A Tale of Two Cities
Adapted by Adriel Brandt
Based on the book by Charles Dickens
Abbotsford Arts Centre
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
Video
Cast
Andrew Abrahams
Jarvis Lorry
Adriel Brandt
Sydney Carton
Tamara Charman
Doctor Manette
Genevieve Dougan
Lucie Manette
Rebecca Dougan
Ensemble/Jacques 2
Sophie Heinrichs
Ensemble/Seamstress
James Lam
Ernest Defarge
Eldon Letkeman
Marquis/Jacques 3
Karis Miller
Miss Pross
Marcus Miller
Charles Darnay
Peter Shaver
Ensemble/Judge
Shannon Tauber
Thérèse Defarge
Liam Whatley
Ensemble/Barsad
Artistic Team
Gabe Kirkley
Director
Andrew Potts
Set Designer
Dani Dejong
Costume Designer
Shannon Tauber
Hair & Makeup Designer
Ken Hildebrandt
Lighting Designer
Veda Maharaj
Sound Designer
Becki Cormier
Props Designer
Stephen Elcheshen
Fight Coordinator
Nelly Fargeon
Stage Manager
Michelle Potts
Stage Manager
Brighton Bitz
Assistant Stage Manager
From the blog
From Novel to Stage: Adriel Brandt on Adapting A Tale of Two Cities
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.
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