A Tale of Two Cities
Historical Drama
2 acts – 120 minutes
4 women, 6 men
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens
2014 – Jeff Awards – New Adaptation (Non-Equity) (nominee)
Script available for purchase by Sordelet Ink
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities follows the lives of Charles Darnay, a virtuous French ex-patriot who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution; and Sydney Carton, a dissolute English barrister who struggles to redeem his ill-spent life through his unrequited love for Darnay’s wife. It ranks among the most famous works in the history of English literature.
“Charles Dickens’s 1859 novel, set during the Reign of Terror that followed the 1789 French Revolution, comes to the stage in a taut, suspenseful adaptation that captures the romantic idealism, dark humor, and social outrage that drive this ripping good yarn.” – Albert Williams, Chicago Reader
“Christopher M. Walsh’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel — a saga of unexpected heroism during the French Revolution — is Lifeline Theatre latest page-to-stage triumph. … Coherent as it makes the sprawling story of a feckless lawyer’s ultimate sacrifice for the woman he loved but lost, this Tale of Two Cities also drives home Dickens’ sharply-detailed contrast of the best and worst of times.” – Lawrence Bommer, Stage and Cinema
“Adapter Christopher M. Walsh skillfully reduced Charles Dickens’ sprawling 1859 novel into a fine stage production.” – Tom Williams, Chicago Critic
“FOUR STARS… The second half successfully delivers plot pay-offs via character coincidences that tie together in one big Dickensian bow.” – Janet Arvia, Examiner.com
“Christopher M. Walsh’s adaptation facilitates the multiple dimensions of his epic narrative through the introduction of a protean Everyman, dubbed ‘The Resurrection Man’ (euphemism for a ‘corpse-snatcher’), to play all of the commoners, and to act as our guide to the volatile world of coups d’état. His commentary allows Walsh to focus on the intrigue associated with a Parisian merchant family’s revenge upon the estranged Darnay’s aristocratic ancestors — a vendetta that will endanger him and those he loves, while exacting terrible risks in unexpected quarters.” – Mary Shen Barnidge, Windy City Times
“This Tale is something to behold.” – Suzanne Scanlon, Time Out Chicago
“A suspenseful and emotional journey to the past. A winning adaptation of this classic story… From the opening moments to the closing heart wrenching moments, it is pure Dickens; but with a swiftness and light. This classic should not be missed.” – Lazlo Collins, Chicago Theatre Review