A DICKENS CAROL to Make World Premiere at Oak Park Festival Theatre

Before Scrooge. Before Jacob Marley. Charles Dickens had his own ghosts to contend with. Announcing the world premiere of "A Dickens Carol," an all-new holiday tradition that re-imagines the story of Scrooge from Dickens' point of view and real-life events.

A DICKENS CAROL, written by NEd Crowley and directed by Kevin Theis, will play Oak Park Festival Theatre's Madison Street Theatre, November 25 - December 24, 2017.

It's 1842 Victorian London, and Dickens popularity is on the wane. His marriage and finances are in trouble and he has become embittered towards life itself. Yes, in a way, Dickens has become a bit of a Scrooge. A character he has yet to even create! But on a cold Christmas eve, his fortunes take a dramatic turn when a train crash sends Dickens into the icy Kent river. There, in a sinking carriage, Dickens is visited by three Spirits who lead him on a journey through his past, present, and future. A journey that transforms his life and inspires him to write his most celebrated work ever. "A Dickens Carol" is not only the carol behind the most famous carol of all time. It's an all-new twist on a family ghost story that promises to melt the heart of any Scrooge out there.

Writer NEd Crowley has been part of the Chicago theater scene since the mid 80's as a founding member of the comedy group White Noise where he co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in such infamous productions as The Book of Blanche, Stumpy's Gang and Ad-nauseum. He later went on to direct others on stage including Amy Poehler and Matt Walsh in The Upright Citizens Brigade and, more recently, writing and directing his own feature film; the award-winning dark-comedy Middle Man starring his friend and star of TV's Parks and Recreation, Jim O'Heir. Middle Man recently took top honors at the Seattle International Film Fest and the Edmonton International Film Fest before going onto a national theatrical release. Today, Middle Man can be seen on iTunes, Amazon and Netflix. Ned is also the writer of the festival favorite and award-winning dramatic comedy Parting Words. A published children's book author and illustrator, Ned currently serves as the U.S. Chief Creative Officer for mcgarrybowen advertising where he has written, produced, and overseen hundreds of commercial productions.Ned currently and happily lives in Oak Park with his wife and 3 daughters.

THE CAST:

Kevin Theis*^ (Dickens)
Jhenai Mootz^ (Kate/Catherine)
MatTy Robinson^ (Chapman/Forman/Vendor 2/Rescue Worker/Ensemble
Erica Bittner^ (Female Prisoner/Mrs.Ratchford/Dilbert/Past/Ensemble)
Mark Lancaster^ (Father Christmas/Winterfezz/Ghost of Christmas Present)
Matt Gall^ (Ratchford)
Robert Koon (Shakespeare/Seargent Joe/Ensemble)
Allison Cook (Georgy/Musician/Ensemble)
Delilah Lane (Little Kate/Little Belle/Ensemble)
Gwendolyn Theis (Charlie/Peter/Ensemble)
Frederick Harris (Conductor/Future/Ensemble)
Evan Coles (Blackie/Walter Ratchford/Ensemble)
Magaret Garofalo (Mrs. Winterfezz, Hall/Mrs. Oliver/Vendor 1/Ensemble)

*Member of Actor's Equity Association
^ OPFT Company Member

Performances run November 25 - December 24, 2017, Thurs-Sat at 8pm & Sun at 3pm. First preview is Saturday, November 25th at 3pm; second preview is Saturday, November 25th at 8pm. Opening night is set for Sunday, November 26th at 7pm. Running time: 90mins. All performances take place at the Madison Street Theatre Main Stage, 1010 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 (only 25 minutes from downtown Chicago!).

Oak Park's Equity theatre and the Midwest's oldest professional theatre performing the classics outdoors - is currently celebrating its 43rd year of theatrical excellence producing outstanding productions of the plays of William Shakespeare and other classical authors, as well as important contemporary plays by some of the world's greatest playwrights.