The adaptation of “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens at A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena is a love story and a commentary on the horrors of war and the courage of sacrifice, driven by a plot of political espionage.
The opening lines of the play, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness …” reflect for many the current political temperature.
The play is worth seeing for a well-performed and well-directed insight into the times that led to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, as well as for those drawn to love stories that feature the most poignant of declarations of devotion—deathly sacrifice.
Adapted by Mike Poulton, who was Tony-nominated for “Fortune’s Fool” as well as his adaptations of “Wolf Hall” and Bring Up the Bodies, the play first premiered at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton in 2014. Julia Rodriguez-Elliot and Geoff Elliot, artistic directors of A Noise Within, direct the U.S. premiere at A Noise Within.
“A Tale of Two Cities” play through Nov. 19, 2017. Tickets and more information: anoisewithin.org
Photos: Top: Frederick Stuart (Sydney Carton). Photo by Craig Schwartz. Middle: Ensemble with Tavid Doucette (Charles Darnay) center. Bottom: Geoff Elliott (Marquis) and Tavid Doucette (Charles Darnay). Photo by Craig Schwartz.
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