A small audience took in the preview of the Sing Hosanna! production of “Oliver” Thursday night at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

The Sing Hosanna! family pulled out some commendable performances to bring this classic to life.

The 65-member cast is comprised of more than 35 children, and they sure were adorable.

The opening act was tinged with a purple hue as we were welcomed into the Workhouse Dining Hall and introduced to the cast of characters to take us on this orphan’s journey.

And “characters” is meant in every sense of the word beginning with the young Trey Hixon who portrays Oliver.

He is quite the lively fellow and throws himself into the role with gusto. He has come a long way since his first show and maintained command of his lead. His vocals were how you’d expect a young lad to sound; he was always on point and moved through the show with confidence. He seemed extremely comfortable as the center of attention.

Mr. Bumble, Nathan Rockcastle, was a character in his own right as he pontificated and expounded on the virtues of taking a wife, then a few acts later recanted. His wife Widow Corney, played by Mea Hunter, was quite comical in her responses to Nathan. Their vocals were fun with a bit of a cockney flair to them. Their physical comedy also was appropriate for the roles.

The funeral parlor scene features Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry played by Max McAuley and Dale Riemer who as always played up the comedy angle. McAuley’s voice was delightful. It was sad to only hear it in one number.

After the — perhaps — tad over-choreographed escape of Oliver, he bumps into the oh so colorful Artful Dodger played expertly by Camden Rockcastle. At times his vocals were a bit hard to hear over the orchestra, but they were superb in “Consider Yourself.”

The two boys meshed well throughout Act One.

And the music was great! Anytime you can bring in a French horn and a cello, I say go for it.

The dames Nancy and Bet were played by Alisha Stephenson and Abbey Schandelmeier who were a great duo in song and spirit. They embodied the roles walking the walk and talking the talk, which mostly involved leaving off the first letter of every word and it worked like a charm.

Both ladies, ’er dames, in this show have super voices and their songs were lovely.

The “Fine Life” numbers were fine but it was the “As Long As He Needs Me” number where Stephenson was able to let it rip and that she did. Her big bold vocals tumbled out through the emotionally charged song.

The nasty guy Bill Sykes was played amazingly well by Don Hixon, who typically is the nice guy. He channeled his inner “Prison Break” character and grumbled and growled as the role calls for.

Matt Nocera put a unique twist on old man Fagin. His teacher talents bled through as he had a great chemistry with the children in the number. His vocals were spot on, and his “Reviewing the Situation” in Act Two was great fun. What’s not to love about this role? Nocera put his stamp on it and the audience approved.

The uppities were played by Leighton Bingham as Mr. Brownlow and Kim Bingham as Mrs. Bedwin. They were genuine in their portrayal of the lost family of Oliver. Small parts to be sure, but they helped Oliver make the crucial transition from being lost to being sought after and wanted.

The show stealing “Who Will Buy” scene was done quite well with Ana Fabrizzi as the Rose Seller, Abbey Schandelmeier as the Milkmaid and Megan Rockcastle as the Strawberry Seller. Bold vocal performances by all three had some lovely harmonies woven throughout. It is still scrolling through my head as I type. Lovely.

A bevy of actors filled in the empty streets creating colorful and musical scenes that, while not typical of an Oliver Twist show, were most welcome and entertaining.

The show is perfect for the entire family.

Director Ralph Christy Jr. never wants to portray the dark side of the Oliver story and uses the colorful costumes to brighten up the somewhat macabre storyline.

The scenery was a comprehensive stationary set that is unlike the gargantuan sets and copious scene changes that are typical of his productions, and it worked extremely well.

The flow of the show was smooth with minimal distractions, and the only curtain was at intermission and the finale.

The musical opens tonight and runs through Sunday. Tickets are available for the one evening show and two matinees.