Gallery 7 Theatre

    A Tale of Two Cities

    Adapted by Adriel Brandt
    Based on the book by Charles Dickens

    Abbotsford Arts Centre

    A Tale of Two Cities
    Literary
    Drama
    Premiere

    It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. Set in the days leading up to the French Revolution, a family is caught in a web of challenges and social upheaval.

    Charles Darnay, a reluctant aristocrat, has turned his back on France and finds refuge in England. Meanwhile, a ghost has summoned Lucie Manette, who grew up an orphan in England, to France with promises of hope. These two individuals find each other in London, and their stories intertwine with those of the caring Mr. Lorry and the disillusioned Sydney Carton against a backdrop of international strife and social intrigue.

    In France, a revolution is brewing. Inequality and abuse has driven Ernest and Thérèse Defarge, along with their community in Paris, to a breaking point. They hunger for change, and are willing to bleed for it.

    Soon, these stories and these families are drawn together as the figure of the guillotine rises over Paris, casting a shadow over one family even as it gleams with the promise of change for the other.

    A stunning and unrelenting story of family, justice and sacrifice, this exciting new adaption explores gluttony, tyranny, the excess of violent revolution and the power of love.

    It is a tale of two cities, and of two families: of the lengths each will go to ensure the futures of their loved ones.

    Performance Information

    Running time

    2 hours and 15 minutes plus one, twenty-minute intermission

    Location

    Abbotsford Arts Centre
    2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford

    Showtimes

    November 10 & 11, 15 – 18, 2023 @ 7:30 PM
    Matinees: Nov. 11, 14 & 18 @ 2:00 PM

    Content Warning

    Advisory

    This production uses water-based fog and haze.

    Age Recommendation

    This production is recommended for ages 12+

    Content Warning

    This production contains scenes of staged violence and combat.

    ...

    Production Sponsor

    Blackwood Building Centre

    Blackwood Building Centre

    Video

    Cast

    Andrew Abrahams

    Andrew Abrahams

    Jarvis Lorry

    Adriel Brandt

    Adriel Brandt

    Sydney Carton

    Tamara Charman

    Tamara Charman

    Doctor Manette

    Genevieve Dougan

    Genevieve Dougan

    Lucie Manette

    Rebecca Dougan

    Rebecca Dougan

    Ensemble/Jacques 2

    Sophie Heinrichs

    Sophie Heinrichs

    Ensemble/Seamstress

    James Lam

    James Lam

    Ernest Defarge

    Eldon Letkeman

    Eldon Letkeman

    Marquis/Jacques 3

    Karis Miller

    Karis Miller

    Miss Pross

    Marcus Miller

    Marcus Miller

    Charles Darnay

    Peter Shaver

    Peter Shaver

    Ensemble/Judge

    Shannon Tauber

    Shannon Tauber

    Thérèse Defarge

    Liam Whatley

    Liam Whatley

    Ensemble/Barsad

    Artistic Team

    Gabe Kirkley

    Gabe Kirkley

    Director

    Andrew Potts

    Andrew Potts

    Set Designer

    Dani Dejong

    Dani Dejong

    Costume Designer

    Shannon Tauber

    Shannon Tauber

    Hair & Makeup Designer

    Ken Hildebrandt

    Ken Hildebrandt

    Lighting Designer

    Veda Maharaj

    Veda Maharaj

    Sound Designer

    Becki Cormier

    Becki Cormier

    Props Designer

    Stephen Elcheshen

    Stephen Elcheshen

    Fight Coordinator

    Nelly Fargeon

    Nelly Fargeon

    Stage Manager

    Michelle Potts

    Michelle Potts

    Stage Manager

    Brighton Bitz

    Brighton Bitz

    Assistant Stage Manager

    From the blog

    A Tale of Two Cities2023-2024 SeasonInterview

    From Novel to Stage: Adriel Brandt on Adapting A Tale of Two Cities

    10 minute read | Sep 9, 2023

    A Tale of Two Cities promises to transport audiences to the tumultuous times of the French Revolution and the contrasting landscapes of London and Paris. We had the privilege of asking a few questions of Adriel to delve into the creative process behind this adaptation and discover the insights that have brought this remarkable novel to life as a play.

    Read more

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