The New England Regional Theater Company is holding auditions for “Oliver, the Musical,” on Sunday, Feb. 16. The musical was adapted from Charles Dickens' novel, “Oliver Twist.” This production has roles for boys and girls aged 8 to 16, and many adult roles.

Director Adam Blais and Music Director Rebecca Beck ask actors to come prepared singing a song from the show. Auditions will be held at the Studio 48 Performing Arts and Dance Center in Brunswick. Children’s auditions are from 1 to 4 p.m. and adult auditions are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Music, lyrics and book adaptation for the musical are by Lionel Bart.

The story takes place in Victorian England in 1830s. Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse orphanage. His mother, whose identity is unknown, dies in childbirth. The child is named by the warden of the workhouse.

Now an adolescent, Oliver, who has never felt loved or accepted, manages to escape from both the harsh workhouse, and his equally harsh placements “for sale.” He manages to make his way to London where he meets a group of young boys, headed by the “Artful Dodger,” who “make wallets” under the direction of an older man, “Fagin.”

For the first time in his life, Oliver feels accepted, initially unaware that the boys are really a band of pickpockets and that Fagin hides away whatever riches he is able to obtain for his own personal benefit.

One of Fagin’s associates is the violent Bill Sikes who has a dedicated girlfriend in Nancy, despite his on-going abuse. Nancy and Oliver become friends and he discovers what Fagin and the boys actually do.

Oliver comes to the attention of a wealthy Mr. Brownlow. Out of circumstance, Sikes sees Oliver as both an asset and a liability, but one that needs to be kept enslaved under his direction. Nancy has to decide whether to be loyal to Bill to help him keep Oliver. Does she do what is best for Oliver and help him escape, knowing that Brownlow is looking for Oliver once he learns of Oliver’s true heritage.

Studio 48 Performing Arts and Dance Center is located at 20 Davis Street in Brunswick. For more information, call 207-798-6966, or simply show up to auditions.