It’s A Fine Life For The Young Stars Of A New ‘Oliver!’

In May, in a confluence of enthusiastic punctuation, Encores!, New York’s long-running concert series, will present the first New York revival of Lionel Bart’s “Oliver!” in nearly 40 years.

Lear deBessonet, whose breathtaking production of “Into the Woods” recently departed Broadway, will direct. The production stars Lilli Cooper and Raul Esparza, while Benjamin Pajak and Julian Lerner play Oliver and the Artful Dodger, respectively, performing such numbers as “Consider Yourself” and “I’d Do Anything.”

Ahead of the two-week run, Benjamin and Julian told Forbes about landing the parts, their preparation, and more.

Before we get to “Oliver!,” what is your favorite musical theater number of all time and why?

Benjamin Pajak: I think my favorite number would be “Coney Isle” from “Love Never Dies,” because there are so many elements that bring that scene to life — even throwing fire! And I just love, love, love the music.

Julian Lerner: “Freeze Your Brain” from “Heathers The Musical” — I would love to play JD one day! The show is a dark comedy about a group of students dreaming for a better tomorrow. In this song, there is a moment of underlying realness as JD let’s Veronica into his personal life describing his home situation while simultaneously the comedy is there as he also explains why he finds comfort in 7-11 convenience stores.

How did you get your part in “Oliver!”? What was the audition process like?

BP: First I did a self-tape – that’s a recording we do at home and send into casting. Then they called me in for a dance audition. I don’t consider myself a great dancer. I started to learn the combination and everyone seemed so supportive, the creative team and the other kids auditioning, that I just did my best. (Although there were some kids warming up doing a million pirouettes before we went in, and it kinda scared me!) Then I was called back, to perform the Oliver/Dodger scene and to sing “Where Is Love.” Everyone was just so happy, and I had such a great time with everyone in the room. I actually kinda liked the audition process. It was a great way to get to know everyone.

JL: I was on set filming season two of “The Wonder Years” in Atlanta when the audition came in. I submitted a self-tape: two scenes and a cut from the song “Consider Yourself.” I received an email for an in-person dance call, so I flew into NYC for 24 hours to go to the dance call. Next step was a Zoom work session with part of the creative team. A couple days later, my agents called and let me know I got the part!

How would you describe your character?

BP: Oliver is love itself. He is kind-hearted, and the sweetest person you’ll ever want to know. He is looking for the one thing he’s never had — someone to love. And he will do anything to find that love and to hold onto it.

JL: The Artful Dodger is smart, funny and acts like a man sometimes even though he is still a kid. He is given his nickname, The Artful Dodger, due to his skill at thievery and is the leader of Fagin’s group of young boy pickpockets. There is a mischievous yet lovable nature to Dodger that I can definitely relate to!

What kind of preparation did you do?

BP: Before I got to Florida, to perform “Oliver!” at the Maltz Jupiter Theater, I would sing a couple of times a day, run lines A LOT, went to dialect classes, and tried to get as many dance classes as possible in before we left NYC. I knew Oliver was going to be a lot physically, but I was not prepared for how exhausting it would be!! I learned SO much from everyone in FL, especially the director, Denis Jones. He gave me the freedom to explore the character. And then I learned so much from the actors in that show. Now that I’m in NY, it was a bit scary to walk in the first day with this incredible talent. But everyone at City Center has been incredibly helpful and so supportive.

JL: I prefer to be off book as much as possible before I start rehearsals, so I spent a good amount of time working lines prior to our first day. I also do vocal warmups every day to make sure my voice is ready.

Do you have a favorite number (or two) in “Oliver!,” including the ones that you don’t sing?

BP: I LOVE everything about “Consider Yourself”, and the music in “Who Will Buy” gets me every time. But my favorite number is “Reviewing the Situation.” I cannot wait to see Raúl do this, he is incredible.

JL: “Where Is Love.” In this moment Oliver is all alone without a friend or guardian and he is asking himself if there is anyone out there in the world who cares for him. He longs for love and a family, and it just pulls on the audience’s heart strings.

What are you most looking forward to about the production at City Center?

BP: I can’t wait to see the reactions from the audience. I’ve never seen an Encores! production or been inside City Center before. The more that I walk around the rehearsal rooms and the space, the more I start to feel all this history all around me. It is a pretty incredible experience, and I’m just so grateful to be here.

JL: The Encores! seasons are iconic, and I am beyond excited to be a part of Oliver! The creative team is so talented and learning from them is like being in a musical theater master class. The cast! So honored to be working alongside such stunning performers. I also cannot wait to sing live with the Encores! Orchestra. They are amazing! Being a part of the production at NY City Center is a gift.