Enchanting songs and a lively cast set the stage for the Charles Dickens’ classic "Oliver!" at Olney Theatre in Maryland. Directed by Brad Watkins, the production is an entertaining show for the whole family.

Oliver Twist (J. Bradley Bowers) starts his journey as an orphan in a workhouse under the control of Mr. Bumble (Stephen Carter-Hicks), a cruel man who feeds the orphans only gruel. When Oliver bravely asks for "some more," his adventures begin.

As punishment, Mr. Bumble decides to sell Oliver. His first stop is at the undertakers where Mr. Sowerberry (Karl Kippola) and his wife (Lynn Sharp Spears) treat him just as badly as when he worked under Mr. Bumble. But when a delivery boy insults Oliver’s parents, it pushes him over the top. He starts a fight and quickly runs away in the confusion.

Now on his own, Oliver roams the streets, where he meets the Artful Dodger (Adam Donovan). Oliver’s would-be friend introduces him to Fagin (Andrew Long) and the other boys in the gang. Fagin explains that everyone has to "Pick a Pocket or Two" once in a while.

The band of young thieves welcomes Oliver into their midst, but during his first day on the job, the Artful Dodger gets caught picking a man’s pocket and immediately accuses Oliver of the crime. The police drag him away, but this turn of events leads Oliver to the home of the kindly Mr. Brownlow (Thomas A. Simpson). Oliver reminds Mr. Brownlow of his dead daughter, so he begins to care for the boy.

But Fagin and the gang can’t let Oliver give away their hiding place to the police. They send Nancy (Peggy Yates) to bring Oliver back. Mr. Brownlow does not give up easily, though, as he is determined to find Oliver and take care of him.

Bowers leads the young cast in a superb performance, especially in the opening song "Food, Glorious Food." Bowers’ singing abilities are proven during "Where is Love?" Other favorite songs include "Consider Yourself" and "I’d Do Anything."

The complicated set, designed by James Kronzer, transitions smoothly from a workhouse to an alley hideout and a busy London street. Costumes, designed by Howard Vincent Kurtz, stretch from the pompous uniform of Mr. Bumble to the poor rags of Oliver and the other orphans. Nancy’s dress certainly portrays her character as the rose among thorns.

Dialect Coach Nancy Krebs did a great job turning the American cast into a band of British low-lifes.

"Oliver!" runs at Olney Theatre in Olney, Md., through Dec. 31. For more information call 301/924-3400 or go to www.olneytheatre.org.