In "Oliver!" A N.Y. Boy Takes On the London Streets

In "Oliver!" A N.Y. Boy Takes On the London Streets
Ivan Howe will star as Oliver Twist in the Sharon Playhouse’s production of the musical "Oliver!"
Photo by Aly Morrissey

At just 11 years old, Ivan Howe of Millbrook, N.Y., is preparing to take center stage in a production of “Oliver!” directed by Michael Kevin Baldwin at The Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Conn., starting Friday, Aug. 4. Howe has previously performed in “Elf Jr.” at the Sharon Playhouse.

Emma Benardete: How and when did you get involved in acting?

Ivan Howe: Actually, I was first introduced to acting by my best friend who is doing “Oliver!” as well, Harriet [Luongo]. I actually saw her in “Oliver!” five to seven years ago. I thought it was super cool, her acting on stage, and I thought I wanted to give it a try, and so my mom signed me up for first another theater group called SRO — Standing Room Only — and then I did this and one school play.

EB: What’s your favorite part about being in this show?

IH: I really like everyone here. Everyone’s super nice. And I also like the show a lot. I think it’s really interesting and it’s super fun to be in it.

EB: In what way do you think you’re the most similar to the character that you’re playing?

IH: Well, Oliver is, for most of the whole thing, searching for love and always wants love, and that is very similar to me, I feel. I’m a people person.

EB: Any part of this role or this show that has been particularly challenging for you?

IH: In the song “Where Is Love”, which is Oliver talking about that feeling, I have to cry in it, and that’s been challenging because I have to really connect with the character in order to do that. Also, I’m not the best dancer. I don’t have any dance training, so choreography always requires a little practice.

Original poster for Oliver! On the West End

Original poster for Oliver! On the West End

Original poster for Oliver! On the West End

Latest News

Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Student initiatives shake up Homecoming
The poster promoting the Homecoming dance boasted the event would feature dancing, games and a bonfire. Reactions to the planned move outside were mixed, with some students excited about the changes and others expressing a desire for tradition.
Provided

The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.

Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.

Keep ReadingShow less