It's not exactly a happy story. An orphan lives in a prison-like workhouse run by a mean-spirited minor official, and when he asks for more evil-tasting gruel, the boy is taken to the streets and sold to an undertaker. From there he's recruited into a street gang and taught to support an aging thief by stealing. Finally, he's kidnapped and witnesses a murder before being dramatically rescued.

Whew. Yes, the Dickens story of "Oliver Twist" is dark, but the musical telling of it is lively and colorful. As the first production for the Northwest Savoyards' current season, "Oliver!" showcases many of the company's strengths: fine voices, detailed costuming, an excellent orchestra and innovative staging.

Under the inspired direction of Rick May, the cast of amateur actors and singers, including more than a dozen youngsters, brings the seamier side of London to life on the Historic Everett Theatre's stage. Even the Cockney accents sound authentic, although the thick dialect is occasionally hard to understand.

Two talented young men are the undeniable stars of the show: Jack Rogers as Oliver and Elijah Ostrow as the Artful Dodger.

6th grader Jack Rogers handles the title role with charm and innocence. His sweet voice is perfectly matched to songs like "Where Is Love?" and "Who Will Buy?" and he's equally engaging in his duets with the Artful Dodger, played with gusto by Elijah Ostrow.

Young Elijah, an 8th grader who already has professional acting credits with Seattle Children's Theatre, the Seattle Opera and 5th Avenue Theatre, is a swaggering yet lovable Dodger. "Consider Yourself" is a show-stopper, and the boys do a good job with the dance numbers as well.

John Klise steals the stage as the scalawag Fagin, prancing and plotting for his own benefit with glee. Klise originally played Fagin at the Everett Theatre in a 1998 production, and since then he's reprised the role with various theatre companies throughout Puget Sound. His comfort in the role is evident, and his playful attitude is infectious.

Other standouts in the fine cast include Nick Fuchs as the officious Mr. Bumble, Jennifer Klouse in a hilarious bipolar rendition of Mrs. Sowerberry, and Meagan Castillo as the loyal but ill-fated Nancy.

The scene featuring four street vendors is also captivating, with strong vocal performances by Robyn Clapper, Angela Petrucci, Joe Rochon and Tim Sauke. Their voices intertwine beautifully in "Who Will Buy?"

Jason Goff, who plays the villainous Bill Sykes, certainly looks the part of the scary town bully. In his first principal acting role, he is convincing if a little hesitant at times, and his rich baritone voice adds depth to the character.

"Oliver!" takes place in a number of different locations, and the Savoyards created an ingenious central set piece that, with the addition of a few suggestive touches, becomes a tavern, the workhouse, a busy street, Fagin's lair and the parlor of a London home. Scene changes were quick and efficient, keeping the musical moving along at a nice pace.

Members of the Everett Symphony make up the show's orchestra, under the direction of David Spring, and the Lionel Bart score is expertly crafted by the 15-piece ensemble.

"Oliver!" runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 1 at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby in downtown Everett. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the theatre's box office, online at www.everetttheatre.org, or by calling (425) 258-6766.