Theatre Department presented 

A Tale of Two Cities November 18-20, 2022 

By Tammy Rosenfeldt, CHCA 

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP, OH (November 28, 2022) – Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s Theatre Department presented A Tale of Two Cities November 18-20, 2022 at CHCA’s Lindner Theater. 

Director Susan Jung, Technical Director Jim Jung, and Student Stage Manager Bella Brink led the talented cast, featuring 29 students ranging from Grades 9-12, in this powerful story adapted from the Charles Dickens classic.

Set in France and England at the time of the French Revolution, the play uses four narrators, along with an ensemble of performers, to cover all the main points of the story. Remember London banker Jarvis Lorry returning Lucie Manette to her father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, who is finally released after eighteen years of imprisonment in the Bastille? All shared in their subsequent life in London and witnessed the breath-taking trial of Charles Darnay, the French aristocrat accused of treason. But due to Darnay’s resemblance to Sydney Carton, an English lawyer’s clerk, he is dramatically acquitted. The audience was a part of the deep feelings brought out in Darnay’s and Carton’s love for Lucie…with Darnay winning her over. Other events were also brought to life in this dramatic portrayal:  the outbreak of the French Revolution, Madame and Ernest Defargee’s connection to Dr. Manette, Darnay’s return to France on an errand of mercy, and Carton’s final sacrifice for the love of Lucie.

Scene from CHCA’s production of Tale of Two Cities (Photo by Dan Ledbetter)

For the audience who may not have been familiar with the story, the four Narrators did a fantastic job explaining the background and setting throughout the entire show. Juniors Marlana Doepke and Joanna Williams and sophomores Kate McKinley-Brewer and Kelsey Espenshade so clearly and eloquently spoke with passion. Senior Jake O’Dea was phenomenal portraying both Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton. He effortlessly moved between the character of the noble Frenchman to the quick-minded English barrister. The way O’Dea carried himself, his mannerisms, and vocal inflections, he led the audience to feel like they were truly watching two different people.

Playing the ideal Lucie Manette was junior Scout Richards, whose portrayal was beautiful as the story’s heroine. Senior Tyle Gage was endearing as her father, Alexandre Manette, who goes from a weak man just out of prison to a strong character who stands up for justice. Governess Miss Pross was played by junior Lainey Zurcher, who did a wonderful job as protector of the entire Manette family and England. Junior Tobi Aina was fantastic and distinguished as bank manager Jarvis Lorry.

Reflecting the time period, the cast portrayed the French Revolution with passion. Notable were juniors Brian McRedmond and Rebecca Biggerstaff, who played the roles of Ernest and Madame DeFarge. McRedmond played the part well – balancing anger with compassion, while Biggerstaff commanded the stage as the extreme and bloodthirsty antagonist. Junior Brian Jung portrayed the role of the shifty John Barsad with excellence, and the talented junior Lania Skinner was chilling as Vengeance.

Director Susan Jung shared her  thoughts in the playbill: (Editor’s note: This preceded the performances which took place prior to publication of this review)

This story has a lot of references to the greatest story ever told. Love is sacrificial. If someone loves someone else, they are willing to do anything for them, even if it means giving up themselves and even if that love is not returned right away or ever. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Not just for those who said they would love Him back, and not with stipulations or hope of anything in return. And because of His sacrifice, we are transformed.

I am so proud of our students for telling this beautiful story in their own way and doing the hard work to make it possible. My hope is that as you watch this show and get swept up in this complex but important and relevant story, you think about the sacrifices that have been made for you, especially by the One who loves you the most.

“The student performers did an amazing job portraying the characters’ personalities and emotion in the very complex story,” said Mona Summers,CHCA Fine Arts Director . “Congratulations to all involved who made it possible – Directors, Cast, Student Production Team, and Volunteers.”

The show was one of seven theatrical productions at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy this year.

Mark your calendars now to see these remaining CHCA productions: 

  • The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition (January 13th-15th)
  • The Music Man (March 10th-12th)
  • Academy Night Live (April 21-22)
  • The One Act (May 10th).

To learn more about Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, visit chca-oh.org.