“Oliver! The Musical” is Charles Dickens' story, “Oliver Twist,” set to music. The New England Regional Theater Company will present the show June 13 and 14 at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham.

The title character (played by Johnmarcus Willey of Bath) is an orphan boy living in 19th century London. It tells of his adventures after he escapes abusive treatment in an orphanage and joins Fagin (Patrick Scully of Brunswick) and his gang of young boys turned pickpockets headed by (the Artful) Dodger (Sam Allen of Harpswell).

Other actors in the show are Andrea Carr of Topsham as Nancy, the abused lover of the murderous Bill Sykes, played by Kyle Aarons of Topsham. The wealthy Mr. Brownlow and Oliver's long-lost grandfather is played by Mike Blakemore of Bath.

Musical accompaniment will be performed by a live eight piece orchestra conducted by David Doyon. Songs include “Where is Love,” “It's a Fine Life,” “I'd Do Anything,” “As Long As He Needs Me,” and songs with high-spirited dance numbers, “Pick-A-Pocket” and “Consider Yourself.”

The Logan Sweet Foundation

On a Friday afternoon six years ago, Carolyn Sweet's son Logan suddenly collapsed in his family's living room and took his last breath in her arms. Logan was six years old and had had a physical just two days before his death. His autopsy report revealed his heart was 75 percent larger than normal. In four months time, the family learned that Logan’s death was caused by a virus that attacks the heart — viral myocarditits.

The virus went undetected because his heart was at rest during the physical. If he had asserted his heart in some manner during his physical, an irregular heartbeat could have been detected. These findings prompted the Sweet family to have fundraisers to educate and bring awareness to this rare heart condition. The family founded The Logan Sweet Foundation to raise funds for the Myocarditis Foundation and to help others.

Carolyn Sweet came to Studio 48 Performing Arts and Dance Center for lessons earlier this year, for two of her children. Center owner Rebecca Beck, also the founder of the New England Regional Theater Company, wanted to help increase awareness of the condition and decided to donate 10 percent of ticket sales proceeds to the foundation.

The show opens on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 14 there are two shows, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15/$12/$10. For more information, call Studio 48 at 207-798-6966. To reserve tickets email nertctickets@gmail.com.

The Orion Performing Arts Center is located at 66 Republic Avenue in Topsham.

For more information on The Logan Sweet Foundation, visit www.logansweetfoundation.com.