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A Tale Of Two Cities

Music & Lyrics by Jill Santoriello

Synopsis

Dr. Manette is released from the Bastille after 17 years of unjust imprisonment and journeys to England to live with his young daughter, Lucie, whom he has never known before.

On the voyage home, Lucie and Manette befriend a young French expatriate, Charles Darnay, who is arrested on mysterious treason charges upon his arrival in England.

At Darnay's trial, he is rescued by the efforts of a drunken but brilliant lawyer, Sydney Carton. Having saved Darnay's life, Carton finds the Frenchman his principal rival for Lucie Manette's affections. But it doesn't really matter, Carton has no faith in himself and never makes an effort.

Although Dr. Manette has misgivings about Darnay because of his aristocratic background, he gives his blessing and Darnay and Lucie are married. They have a little girl and live peacefully for a time with Carton a frequent visitor.

When the French Revolution breaks out, Darnay is lured back to France by Madame Defarge, a fanatic bent on the destruction of Darnay's aristocratic family. With Darnay sentenced to be executed, Carton again finds himself all that stands between Darnay and disaster.

Realizing that Madame Defarge will come after Lucie and her child next, Carton methodically makes plans to get them safely out of France. Then, under the pretense of visiting Darnay in his cell, he knocks him unconscious and changes places with him so that Darnay can return to his family.

Darnay is carried out and brought to join his family by an old acquaintance whom Carton is blackmailing. Secure in the knowledge that they are all safe, Carton goes to his death; redeeming his wasted life by sacrificing himself for their happiness.

Song List

Act I

The Shadows of the Night
It Won't Be Long
Up in the Garrett
Who Are You
You'll Never Be Alone
No Honest Way
The Trial
Reflection
Round and Round
I Can't Recall
Resurrection Man
All in My Mind
If Dreams Came True
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Little One
Until Tomorrow

Act II

Recalled To Life
The Tale
Without a Word
No One Else
The Bluff
Let Her Be a Child
Finale - I Can't Recall

Info

In 1996, the musical A Tale of Two Cities was chosen as a finalist in the First Annual International Musical Of The Year Competition in Denmark. The song "If Dreams Came True" was one of the four Best Song Finalists in that competition.

September 2000 - A Tale Of Two Cities was the first runner-up at the First Look Competition of the West Coast Theater Conference sponsored by Broadway on Sunset.

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