Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194, elaine.brenchley@state.de.us; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, necia.beck@state.de.us. Photo available

 “Charles Dickens” coming to Dover

 DOVER (Nov. 30, 2011) – When Charles Dickens visited America in the 1840s and 1860s, his travels did not take him to Dover, Delaware. But this December, the First State Heritage Park will remedy that regretful oversight and bring Mr. Dickens to Dover at last.

 On Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., Mr. Dickens offers an unforgettable one-man retelling of his beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. The performance takes place in Rose Cottage, an 1860s building in the heart of Dover’s Victorian District. Refreshments will be served in a setting enhanced by Victorian-style seasonal decorations.

 Dickens is portrayed by Herbert “Joe” Plummer, who offers a Dickensian question and answer session after his performance. A retired actor and teacher, Joe Plummer has been performing Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol as a one-man show for more than 40 years, including an off-Broadway run in 2001.  Plummer presently lives in Lincoln with his wife, Terry.

 The program is not recommended for children under 12. Admission is $10 and seating is limited to the first 50 who reserve by calling 302-739-9194.

 The First State Heritage Park at Dover is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Vol. 41, No. 457