Act 1 Presents “Mr. Dickens’ Hat” for the Holidays

From left: Carter Sachse as Fleece, Relena Kiser as Mr. Dickens, and Madison Howe as Kit in DeSales University’s Act 1 production of Mr. Dickens' Hat. Photo by Joseph Tangradi.

Act 1 DeSales University Theatre is pleased to announce the premiere of “Mr. Dickens’ Hat: A Play with Music” as the holiday production of its 55th season on the Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.

The play with original music opens on Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs until Sunday, Nov. 24, and then Tuesday, Dec. 3, until Sunday, Dec. 8.

Written and composed by Philadelphia-area playwright Michael Hollinger, the play is set in Victorian London on the shortest day and the longest night of the year—the Winter Solstice, Dec. 21. It is the tale of Kit who works in a hat shop eager to earn enough money to release her father from debtors' prison. The shop proudly displays the hat of the famous author. When two thieves attempt to steal the hat from the shop, it is up to Kit to foil their plans. 

“The Chicago Theatre Review” called the work “an extraordinary comic drama…there are also some beautiful original carols, written by Hollinger, that help create that Victorian feeling…It’s a wonderfully inventive piece of theatre…and destined to become another holiday classic.”

Hollinger will attend both talk back performances on Saturday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 3, as well as the post show event, “Kit’s Cookies and Carol-oke,” on Friday, Dec. 6.

Directing the production is K. O’Rourke, assistant professor of theatre and a bicoastal actor, movement director, and educator. She is a member of the 9th cohort of trauma-informed teaching artists through Bartol Foundation. She has collaborated with many regional and international theatre companies as an actor, director, intimacy director, and choreographer, including Bristol Riverside Theater, Teatro Delle Due, Moon Puppet Theater, Kalinari Dance Theater, Lantern Theater, and People’s Light.

“We are fortunate to be working with Hollinger in the room and to have him available for dramaturgical contributions, clarity, and an overall supportive energy. Working with a living playwright is rare. This show promises to be a poignant, lighthearted, life-affirming holiday show for the entire family to enjoy.” -K. O’Rourke, assistant professor of theatre 

Philadelphia-based scenic designer Meghan Jones created the Victorian setting, and Amy Best, associate professor of theatre and costume designer, created the costumes. Eric T. Haugen, head of design, serves as lighting designer, and Jonathan Cannon is the sound designer. Nathan Diehl is the musical director.

“Mr. Dickens’ Hat” opens on Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 24 and then Tuesday, Dec. 3, through Sunday, Dec. 8. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 9:45 a.m. 

Ticket prices are $23 for adults and $21 for students and seniors Tuesday through Friday and $27 for adults and $25 for students and seniors Saturday and Sunday. As mentioned, there are two talk back performances with the cast and the playwright on Sunday, Nov. 24, immediately following the matinee performance and Tuesday, Dec. 3, following the 9:45 a.m. performance.

Students who attend DeSales or another Lehigh Valley college or university can purchase tickets for $8. Group discounts are available for all performances. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Labuda Center Box Office at 610-282-3192 or by visiting the website at tickets.desales.edu.

To improve accessibility for all patrons, the Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. performance will feature Open Captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and Audio Descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. During Open Captioned performances, all dialogue and sound effects are presented in real-time on an LED screen that is adjacent to the stage. During Audio Described performances, all action and physical appearances are described live through a headset. Tickets are half price for patrons using these special services on this date. Please call Box Office Manager Eric Pierson at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for more information.

The Labuda Center is accessible and equipped with a listening enhancement system. Special seating is available for our patrons using wheelchairs or requiring other assistance. Please inform the box office of your needs when ordering tickets.