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Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”: A Reading

Monday, December 09, 2024

ABOUT THE EVENT

Published in December 1843, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was an instant bestseller, followed by countless print, stage and screen productions. Victorians called it “a new gospel,” and reading or watching it became a sacred ritual for many, without which the Christmas season cannot begin. Dickens’ performances of his works date to the early 1850s, when he was already quite successful, and continued up until the final months of his life in 1870. He toured England, Ireland, and Scotland, played in Paris, and even brought the show to the States to great acclaim, making the story an American tradition from then on. His last American performance was in New York City, at Steinway Hall, in 1868. Dickens acted in the theater throughout much of his life, even into his career as a prominent writer, and brought that training and experience to his readings. He’d appear on stage illuminated by gas lamps and would stand at a reading desk he had specially made for his appearances. Though he had the book for reference, it was also said he memorized the work as if acting in the theater.

Ken hopes to transport you back to the 19th century as he shares the Christmas ghost story of Charles Dickens. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/a-christmas-carol or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.

610-933-3013 x132

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EVENT ADDRESS

Phoenixville Public Library presents “Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Reading” with Kenneth Serfass on Monday, December 9 at 6:00 PM. A Christmas Carol is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a shrewd miser visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come in an attempt to redeem his selfish life. In this one-man show, Ken Serfass will bring Dickens’ story to life as a Victorian gentleman sharing the tale and giving voice to the spirits and characters of Dickens’ work of art.

Published in December 1843, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was an instant bestseller, followed by countless print, stage and screen productions. Victorians called it “a new gospel,” and reading or watching it became a sacred ritual for many, without which the Christmas season cannot begin. Dickens’ performances of his works date to the early 1850s, when he was already quite successful, and continued up until the final months of his life in 1870. He toured England, Ireland, and Scotland, played in Paris, and even brought the show to the States to great acclaim, making the story an American tradition from then on. His last American performance was in New York City, at Steinway Hall, in 1868. Dickens acted in the theater throughout much of his life, even into his career as a prominent writer, and brought that training and experience to his readings. He’d appear on stage illuminated by gas lamps and would stand at a reading desk he had specially made for his appearances. Though he had the book for reference, it was also said he memorized the work as if acting in the theater.

Ken hopes to transport you back to the 19th century as he shares the Christmas ghost story of Charles Dickens. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/a-christmas-carol or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA.

phone: 610-933-3013 x132

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