In keeping with the holiday spirit, the Lincoln Center is bringing “Oliver!” to the stage this month. Loosely based on the Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist,” it is a well-loved musical about an orphaned boy who is much abused. It includes memorable songs such as: “Food, Glorious Food,” “Where is Love,” and “Consider Yourself At Home.”

The story opens with Oliver being kicked out of the workhouse where he lives with other orphaned boys simply because he asked for more food. Sold to a local undertaker, he is forced to live in the basement. Oliver eventually escapes and is befriended by some shady thieves.

He then becomes friends with a woman named Nancy, who repeatedly helps him out, protecting him from her villainous, abusive husband, Bill Sikes. As with the very similar play, “Annie,” there is a happy ending that will make children and adults alike feel all warm and fuzzy, perfect for the holiday season.

“Oliver!” runs Dec. 3 through 6, at 7:30 p.m. along with a 2 p.m. show on Saturday, Dec. 6.. Tickets are $42 – $44.

For more information, please visit their Web site at: http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/lctix/