Richmond Shakespeare Presents A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, Now thru 12/23

Richmond Shakespeare presents A Child's Christmas in Wales, a new adaptation of Dylan Thomas's beloved seasonal work, tonight, November 29 through December 23. Performances are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Inspired by the Charlotte Moore version at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City, director Jan Powell and music director Andrew Hamm have teamed up to create a theatrical event to charm audiences of all ages.  

Tickets range from $7-$22 and can be purchased here.

Including text from several of Thomas's works, the show is set simultaneously in 1952 and 1928: in Dylan Thomas's writing studio, and in a Little Village house in Swansea, Wales. Audiences will be treated to some of Richmond's favorite performers, including Liz Blake White, Doug Jones, Axle Burtness, Elisabeth Ashby, David Millman as young Dylan Thomas, and stars WCVE radio personality John Porter as Dylan Thomas. Porter, a long time Thomas fan, is tickled to be cast in this role.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to portray one of my personal idols, the wonderfully Byronic and over-the-top Welsh superstar poet, Dylan Thomas. After having been a critic for the past fifteen years or so, I never thought I would go back to the other side of the boards and expose myself to the same criticism I normally dish out. But, this chance may never come again. At the end of my life, I want to be able to look back with satisfaction and not regret. A Child's Christmas in Wales gives me that chance," he said.

Music direction is by Andrew Hamm, who has gathered and arranged an array of seasonal music, ranging from familiar Christmas carols to lesser-known Welsh tunes, some in the original language. Hamm will lead a Christmas sing-along Fifteen Minutes PRior to each performance.

"Bringing the glorious words of Dylan Thomas alive onstage with such beautiful music and this talented group of people will make for a remarkable holiday event," said Jan Powell, director and recipient of the 2012 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Best Direction of a play award. "There is so much in the piece; dozing uncles and busybody aunts, snowballs being thrown at cats, kitchen fire emergencies, and surprising stocking treats -- all with the eternal beauty of the sea and snow-covered mountains just outside the window. We're fortunate to be playing in the Theatre Gym at Virginia Rep Center, where every seat is close to the action. I'm sure this will become a new family tradition in Richmond."

Visit www.RichmondShakespeare.com for more information.