MADISON —
Upon the death of his father, young Nicholas finds himself penniless, homeless and responsible for providing for his sister and mother. He soon ventures to London to make a way for himself and his family.
Thus begins the epic theatrical production “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” at Rabbit Run Theater, opening today and running through =Aug. 5.
Based on the novel “Nicholas Nickleby” by Charles Dickens and adapted to stage by David Edgar, “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” is a sweeping and epic story that weaves all aspects of the human plight from virtue to villainy.
Performed in two parts, Nicholas Nickleby is rarely produced due to its immense scope and scale and is an once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience for actor and patron alike.
Playing the role of Nicholas Nickleby is Roderick O’Toole, a sophomore theater major at Baldwin Wallace College. O’Toole has made numerous appearances on the Rabbit Run stage as well as performing in several productions at Baldwin Wallace.
Lincoln Sandham is portraying Smike, the neglected friend of Nicholas Nickleby. Sandham has performed at numerous theaters including Cain Park, the Beck Center for the Arts, Lakeland Civic Theatre and Chagrin Valley Little Theater
Professional actor George Roth, is portraying Ralph Nickleby, wealthy and malevolent uncle to Nicholas Nickleby. Roth studied theater at Yale University and at the Central School for Speech and Drama in London and has appeared professionally on stage and screen over the past 25 years, including the feature film “Batman” (1989) and television’s “Murphy Brown” and for the National Theatre of Great Britain. His regional theatrical appearances include The Cleveland Playhouse, Actors’ Summit in Akron and True North in LaGrange.
“Nicholas Nickleby” is directed by Ann Hedger, programming coordinator at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby. “’Nicholas Nickleby’ certainly spotlights injustice, class issues and financial strife,” said Hedger. “But the other thing Dickens does is include the human element with a satirical wit which brings a great deal of comedy and levity to the audience.”
Hedger said, “There have been several challenges to meet with this production; namely, working with a 300-plus page script. Most of the 35 actors in the show are portraying a multitude of characters as well as serving as narrators throughout the show, which can be daunting to even the most experienced professional actor. Another challenge was scheduling rehearsals as 17 of the actors are also performing in other productions this summer at Rabbit Run.
“We have all the right people in place, from actors to technical staff; all of whom are not only talented but exceptionally motivated to make the most of this rare theatrical experience,” she said.
“Nicholas Nickleby” hosts performances of Part I today through Sunday, July 20, 22 (matinee), 27, 29 (matinee), Aug. 3, 5 (matinee) and performances of Part II (all evening shows) on July 13, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, Aug. 4, 5. Matinees begin at 2 p.m. and evening performances begin at 8 p.m.
Theater patrons may see performances of both Part I and II in “A Day of Dickens” July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, Patrons may also enjoy a traditional English mid-day boxed meal between shows in the theater’s picnic grounds. Reservations for “A Day of Dickens” may be made by calling the box office by July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1 respectively.
On , July 22, prior to the performance of Part II, Kirsten Parkinson, associate professor of English at Hiram College and humanities scholar, is giving a presentation on “Nicholas Nickleby” entitled, “Schools, Speculation and Serialization: The Historical Context of Nicholas Nickleby,” at 6:30 p.m. at Rabbit Run Theater.
As an added feature to the show on July 29, patrons may attend “A Dickens Dance” prior to the evening performance. Guests will learn several English country dances similar to those seen in the feature films “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma” and “Sense and Sensibility.” Live music and a dance caller will be on hand to lead the dances. “A Dickens Dance” begins at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the theater.
Tickets are available on line at www.rabbitrunonline.org or at the box office (428-7092), Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $19/adult and $17/senior, student. Tickets for “A Day of Dickens “are $45/adult, $43/senior, student. For group ticket sales call 428-5913.
An added bonus this summer at Rabbit Run Theater is a season-long online ticket lottery. Individuals, both adults and students, may register online to win a pair of tickets to one of the Dickens productions this summer. The online ticket lottery is supported in part by the Ohio Humanities Council and through the generosity of a private donor. To enter this free ticket lottery, visit www.rabbitrunonline.org. One entry per person per week.
