A fast-paced and loving satire of Dickensian literary conventions, this hilarious parody features four actors portraying 14 different characters and spoofing such familiar topics as Masterpiece Theatre, Nicholas Nickleby and the collected works of Charles Dickens. Familiar award-winning New Jersey actors Harry Patrick Christian, Rick Delaney, Jenelle Sosa, and Terri Sturtevant take on the multiple roles, physical comedy, silly accents, and quick-witted wordplay.
Set in Victorian England, this madcap adventure tells the story of young Penny Penniworth whose childhood love is driven out of town after nearly killing a wealthy businessman. Soon, Penny finds herself penniless, left alone to make her way through a convoluted maze of strange relationships, anonymous benefactors and ultimate justice. This cult-favorite satirical comedy also channels D.H. Lawrence, Jane Austen, Mel Brooks, Monty Python and Sid Caesar.
The New York Times hailed a previous production of Penny Penniworth saying, “Anyone ever tortured by a Charles Dickens novel will find lots and lots to laugh at in this parody.” NYTheater.com called the play “irresistible…with broad physical comedy and cheeky social satire.”
The Theater Project believes that a more thoughtful, inspired and creative community can be stimulated by its unique brand of professional, high-quality and theatrical programming. It is dedicated to the presentation of powerful and relevant productions that explore contemporary values and topic issues in an intimate and engaging setting.
Committed to strengthening the bond our professional artists have with our patrons and donors, The Theater Project provides our Central New Jersey community with a broad range of affordable programming—ranging from rarely-seen productions to educational offerings and programs supporting next-generation actors and playwrights to a safe developmental environment for the cultivation of new plays by authors of all ages -- in celebration of the special interactive relationship between artists and audiences only live theater can provide.
Until this summer, The Theater Project presented its productions and full programming for more than 16 years at the Roy Smith Theater at the Cranford campus of Union County College. The Theater Project plans to announce its new long-term home later this summer.
