"Special Relationship" Comes to the Stage

The "special relationship" between England and the United States is presented through the larger-than-life characters of Mark Twain and Charles Dickens in the theatrical presentation Dickens and Twain: Crossing the Pond.  The speeches and writings of Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, two of the 19^th century’s most illustrious personalities, served as the basis for playwright Todd Wronski as he compiled and edited this new play.  Dickens and Twain is currently available for performances during the Summer of 2008.

“Dickens and Twain” historically and humorously provides an entertaining glimpse of the two authors, their views on British and American cultures, and their experiences giving reading and lecture tours in England and America.  Tony Frost, who trained at the University of Birmingham and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, directs the production.  He is currently senior lecturer in Drama at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.  Veteran actor Todd Wronski, who received praise from The Stage for his “nicely judged comic touches,”  will return to the stage in the role of Twain.  He is joined by British actor Tom Watson in the role of Dickens in this 90 minute production.

Along with their witty humor, Dickens and Twain are unique figures because of the great degree to which they reflect and embody the 19^th century British and American cultures.  Whether discussing traveling by sea or the idiosyncrasies of the English language, Twain and Dickens provide engaging commentary on the two cultures.  Audiences will be sure to relate and discover that many of these ideas and aspects of the cultures remain apparent today.