“The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I and II,” adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens,Β is being presented by Theatre ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ and the Orlando Shakespeare TheaterΒ through March 9Β at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park.
The epic, two-partΒ production,Β 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 ofΒ Nicholas Nickleby, whose father died and left his familyΒ penniless.Β Nicholas embarks onΒ a series of adventurous encounters with humanity’s worst and bestβgreedy fools, corrupt lechers, cheery innocents, and selfless benefactors.
β’The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’ is a living example of how great the power of theater can be,β Helsinger said. βThis show is one of the most incredible theatrical events I have ever seen, and Iβm excited to bring that magic β that majestyβ to Florida.”
The play features John P. Keller in the title role. Starring in this seasonβs “Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker,” Keller first appeared at Orlando Shakes in the theaterβs 2012 repertory productions of “Othello” (Roderigo) and “Sense and Sensibility” (Edward). Alison McLemore makes her Orlando Shakesβ debut as Kate Nickleby.
For dates, times and tickets ($17-$40): callΒ 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,Β and Β 22 and March 1, 8,Β and Β 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, whichΒ 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 ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Office of the President, College of Arts & Humanities, and Orlando Shakespeare Theaterβs special 25th anniversary donors.Β Β