Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues its 2021–2022 season with the World Premiere of Mr. Dickens’ Hat, A Play with Music written by Michael Hollinger, directed by David Catlin, with music direction by Chuck Larkin. Mr. Dickens’ Hat runs November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. The press opening is Friday, December 3, 2021 at 8pm.
In a cozy Victorian shop sits the hat of Charles Dickens, who once used it to carry water to the victims of a train wreck (that’s true!). When a pair of bumbling thieves plots to steal it (that’s imaginary!), young Kit sets out to foil their plan, save the hat, and free her father from debtors’ prison. This warm winter’s tale is bursting with lovable characters and loads of good cheer.
The cast includes: Cordelia Dewdney (Kit), Christine Bunuan (Lady Plume/Witslow), Ruchir Khazanchi (Ned, Countess, Styfflip, Mum), Kasey Foster (Mrs. Prattle, Locksmith, Mother, Piggot), Mark David Kaplan (Mr. Garbleton, Gnat, Old Engineer, Polly), and Nick Sandys (Father, Fleece).
The creative team includes David Catlin (director), Chuck Larkin (music director), William Boles (set designer), Sully Ratke (costume designer), Jason Lynch (lighting design), Andrei Borges (assistant lighting designer), Andre Pluess (sound designer), Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (props designer). The stage manager is Katie Klemme and the assistant stage manager is Helen Lattyak.
Northlight’s production of Mr. Dickens’ Hat is sponsored in part by The Edgerton Foundation, The Stone Family Fund, and Nan Greenough.
FACT SHEET: The World Premiere of Mr. Dickens’ Hat, A Play with Music
Title: Mr. Dickens’ Hat
Written by: Michael Hollinger
Directed by: David Catlin
Music Direction by: Chuck Larkin
Dates:
- Previews: November 26 – December 2, 2021
- Press Opening: Friday, December 3, 2021 at 8pm
- Regular Run: December 4, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Schedule:
- Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except Dec 28);
- Wednesdays: 1:00pm; and 7:30pm;
- Thursdays: 7:30pm
- Fridays: 8:00pm; and 2:30pm (Dec 24 only)
- Saturdays: 2:30pm (except Nov 27, Dec 25 and Jan 1); and 8:00pm (except Dec 25)
- Sundays: 2:30pm; and 7:00pm (Nov 28 and Dec 26 only)
An additional matinee performance will be held on Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 at 2:30pm.
No performances on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021.
An Open Caption and Audio Described performance will be held on December 18 at 2:30pm.
A Relaxed Performance, designed to better support neuro-diverse individuals and/or those with sensory sensitivity, will be held on December 14 at 7:30pm. The following are adjustments made during relaxed performances: Lower sound level; House lights will remain on at all times at a low level; Designated quiet area for patrons who need to step away from the performance; and Patrons are free to walk around and talk during the performance.
Location: Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
Tickets: Previews: $30-$61
Regular run: $30-$89
Student tickets are $15, any performance (subject to availability). Recommended for ages 8+
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.
847.673.6300; northlight.org
Subscriptions to the 2021-2122 Northlight Season are available at northlight.org/subscribe or 847.673.6300
Subscriptions range in price from $117-$275. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland. Package options include traditional 5-Play Packages and Flex Packages. Subscriptions are available at northlight.org/subscribe or 847.673.6300.
For the safety of audiences and artists, masks and proof of vaccination or negative test are required. Up-to-date policies and details can be found at northlight.org/health-safety.
Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.
Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 220 productions, including more than 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 208 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as ten Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.
The 2021-2022 Season is supported in part by BMO Harris Bank and season lighting sponsor ComEd, An Exelon Company.
Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Bulley and Andrews; Byline Bank; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; CoBank; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Eckenhoff Saunders; Evanston Arts Council; Evanston Community Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; The Gross Foundation; Gruman Butkus Associates; John R. Halligan Fund; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Illinois Humanities; Katten Muchin Roseman LLP; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; NorthShore University HealthSystems; Northwestern University; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; PNC Bank; Polsinelli; Ralla Klepak Trust for the Performing Arts; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; The Saints Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.