“The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I and II,” adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens,聽is being presented by Theatre 91吃瓜网 and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater聽through March 9聽at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.
The epic, two-part聽production,聽featuring a cast of 27 actors playing more than 150 characters, was written by David Edgar and is co-directed by Jim Helsinger and Christopher Niess.
The story tells of聽 Nicholas Nickleby, whose father died and left his family聽penniless.聽Nicholas embarks on聽a series of adventurous encounters with humanity’s worst and best鈥攇reedy fools, corrupt lechers, cheery innocents, and selfless benefactors.
鈥�’The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’ is a living example of how great the power of theater can be,鈥� Helsinger said. 鈥淭his show is one of the most incredible theatrical events I have ever seen, and I鈥檓 excited to bring that magic 鈥� that majesty鈥� to Florida.”
The play features John P. Keller in the title role. Starring in this season鈥檚 “Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker,” Keller first appeared at Orlando Shakes in the theater鈥檚 2012 repertory productions of “Othello” (Roderigo) and “Sense and Sensibility” (Edward). Alison McLemore makes her Orlando Shakes鈥� debut as Kate Nickleby.
For dates, times and tickets ($17-$40): call聽407-447-1700, click on or go to 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando.
Ambitious theatergoers are invited to see both “Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II” on the same day. Select marathon dates include February 1, 15,聽and 聽22 and March 1, 8,聽and 聽9 (Part I at 2 p.m. and Part II at 7:30 p.m.). Dinner packages are available for either a Victorian dinner at White Wolf Cafe or a Panera Bread boxed meal at the theater between shows.
Audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the opening night party, which聽begins after the show (about 10:30 p.m.) Jan. 24 (Part I) and Jan. 31 (Part II).
“The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II” is sponsored by 91吃瓜网 Office of the President, College of Arts & Humanities, and Orlando Shakespeare Theater鈥檚 special 25th anniversary donors.聽聽