Dickensblog

Falling in love with 'A Christmas Carol'

In a heartfelt column, Chicago Tribune reporter Darcel Rockett describes how, after years of feeling put off by A Christmas Carol, she was won over by the Goodman Theatre production and now finds it "a much-needed balm to a chapped soul."

TCM alert

In yet more Oliver! news, the film is airing today at 12 p.m. Eastern. 

More 'Oliver Twist' news

The new video game Antihero, set in Victorian England, is "inspired by Oliver Twist." Player.One has a review!

'Oliver!' news

Danny Strong (The Butler, Game Change) has signed on to script the Oliver! remake, according to Deadline. It's also mentioned that the remake will be a Disney project and that Marc Platt (La La Land) will co-produce with Ice Cube, who's playing Fagin, and Jeff Kwatinetz.

In other Oliver! news, Shani Wallis, who played Nancy in the original remake, was interviewed recently about the film's upcoming 50th anniversary and her memories of making it.

McKnight on Dickens

Boston University paper BU Today has a nice profile of Natalie McKnight, dean of the College of General Studies, focusing on her love of Dickens. She told them, "I get to spend my life with somebody who still to this day makes me laugh and cry, sometimes within two pages." Click the link above for more great quotes and a look at some of her Dickensian treasures!

Another look at a little-seen Dickens musical

Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, creators of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, also wrote a musical based on The Old Curiosity Shop, titled A Pound in Your Pocket. The musical never played New York, but now it's getting a one-night-only concert performance there at Feinstein's/54 Below on January 24. Go here and here for details!

TCM alert

Happy New Year! David Copperfield (1935) will air on TCM at 2:45 a.m. Eastern tomorrow (Tuesday). 

CORRECTION: I should have said 2:45 Wednesday morning. Apologies!