2025 Dickens America - A Staged Reading

 

 

The Park Theatre in historic Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is proud to announce the debut staged reading of Dickens’ America, an original one-man play written by the theatre’s own Chief Executive Officer, Steve Jackson. The special one-night-only event will take place on the Eppes Stage at The Park Theatre on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. It is part of the New England Dickens Fest from December 5 - 21.

 

Performed by acclaimed actor Adam Sowers in the role of Charles Dickens and directed by Lisa Bostnar, Dickens’ America brings to life the celebrated author’s 1842 tour of the young United States. Through Dickens’ sharp wit and keen observations, the play explores the promise and contradictions of a nation still finding its identity—themes that resonate as powerfully today as they did nearly two centuries ago. Mr. Jackson adapted the play from Dickens travelogue book of his 1842 trip called, American Notes for General Circulation. The play takes the audience on Dickens trip that starts in Boston, and travels through New England and the mid-Atlantic.

 

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at theparktheatre.org/dickens-america, by phone at (603) 532-8888, or in person at the box office.

 

“This play has been a passion project for years,” said Steve Jackson, author and CEO of The Park Theatre. “Bringing Charles Dickens’ own words and experiences to the stage—performed by the extraordinary Adam Sowers and shaped by Lisa Bostnar’s brilliant direction—is a dream come true for our theatre and our community.”

 

Dickens’ America is part of The Park Theatre’s New England Dickens Fest that runs from December 5th until the 21st. It is sponsored by Viking Voyages. 

 

The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston and 30 minutes from Worcester, MA. The facility is fully accessible and has a bar lounge.

 

Adam Sowers is a versatile theatre artist known primarily as an actor, with credits spanning Off-Broadway (Donogoo, Mint Theater) and regional stages including Bristol Riverside Theatre (The 39 Steps), Peterborough Players (Grand Horizons, The Producers, Mass Appeal), and many others. A Texas native and University of Houston graduate, he trained in acting, directing, and Shakespeare studies. Adam spent eight seasons as Master Electrician and lighting designer for the Peterborough Players (designs include Fully Committed, Rose, and The Dork Knight) and previously performed improv with the award-winning Houston/Chicago troupe, Glaundor. Mr. Sowers currently is part of The Park Theatre’s staff handling tech for live shows and films.

 

Lisa Bostnar is an award-winning actress of the stage, screen and television as well as voice-overs. Lisa has played at the Mint Theatre, Peterborough Players and Capital Rep among many professional theaters in New York City and across America. She has guest starred on the tv shows Law & Order, Blindspot, Blacklist & Pan Am. Lisa is in Oscar-winner Ernest Thompson's (On Golden Pond) new short film, The Constituent, which stars Mr. Thompson and Emmy winner, Gordon Clapp (NYPD Blue). Lisa just completed co-starring in a new independent film, Pointing Fingers, the story of 2 non-speaking autistic lovers who are accused of murder. LisaBostnar.com

 

Steve has been the CEO and Managing Director of The Park Theatre performing arts center in Jaffrey, NH for the past 10 years. For over 25 years, he worked at the DDB advertising Agency in Chicago and New York. He managed the Anheuser-Busch account (Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra) globally for the agency. He also wrote and produced commercials with his own marketing consultancy, Pell Partners.