To Begin With
The Inspiration: A simple narrative by a great writer, written not for publication, but for his own children. Few even know of this unusual book by Charles Dickens: a retelling of the Gospels, titled at publication (64 years after his death) as The Life of Our Lord.
The Question: Why did he write it? And why did he ask that it not be published?
The Play: Renowned playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s gorgeous script explores what may have motivated him, including his testy relationship with the pre-adolescent poet-to-be, Algernon Charles Swinburne. The one-man show is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a great writer through a wonderfully entertaining story.
The Response:
“…a marvelously textured performance…an inspired collaboration.”
–Lisa Brock, Special to the Minneapolis Star Tribune
–Arthur Dorman, www.TalkinBroadway.com
The Film: Development has begun on the expansion of the stage play into a full-length, multi-character feature film, much of it to be filmed on location in the U.K. It is expected to be released in the holiday season of 2020.
For news and updates on our productions: