Charles Dickens News

It's a rare performer that can generate so much affection from an audience by regarding them with unrestrained contempt, but Jackie Hoffman has cultivated a unique niche for herself in New York's lengthy history of comic actors who partner with their Jewish heritage acting as straight man.

Following the performance of The Second City's 'A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens!' on Fridays December 21 and 28, Gino Santini, the lyrically challenged crooner played by Larry Joe Campbell, will be bursting through the fourth wall to host a post-show karaoke party.

With the revival of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" garnering positive reviews in a Roundabout Theatre production at Studio 54, THEATER TALK welcomes two of its talents - Rupert Holmes, who wrote the book, music and lyrics for the 1985 musical, and Will Chase, who plays the dual roles of John Jasper and Mr. Clive Paget.

Family Fun Night is the perfect time for kids who want to see A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage, but might be a little scared. Before the show, our spooky ghosts will greet and entertain for kids, so they can see the ghosts are not that scary after all. All kids 12 and under will get a free bag of popcorn before the show and light wands will be sold before the show so that kids can turn them on during the performance when the ghosts come out. After the show, get autographs from some of your favorite characters!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) joins the international celebration of the bicentennial of Charles Dickens' birth, Dickens 2012, with a World's Stage presentation of the Olivier Award-nominated production Dickens' Women, featuring actress Miriam Margolyes, tonight, December 18-22, 2012 in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below.

'Tis the season for merriment and Christmas joy as well as for reflecting on the vicissitudes of life and, as the chasm grows between the rich and the poor, it isn't surprising to find so many bay area theatres offering up adaptations of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.'

This week at Joe's Pub, December 17 through December 31, performances include Taylor Mac: Music of the 1810's & 1830's, A Night with PigPen Theatre Co., Eric Hutchinson, Our Hit Parade, Mike Errico Holiday Show, Michael Sackler-Berner, Nuyorican Poets Cafe Benefit, The Respect Sextet, Starsky + Cox, Joey Arias, Rachael Sage, The Tickled Pinks, Wau Wau Sisters, A Scream Along with Billy Christmas Special, Still Here! A Fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy Relief, Sandra Bernhard, Willie Nile, and Dine or Dance at the Library at the Public on New Year's Eve.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) joins the international celebration of the bicentennial of Charles Dickens' birth, Dickens 2012, with a World's Stage presentation of the Olivier Award-nominated production Dickens' Women, featuring actress Miriam Margolyes, tonight, December 18-22, 2012 in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

North Coast Repertory Theatre & Impro Theatre present An UnScripted Carol, a holiday comedy inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. Directed by Brian Lohman, the show's cast features Lisa Fredrickson, Brian Jones, Lauren Lewis, Brian Lohman and Floyd Buskirk. An UnScripted Carol runs tonight, December 17th through the 20th at 7:30pm.

The Final Act Ensemble, a Des Moines Community Playhouse troupe that performs classic and original radio plays, will present 'The Gift of the Magi' and 'A Christmas Carol' at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, 7:00 PM, tonight, Dec. 17. Tickets for the hour-long show are $5 for all ages and will be sold at the door. The performance is recommended for ages eight years old and up.

Southern Rep Theatre is extending its hit production of CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A PLAY WITH MUSIC ADAPTED BY DORIS BAIZLEY. Directed by Ann Mahoney Kadar.

Back by popular demand, WORKSHOP THEATER COMPANY is pleased to announce a special, limited engagement of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted and performed by Greg Oliver Bodine and directed by Shana Solomon. A CHRISTMAS CAROL will play in The Jewel Box Theater at WorkShop Theater (312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor). Performances begin today, December 16 and continue through Tuesday, December 18. All performances are at 8pm.

Broadway at Birdland has announced the continuation of the partnership with multi-Grammy and Tony nominated composer Frank Wildhorn with two holiday-themed "Frank & Friends" concerts. These evenings will celebrate the holiday songs and favorite performers from the composer's wide range of work in popular, theatrical and classical music. All profits will go to The Actors Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment.