17 November 2005 ... New York, NY ... Firebrand Theory Theater Company premieres THE DICKENS on December 1 at Altered Stages. This marks Firebrand's experiment with the Western genre, a period primarily known for its open lawlessness, where people were good, bad, and ugly, and where you could piss where you eat. The 2005 AUDELCO Award Nominated Firebrand Theory debuts THE DICKENS through December 17.

"We're two years old now as a company, and when you reach a milestone, you start to think about mortality. The Old West was an era where one's mortality was in question every day," says Jaime Robert Carrillo, director of THE DICKENS and Classical Theater of Harlem company member, "Yet people had to carry out their lives under chaos. What came out of that chaos is a dark sense of humor, and that's what we explore in THE DICKENS." Set against the backdrop of an unruly Nevada town in the 1880's, THE DICKENS is holiday play with dark humor.

THE DICKENS features a priest that wants to box with God, a pregnant whore, a greedy Undertaker who uses alcohol to increase his business, and a gambler who's both outlaw and Queen, among others. These bad apples gather in a saloon on Christmas Eve, sing, drink, curse, and fight their way into December 25, only to and find faith in their darkest hour. "What could be more natural in New York City in 2005 than staging an 1880's Western, that happens to be a comedy, that deals with the Christmas story, titled The Dickens," says Carrillo, "The word dickens not only refers to Charles Dickens, but is also used as an expression of severe reprimand, and even to signify the devil himself." THE DICKENS is written by Theatre for the New City literary manager, Michael Scott-Price.

The cast features: Brian Shaer, Rich Renner, Johanna Bon, Shaka Malik, Jorge Luis Casanova-Alvarez, Izzy Ruiz, and Jessica Pagan. The play is directed by Jaime Robert Carrillo, and written by Michael Scott-Price. The show includes Bill Pierce as set designer, Chris Manning as light designer, Kit Stolen as Costume Designer, and the sound design by Jaime Robert Carrillo. Firebrand Theory Theater Company has been called "always impassioned and always authentic" by the Irish Times. The company has produced in various cities throughout the U.S. and abroad, including: Dublin, Winnipeg, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia in addition to its New York City home seasons.

Opening Night is Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 p.m. The production schedule is December 1 - December 17 and the show times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at the Altered Stages, located at 212 W. 29th Street, 2nd Floor. Tickets are $20, with discounts for seniors and students. For reservations, call the box office at 212-868-4444 or visit http://www.smarttix.com