For many cast members in Saskatoon Summer Players’ Oliver!, the classic musical is about more than memorable songs and larger-than-life characters — it’s about sharing the stage with the people they love most.

We thought this could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing

This summer’s production has become a true family affair, featuring parents and children, married couples, and even entire families performing together. Blake and Erin Cumming met in a 2005 SSP production and been in many productions since. This year, they decided to audition along with their 10 year-old Arthur.

“We were trying to figure out something we could all do together,” says Blake Cumming. “We thought this could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Arthur is the perfect age. At rehearsals, I love seeing him interact with the other kids, taking responsibility. It’s a great chance to watch how he is on his own.

I’m excited to be on stage and do the whole thing all the way through

This production features 26 children between 8 – 13 years old. Getting to be in a play with so many kids is what Arthur Cumming enjoys most.

“It’s fun because I know some people and we’re all in it together,” he says, “I’m excited to be on stage and do the whole thing all the way through because it’s fun.”

I’m so proud watching them grow and seeing them perform on the big stage

Another family sharing the stage is the Lapointes. Amanda Trulicz-Lapointe and her husband Matt are performing alongside their daughters Elsie (13), Hazel (11), and Josephine (9).

“I’m so proud watching them grow and seeing them perform on the big stage,” says Trulicz-Lapointe. “So much of what we do as parents is driving them to activities and cheering them on from the sidelines. Now, we actually get to join in.”

There’s so much joy in seeing these kids up on stage

While family connections are creating special moments behind the scenes, director Kristie Elliott says audiences will also be treated to everything that has made Oliver! a beloved musical for generations.

“These are songs that people know like Consider Yourself, and Food, Glorious Food,” says Elliott. “I hope audiences leave the theatre humming the tunes and feeling inspired. There’s so much joy in seeing these kids up on stage. It’s wonderful to see these parents passing that love of musical theatre down to a new generation.”

Oliver!

June 19 – 21, 2026

Remai Arts Centre

Tickets $30 – $40

For all the details and tickets follow this link.