Dickens at home in Milwaukee this season

IT’S A DICKENS of a Christmas in Milwaukee this holiday season.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents its annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” while Milwaukee Chamber Theatre offers audiences their first opportunity to see a new play, “Dickens in America.”

“A Christmas Carol,” adapted from the classic Charles Dickens story, features stunning costumes and elaborate sets, a large cast and engaging music. Again this year the play is presented through Dec. 24 in the beautiful Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St., a historic stage that seems most appropriate for Dickens.

This holiday favorite tells the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a stingy old man to a generous, compassionate person, creating a magical experience for the whole family. While the Milwaukee Repertory Theater has been presenting the holiday favorite for 31 years, more than $1 million was spent three years ago on new sets and costumes. And each year, the theater company adds a new dimension to the timeless story.

For more information on “A Christmas Carol,” or to charge tickets, call 414-224-9490. For group sales of 20 or more, call 414-224-9490. Purchase tickets online 24/7 at www.milwaukeerep.com.

 “Dickens in America” is described as “an evening with Charles Dickens adapted from his words and works.” Although technically the “Milwaukee premiere” of this play, the work was previously performed only once at the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

In contrast to the expansive production at the Pabst Theater, this one-man play is presented in the intimate Studio Theatre of the Broadway Theatre Centre, 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward. For the play, the theatre appropriately is decked out for a Victorian Christmas.

The play by popular Milwaukee actor James DeVita takes the audience back to 1867 as guests at Charles Dickens’s final public reading. Renowned as a highly theatrical performer of his own work, Dickens toured America for the second time in late 1867. After fatigue and illness set in, his tour was cut short, never making it to the Midwest as planned.

“Dickens in America” rectifies that unfortunate turn of events, with words and readings by “Mr. Dickens.”

“Dickens in America” runs through Dec. 17. For tickets, contact the box office at 414-291-7800. For information, visit www.chamber-theatre.com.

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