor and stage crew side of the show. Actors have to learn choreography, singing and stage acting, while stage crew must learn how to properly create a set that realistically places the actors in the timeline.”

He added that students have embraced new challenges.

“Students have learned accents, dances, how to best build their characters and team coordination,” Marks said. “From the start of this process to now I have seen marked improvements in many of our students. Considering the majority of them are junior high students, audience members may be in disbelief that they are not older.”

Marks said a junior high production provides a foundation for students who may continue with drama through high school.

“Junior high involvement is the best time to begin this process,” he said. “Students are still exploring their interests. By starting them with a show like Oliver! Jr. or other junior works it helps them get a taste of what it takes and gives students a sense of belonging. Many of those who join our programs stay until they graduate because of the fun of the show, the challenge of the process and the students within the club. Lifelong friendships have been developed in this club and this is a great place for any student to want to be a part of.”

The full cast also includes Cecilia Geissinger as Handwalker, Hannah Papay as Mrs. Bedwin, Keira Santee as the Milkmaid, Taylor Santee as the Strawberry Seller, Avery Sesista as Old Sally and Aria Briele as the Matron.