Hartt School's 'NICHOLAS NICKLEBY' Opens Tonight

Appropriate for its 18th year of existence, The Hartt School's Theatre Division has taken on a bold, boundary-pushing production incorporating talents from across disciplines and throughout the University of Hartford community. Opening tonight, November 3rd, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is a Tony Award-winning play in two parts, presented over the course of six days, requiring three directors, many guest appearances, countless intricate costumes, and one towering set.

"It is an ambitious production," said Hartt Theatre Division Director Alan Rust. "Nicholas Nicklebyis considered one of the finest and most entertaining works of 19th century literature, and we've been working throughout the year to bring this fantastic show to life here at Hartt. It's an occasion to celebrate and support the 50th anniversary of our Fuller Music Center and to highlight the diverse, world-class performers across the University."

Nickleby features Hartt Theatre Division's third- and fourth-year Actor Training students, faculty, and special appearances by members of the wider University of Hartford community, includingUniversity President Walter Harrison. The role of Nicholas Nickleby will be performed by seniorStephen Mir, who has had two extraordinary seasons with the UHart-managed Monomoy Theaterin Cape Cod and significant roles at regional theaters, including Hartford Stage and Ivoryton Playhouse.

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel, an ironic and satirical examination of period British social and political life through the experiences of a boy forced to support his family following the death of his father. First presented at London's Aldwych Theater, the original adaptation ran 8 ½ hours, divided over two evenings. The play debuted on Broadway in 1981 and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1982. The prolific actor Roger Rees, who passed away in July of this year, played the role of Nicholas Nickleby in both the original London and Broadway productions.

Hartt's version of Nickleby is slightly reduced in length, each part spanning 2 ½ hours. Directing the grand production are Theatre Division faculty members Robert H. Davis, Annemarie Davis, andDivision Director Alan Rust, all of who also appear on stage. Truly a college-wide collaborative effort, original music for the show is composed and performed by Hartt Composition and Instrumental Studies students, and Hartt Dance Division Director Stephen Pier makes a special guest appearance.

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

November 3 - 8, 2015

Part 1: Tuesday, and Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.

Part 2: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7:30 p.m.

Millard Auditorium, University of Hartford Campus

200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford

Admission:

Dickens' England Evening Package, $70

Saturday or Sunday: Enjoy parts I and II with a

traditional Dickensian English dinner between shows,

hosted at UHart's 1877 Club.

Full Show Subscription, $35

Parts I and II, choose any two days

Single Show Tickets, $20

Discounts available for seniors, students, University of Hartford faculty and staff, and groups.

Purchase tickets by visiting hartford.edu/tickets or call 860.768.4228.

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