It’s safe to say most audience members will know how A Tale of Two Cities ends before they enter the theater. Just in case you don’t, I won’t ruin it here.
But I can say this two-and-a-half hour show effectively brings the classic Charles Dickens novel to life.
What 'A Tale of Two Cities' is About
The “two cities” are London and Paris before and during the French Revolution and its bloody aftermath. This was the age of hungry peasants revolting, Europe aghast at the execution of the French royal family, and, finally, the revolution turning on itself. In the end, a seamstress who had done nothing more than sew for nobles is to be executed along with one of the nobles, who actually was a friend to the downtrodden.
As the musical paints this large canvas, in the details we find Lucie Manette (Brandi Burkhardt, in her Broadway debut) fleeing France with her father after he is released from a long, unjust imprisonment. She finds love with Charles Darnay (Aaron Lazar), a French aristocrat fleeing any connection with his cruel, tyrannical uncle. And there is Sydney Carton (James Barbour), a cynical, dissolute attorney, who also falls for Lucie.
And I haven’t touched on the French revolutionaries themselves or the many members of the serving class who provide comedy and integrity in equal measure.
Again, if you don’t know the ending, I won’t spoil it, but I will say it involves heroism, redemption, a guillotine, and a very famous line.
What You’ll Like About 'A Tale of Two Cities'
Two words: James Barbour.
The character of Sydney Carton gives Barbour plenty to work with, and Jill Santoriello, who wrote the book, music and lyrics (her first effort in all three areas), provides showcase moments for him that are alternately humorous, dramatic, and poignant.
The show is surprisingly funny all they way through. I say surprisingly because there’s little humor in oppression, murder, and revenge. And while these are the bones of the plot, redemption is at the heart of A Tale of Two Cities.
Heading this production is a mostly new crew to Broadway, author, director, producer, but the rest of the creative team boasts award-winning pedigrees. Tony Walton is a Tony-winning scenic designer, and you’ll appreciate watching his spider-webbing, steel contraptions morph from drawing room to prison to docket and more.
Santoriello turns some lovely musical phrases, and odds are you’ll leave the theater humming.
Things to Consider
Comparisons to Les Miserables are bound to crop up. France. Nobles vs. Peasants. Injustice. Redemption. But this show derives from a very different book, and it passes through very different places to get to an ending that’s worth the price of admission.
I like to listen to conversations around me before and after shows. And one of the most commonly expressed sentiments I heard was, “I liked this better than I thought I would.”
Do be aware the show tells of a violent time. There is death by gunfire. Death by knifing. Death by being run over. Death by guillotine. Death by . . . well, you get the idea.
Who Put This Show on and Stars in It?
A Tale of Two Cities features James Barbour, Craig Bennett, Brandi Burkhardt, Kevin Earley, Gregg Edelman, Michael Hayward-Jones, Miles Kath, Aaron Lazar, Katherine McGrath, Les Minski, Catherine Missal, Natalie Toro, and Nick Wyman.
Executive producers are Barbara Russell and Ron Sharpe. The show was directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle; with scenic design by Tony Walton; costumes, David Zinn; lighting direction, Richard Pilbrow; sound design, Carl Casella and Dominic Sack; hair design, Tom Watson; special effects, Gregory Meeh; orchestrations and arrangements, Edward B. Kessel; additional arrangements, Bob Krogstad, Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, and Kevin Stites; casting, Barry Moss and Bob Kale; marketing, Sharon A. Fordham; promotion, Margery Singer Company; production supervision, Christopher C. Smith; musical coordination, James Neglia; fight direction, Michael Rossmy; press, The Jacksina Company; stage management, Kim Vernace; associate choreographer, Parker Esse; general management, Town Square Productions; and musical supervision and direction, Kevin Stites.
A Tale of Two Cities is closed and was at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street, between 8th and 9th avenues.
Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission)