Elmhurst, IL – GreenMan Theatre is pleased to announce the cast for their final production of the 2017-2018 season, A Tale of Two Cities. Ten talented actors from throughout the Chicago area will bring Charles Dickens’ classic novel of romance and revolution to life in Christopher Walsh’s stirring adaptation this spring. 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 www.greenmantheatre.org.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” Christopher M. Walsh’s adaptation of “A Tale of Two Cities” first premiered at Chicago’s award winning Lifeline Theatre in 2014. This Dickens story is not a dusty English lit classic, but a full-blooded adventure, filled with corruption, revolution, romance, and redemption. The characters are thrown into a headlong rush towards their fate in this gripping saga. Stage and Screen mused whether Dickens “has …imagined the future as much as the past.” And 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.”
Stephen Bryant [Batavia] and Justin Vidovic [Chicago] play romantic rivals Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton. They are vying for the attentions of Lucie Manette, played by Jennifer Schreiner [Plainfield]. Keeping a close eye over Lucie is her father, Alexandre Manette, played by Peter Piane [Bolingbrook], and her governess, played by Sally Roberts [Evanston]. The Manette family gets swept up in events surrounding the French Revolution. Playing the scheming aristocrat Marquis St. Evermonde is Jim Bruner [Schaumburg]. Toria Hollyn [Carol Stream] plays a hapless Seamstress, caught up in his plots. The revolutionaries are led by Ernest Defarge, played by Bill Boggs [Schaumburg], and his wife, played by Barb Anderson [Lake Forest]. Narrating the action and acting as our guide through London and Paris, is the Resurrection Man, played by Patrick Deering [Batavia]. Artistic Director David Soria directs the production.
GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501[c]3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include The Arabian Nights, Dracula, and Pride and Prejudice. GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community. GreenMan welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theatre production.