Improved 5Th Avenue Acoustics Accent An Energetic `Oliver!'

``Oliver!''; musical based on Charles Dickens' ``Oliver Twist''; music, lyrics and book by Lionel Bart. Produced by the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company; through Dec. 16. Information: 628-0888.

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With its colorful, energetic new production of ``Oliver!'' the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company continues to make good on its pledge to create high-quality musical-theater entertainment at the elaborately renovated theater in downtown Seattle.

The company's efforts have been noticed. In its second year, its subscriptions have almost doubled, with the total now hitting 23,000.

Frank M. Young, executive director of the company, staged the accomplished production of ``Oliver!'' with a cast of 47, only seven of whom were imported.

And - wonder of wonders! - the acoustical problems that were a persistent problem for years after the 5th Avenue's renovation seem finally, definitely solved by the electronic wizardry of Beth Berkeley. The sound is deftly miked so that all the words are understandable, but neither dialogue nor music is boomingly overamplified as they are now in too many Broadway theaters.

Lionel Bart's 1960 musical gets its obvious staying qualities primarily from its lyrical score and big, lively chorus numbers. The fact that cute kids often fill the stage is also appealing to audiences, who don't seem to mind that the little rascals are professional pickpockets.

Even their wily ringleader, Fagin, comes across as an amusing, likable chap. In the 5th Avenue's production, the role is played well by Davy Jones, who years ago played the Artful Dodger in London and New York before achieving television celebrity as one of the Monkees.

John Franklin is the Artful Dodger at the 5th Avenue, and artful he is indeed. Patrick Cadenhead is effectively tough/sweet as Oliver Twist.

The show comes really alive in the chorus numbers: from ``Food, Glorious Food'' in the opening scene, through the wonderful ``Consider Yourself'' and the catchy ``You've Got To Pick a Pocket or Two'' to ``I'd Do Anything'' and ``Oom-Pah-Pah.''

The company sings the songs heartily, and they are staged effectively by Young with choreographic help from Michael Tapley.

Marcia Mitzman is a dynamo as Nancy, the moll of the brutal Bill Sikes (Alex Daniels). Nancy has the show's prettiest song, which is, alas, also the ultimate co-dependent's song: ``As Long As He Needs Me.''

Particularly good in juicy Dickensian roles are Michael McCarty as Mr. Bumble, Marjorie Carroll as Widow Corney, Joanne Klein as Mrs. Sowerberry and Barbara Coffin as Mrs. Bedwin. Carroll Hovland brings a touching gentlemanly quality to the role of Mr. Brownlow, Oliver's long-lost grandfather.