Charles Dickens' Bleak House

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Genre:
Adaptation
Runtime:
0 - 150 mins
Cast:
7 male(s), 6 female(s), gender-flexible
Synopsis:
Orphaned Esther Summerson is ordered under guardianship by the corrupt Court of Chancery to live with moody benefactor John Jarndyce, whose fortune is tied up in a 100-year-old lawsuit by Chancery. Jaryndyce is also guardian to two other wards of the Court, cousins Richard and Ada. Esther's search for her parents leads her to aristocratic Lady Dedlock, whose own secret threatens her marriage and livelihood. Esther learns the truth of her identity but at great personal cost to herself and her friends. In the end, as the infamous Jarndyce lawsuit is finally resolved, and through the help of her extended family, Esther finds true love.
Notes:
This is the first stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel and received its world premiere in 2001 at the Write Act Repertory Company in Hollywood. The play is specifically written for all of the actors, excluding the actress who plays Esther Summerson, to portray two or more roles. The production was a critical and financial success, selling out for most of its extended twelve-week run.
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