GreenMan Theatre’s upcoming production of A Tale of Two Cities will challenge a small ensemble of ten actors to bring Charles Dickens’ epic novel of romance and revolution to life on stage this spring. Christopher M. Walsh’s adaptation first premiered in 2014 at Chicago’s award winning Lifeline Theatre. The Reader called the play “a taut, suspenseful adaptation that captures the romantic idealism, dark humor, and social outrage that drive this ripping good yarn.”
A Tale of Two Cities runs three weekends at the First United Methodist Church, 232 S. York St., Elmhurst. The production opens Friday, May 5 and closes May 21. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. There is ample free parking onsite but seating is limited. For more information about the production or to purchase tickets please call 630-464-2646, or visit greenmantheatre.org.
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Walsh’s adaptation focuses on the romantic triangle of Lucie Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton. For many of the actors, bringing these Dickens characters to life is a thrilling and challenging experience. The ensemble of ten must play multiple characters throughout the show, also doubling as minor characters and revolutionaries to help bring the story to life for the audience.
GreenMan Theatre Artistic Director David Soria directs the production. Also appearing in the cast are Stephen Bryant as Darnay, Peter Piane as Doctor Manette, and Sally Roberts as Miss Pross. Toria Hollyn plays a hapless Seamstress, caught up in the revolution. The revolutionaries are led by Ernest Defarge, played by Bill Boggs. In a dual role, Jim Bruner plays the aristocrat Marquis St. Evermonde and the spy John Barsad. Behind the scenes, Chuck Erickson is the assistant director; Rich Geiger and Jim Ocasek are designing sets and lights. Julane Sullivan is the costumer, and Becca Easley is the sound designer. Bruce Worthel is the fight choreographer for the show.
