Clownshow is proud to present Blake Montgomery in his award-winning solo production Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs ‘A Christmas Carol’ Again, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. This newly revised production marks the first time it is directed by Jonathan Berry (Society of Directors and Choreographers, Steep Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company). Charles Dickens Begrudgingly… paints an intimate and slightly absurd portrait of the famous author. The audience favorite previews Thursday, December 4, opens Sunday, December 7 at 7pm, and runs through December 28.
Now over 200 years old, Charles Dickens finds himself once again booked to perform his overly familiar Christmas tale just as he has every December since 1853. Dickens, however, has other ideas. Perhaps he’ll get his wish of simply hosting a festive holiday party. Or, perhaps, the Spirits of Christmas might intervene to give him what he really needs: a chance to rediscover the beauty in his work — and the joy of sharing it with an audience — one more time.
“This show is constantly evolving. Each successive season has been an opportunity to further shape the material reflecting my experiences in performance and in life. This year that process is getting a big kick in the pants. I wanted to work with a director to focus on Dickens's journey, sharpen the humor, amplify the pathos, and deepen the relationship with the audience.” said star Blake Montgomery. “I am pleased to announce that Jonathan Berry, newly returned to Chicago, has agreed to step into this role as Director. I couldn’t be more excited. From text and dramaturgical expertise to a comfort working in a range of styles, from leading brilliant design teams to forging amazing acting ensembles, Jonathan brings so much to this process. I can’t wait to share what we discover.”
Charles Dickens Begrudgingly … originally charmed audiences during its Chicago debut at The Building Stage in December 2011. The 2012 Building Stage production won the Jeff Award for Solo Performance in the non-Equity wing. At the helm of a new production company, Clownshow, Blake Montgomery brought Dickens back to the stage in 2024 with performances at Chicago’s The Den Theatre. This year’s performances at Theater Wit will mark the show’s first production beyond the intimate blackbox setting of its inception, with a space that maintains the intimacy of previous years while allowing for a larger audience and better sight-lines.
Tickets may be purchased at www.theaterwit.org or by calling the Theater Wit Box Office at (773) 975-8150. Learn more about the show at DickensAgain.com. Charles Dickens Begrudgingly … is recommended for ages 15+. Running time is 95 minutes with no intermission.
ABOUT CLOWNSHOW (Producing Company)
Clownshow is a creative production company developing live theatrical events from concept to performance. Blake Montgomery is the Producing Artistic Director.
ABOUT BLAKE MONTGOMERY (Creator, Performer)
Blake Montgomery began his career in Chicago directing ensemble clown theater and performing with a variety of non-naturalistic Chicago theaters, most notably Redmoon with whom he collaborated for more than a decade. In 2005, Montgomery founded The Building Stage, a theater company and performance space, where he served as Artistic Director until its closing in 2013. The company was known for its ensemble-devised, director-driven creations, particularly in literary adaptations like their Jeff Award-winning Moby-Dick and the poetic, clown-inspired Dawn, Quixote. A member of Actor’s Equity, Montgomery’s performances in Chicago include work with The House Theatre, Hypocrites, Remy Bumppo, Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, and Writers Theatre. His artistic approach draws on his training at the École Jacques Lecoq, the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theater, and Middlebury College.
ABOUT JONATHAN BERRY (Director)
Jonathan Berry is an award-winning Chicago-based director and teacher. He has directed productions for Steppenwolf, The Goodman, The Roundabout (NY), Steep Theatre, Shattered Globe, Griffin, The Gift, Remy Bumppo, American Blues, Northlight, Jackalope and Strawdog — among others. He's served as Assistant Director for Anna D Shapiro’s Broadway productions of Of Mice and Men and This is Our Youth, and he directed the world premieres of playwright Andrew Hinderaker's Dirty, I am Going to Change the World, and Suicide Incorporated. He pursued his MFA in directing from Northwestern University and has taught at University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Act One Studios, and Columbia College. He served as Director and an instructor at the program, The School at Steppenwolf. Most recently, he served 3 years as the Artistic Director of the Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor, Maine.