title

THE ALLEY THEATER

Tony had the proud honor of being cast as "Billy" in The Alley Theater's 2003-2004 season-opening Equity production of Sherlock Holmes. This was Tony's professional theater debut where he played a seemingly dual role as Sherlock Holmes' personal servant and trusted spy. The production ran from October 10 - November 2, 2003 and was directed by the famed Alley's Artistic Director Gregory Boyd. Tony was the only child in the cast of 16. He had the privilege of working with the Alley's distinguished resident company actors and crew who warmly welcomed him and graciously treated him with the respect of a fellow colleague.

Tony and Director Gregory Boyd at the Opening Night party

Tony performed in all 30 shows during the run and enjoyed being a part of each and every moment. His fellow actors even made Halloween a very special occasion for Tony as each of them had a surprise treat for him prior to that show. Many of the zany actors really got into the Halloween spirit when they decorated their dressing rooms, donned Halloween masks, and raced a menacing motorized red-eyed rat up and down the backstage hallways! Tony's dad added to the decor with a very special and unique pumpkin he carved with Sherlock Holmes' silhouette, complete with smoking pipe and Sherlock Holmes' name.

Tony was very proud that his fellow Theater Arts students and teachers, Principal and Director of Instruction from his Jr. High school attended one of his shows.

Tony received the following theatrical reviews:

"...and Tony Oller brings youthful energy and humor to his role of Billy, Holmes' chief Baker Street Irregular (a part once played by a young Charlie Chaplin)." for full article, Click here: Theater News - Reviews: Sherlock Holmes -
"And while we're at it and since we cannot commend each cast member by name, we'll pick out just two as representative of good theater: Bettye Fitzpatrick (Woman on the Street) who has had an illustrious career on and off the Alley Stage as a company member for 46 years. And the talented and adorable Tony Oller (Billy the Newsboy and Holmes' spy) who is making his Alley debut, but not his introduction to theater. He has appeared in commercials, won child actor contests, and played the famed Apollo Theater in New York. He also dances and sings but not in Sherlock Holmes. Watch him!" -txtriangle.com Vol. XXI Issue 4, November 6, 2003

Todd Waite (Sherlock Holmes), Tony (Billy) and James Black (Professor Moriarty) on stage.

"You are a good boy, Billy"

James Belcher (Parsons), Tony (Billy), Todd Waite (Sherlock), and Jeffrey Bean (Dr. Watson) in Watson's study.

BACKSTAGE PHOTOS

Tony and Todd Waite (Sherlock Holmes) and the cool pumpkin Dad carved

Tony (as Newsboy) and Josie de Guzman (Madge Larrabee) pose backstage

Tony and fellow actor David Born (Forman) ham it up on Halloween