Third Annual New England Dickens Fest Celebrates All Things Dickens at The Park Theatre

Saluting the genius of one of the greatest writers of all time who has also been called Mr. Christmas: Charles Dickens -- is what is taking place at the Park Theatre during the month of December at the third annual New England Dickens Fest. With three weeks of concerts, a Dickens author chat, multiple Dickens film screenings, a new play about Charles Dickens' life, as well as special events including: A Dickens High Tea, A Reading from the Big Chair, the Kazoo Caroling Choir and Project Shakespeare's annual production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," there is something for everyone. According to publicity materials, opening ceremonies take place on Friday, Dec. 5 and after the candlelight reading of the festival's proclamation, the evening's cornerstone is the return of The Heather Pierson Trio with a performance of the acclaimed Vince Guaraldi jazz soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Other December music events include The New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra with "A Swingin' Yuletide" big band concert set for Saturday, Dec. 20. Numerous live events this year include the world premiere of a new play written by The Park's CEO Steve Jackson, "Dickens' America" starring Adam Sowers of Keene who is a member of Peterborough Players and is also the Park Theatre's lead lighting person. The play will be directed by professional actor and former Peterborough Players member Lisa Bostnar on Dec. 13. In a recent phone call with The Keene Sentinel, Jackson says his inspiration for writing this play came from a book. "I've always been intrigued by a little known book called "American Notes for General Circulation" by Charles Dickens. It was basically a diary of his two trips to America in 1842." Jackson continues, "In 1842 Dickens was a young, accomplished writer. He was an incredible observer of humanity; of the highs and lows and of class. People were looking at America as the new hope of what a democratic society can be. So, he was addressing an audience. It starts in Boston and most of it takes place in New England." Jackson took Dickens' words and adapted them into a one-man, one-hour play which will be premiered on Dec. 13. "He (Dickens) wanted to see hospitals, prisons and insane asylums. He saw 10-year-old children working at mills, which were very dangerous places for young children. He said this country is not all the glory that he was expecting," Jackson adds. Dickens author Eric Stanway will give a talk on the connection between Brattleboro, Vt. to Dickens' famous novel, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" on Dec. 6. "There was a mentalist at the time when the book was written in Brattleboro, Vt. who 'mentally gave the story' to Dickens; which is quite interesting," Jackson adds. Humorists Fred Marple (Ken Sheldon) and Rebecca Rule (NHPBS) will present "A Yankee Christmas" with stories, comedy and song on Dec. 12. Project Shakespeare brings their annual production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to the theatre on Sunday, December 21st. Movie screenings include: "Great Expectations" (1946), "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (1935), "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992), "David Copperfield" (1935) and "Scrooge" (1935). The Park will also present their annual screening of "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) on Dec. 7. The acclaimed holiday film starring Jimmy Stewart is based on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Finally, Santa Claus returns to The Park Theatre for pictures with the children at the annual Santa's Party on Dec. 14. A free screening of the original "Home Alone" (1990) will be part of the holiday festivities that are sponsored each year by the Given Family. When asked what he's most excited about this year, Jackson replies, "I'm excited about the addition of Dickens Fest lead sponsor: Viking Voyages and the 8-day European river boat cruise for two they donated to us for our fundraising raffle." IF YOU GO: WHAT: Third annual New England Charles Dickens Fest WHERE: The Park Theatre, 19 Main St., Jaffrey, New Hampshire WHEN: During the month of December – from Dec. 5 through 21, 2025 MORE INFO: For tickets, details and the full schedule visit www.dickensfest.org or call the Box Office at 603-532-8888. RAFFLE INFO: Viking is giving an 8-day European river cruise for two (winner selects from six different voyages) Raffle tickets are $25 each (5 for $100) and will go on sale starting Wednesday, Nov. 12. They can be purchased online at parkraffle.com, at the theatre's box office, in the lobby and at selected retail locations. The winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. in the theatre lobby. Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win. Must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen to enter. For more information and to buy raffle tickets, visit www.parkraffle.com.