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

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less