Jill Santoriello’s adaptation of “A Tale of Two Cities,” as presented by Ogden Musical Theatre, will run at the historic movie palace and cultural center from Thursday to March 1. Directed by Maddie Tarbox, with musical direction by Jake Heywood, the production will also feature the orchestral sounds of Chamber Orchestra Ogden, as directed by Michael Palumbo.

Thirty-six actors and vocalists will join the orchestra for a series of “in concert” performances.

“An ‘in concert’ performance allows the music and vocals to take center stage. It’s a moving experience for the audience,” said Kassi Bybee, executive producer of Ogden Musical Theatre. “We’re thrilled to bring this beautiful story to life in such a powerful way. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.”

Meanwhile, Tarbox believes that this retelling of a story first released as a novel in 1859 gains new relevance when examined from a modern-day perspective.

“Our main character, Sydney Carton, is not a flawed soul in need of saving; he is a man deeply wounded, burdened by depression, contending with very real mental health challenges,” Tarbox noted of the production. “In 2025, our evolved understanding of mental health illuminates that these struggles do not mark him as evil — they mark him as profoundly human. I contend that at its core, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ might be more powerfully viewed through the lens of ‘humanity,’ and not just the humanity of Sydney, but the juxtaposed humanity represented in these two cities.

“In ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ we bear witness to the divergent outcomes of two governmental systems and their effect on our humanity: one that allows for the growth and upward mobility of a middle class as well as representation of its people, and one that privileges the wealth of the top 1% and silences the voices of the commoners. These two systems lead to societies whose basic human needs were either met in some capacity or blatantly ignored. When society fails to satisfy its most basic needs, our humanity has an increased potential for the scarcity, violence, obsession and vengeance represented in Madame DeFarge. Conversely, when our fundamental needs are met, we unlock the capacity for compassion, purpose, growth and the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice as seen through the journey of Sydney Carton.”

Tickets for “A Tale of Two Cities: In Concert” are available now and can be purchased at Peery’s Egyptian Theater’s Box Office, online at https://www.ogdenpet.com/ or by calling 801-689-8700.