Oliver Twist made a terrible and famous mistake. He asked for more. Although Oliver was asking for gruel, audiences will be asking for an encore after watching Ever After Productions' latest stage masterpiece "Oliver!" to be performed at The Colonnade in Ringgold three weekends in September.

Guests will follow Oliver, a downtrodden orphan, through a musical journey. The story beings with his humble beginnings, when he dreams of a life where he can be valued and loved. After escaping the treacherous Sowerberrys, Oliver is led by Dodger, an artful con, to Fagin, a thief and his gang of pickpockets.

There Oliver meets Nancy, a young woman raised in the gang and trapped in a downward spiral of degradation. Will Oliver become a victim of his circumstances? Or will someone make the ultimate sacrifice to give him a chance at redemption?

Directed by Jonathan Humble from Chattanooga, the colorful and varied cast is a collection of local entertainers with lots of experience on the stage. Many are veteran players at The Colonnade. Talented behind-the-scene crews have prepared detailed costumes and elaborate set designs.

"Oliver!" is a British musical, with script, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and screenplay by Vernon Harris. Based on the novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens, the production premiered in London’s West End theatre district in 1960, winning Broadway’s Tony Award for Best Musical only three years later. In 1968, "Oliver!" was made into a musical film directed by Carol Reed.

Performances are Sept. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees are Sept. 15 and 22 at 1 p.m. Ticket prices are: $15 adult admission, $12 seniors (age 55 and older), $12 students, $11 for groups of 15 or more. Call 706-935-9000, ext. 103, for more information or visit colonnadecenter.org or everafterprod.com.