Lifetime Theatre presents the world premiere adaptation of A TALE OF TWO CITIES.
Playwright Christopher M. Walsh (no relation) adapted Charles Dickens story of the French Revolution. A former aristocrat flees Paris to find a new life and love in London. When his honor forces him to return to Paris to defend an innocent man, he is imprisoned. During this Reign of Terror, his bride’s family fights to save him from the guillotine. Walsh skillfully condenses Dickens masterpiece into a riveting tale of love and hate. He finds the romance, the evil and even the humor in this tightly woven redemption and resurrection story.
Walsh uses The Resurrection Man to navigate the layers of complications between countries, families, and generations. Under the direction of Elise Kauzlaric, the outstanding John Henry Roberts (The Resurrection Man) sets up the scene as the narrator and then often steps into the scene as a character. Where other cast members struggled with their Parisian accents, Roberts perfectly goes back and forth from English to French with ease. He also effortlessly transitions from observer to persecutor. The versatile Roberts nimbly guides us through this historical fiction.
Kauzlaric stages this on a stark two level stage. The space allows her talented ensemble to revolt with room. Stationary marching and subtle apparitions gave me a few Les Miz chills. Director Kauzlaric reunites her “The Woman in White” lovers. The dashing Nicholas Bailey (Charles) and lovely Maggie Scrantom (Lucie) charm – again – as destined soul mates. Bailey and Scrantom endear with their unwavering, old-fashioned devotion. A rascally Josh Hambrock (Carton) hilariously allows his character flaws to separate him from relationships. Hambrock does a 180 transformation and with solemn dignity delivers the most beautiful end soliloquy. I was still wiping my tears during the curtain call.
Lifeline is a tight community of artists. I can’t help but imagine Walsh wrote in specific humor that he knew his long-time comrades would deliver with zest. Roberts and Chris Hainsworth (Barsad, Marquis) relish in some bitingly funny remarks. And Katie McLean Hainsworth (Miss Pross) is hysterical as the zealot governess.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES is a literary treat. Lifeline has become my favorite Sunday afternoon lazy read. The return or first visit to a Lifeline classic tale is a comprehensive way to experience literature. I wonder what it would cost to commission them to produce “Atlas Shrugged.”
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Christopher M. Walsh
Directed by Elise Kauzlaric
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm
Sundays at 4pm
EXTENDED Thru April 13th
Buy Tickets at www.lifelinetheatre.com