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

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

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

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less