Printing Museum Goes To Dickens

By Lyn Jensen, Reporter

Experience Victorian England as Charles Dickens portrayed it, Dec. 12 and 13 at the Printing Museum in Carson.

You’ll be able to celebrate the holidays with Dickens and some of his most unforgettable characters as part of the museum’s very popular Dickens Holiday Celebration. Victorian costume is encouraged.

“We turn out the florescent lights and bring in 19th-century lampposts,” said Phil Soinski, the museum’s manager, who started the event seven or eight years ago. “People get to use Victorian presses to make unique cards and gift tags,” using Victorian materials, he added. Meet various Dickens characters as the museum’s gallery is transformed into Fezziwig’s Warehouse from A Christmas Carol, with special presentations, tours, carolers and music. Fagen of Oliver Twist may pick your pocket, or Miss Havisham of Great Expectations may come around wearing her tattered wedding dress and complaining about being stood up at the altar.Three times each day Dickens will entertain guests in the museum’s Heritage Theater. He’ll retell his most famous story, A Christmas Carol, during which he’ll play Scrooge. Be prepared to get in touch with your inner actor, because Dickens will be asking audience members to play several characters.

Soinski said that after the performance guests often retire to the tea garden for lunch. Captain Jack will play his 1895 concert roller organ, cranking out carols on scrolls that actually date from Dickens’ time.

“We didn’t even ask people to do it, but people started coming in costume,” Soinski said, adding that the costumes tend to be authentic, not so much steampunk. Men, in particular, can get a Victorian look simply by putting on an ascot vest, and top hat.

Make reservations early, as a sellout is expected. Tickets are $20 each. (There are special prices for groups and the museum’s friends and donors.) You may purchase your tickets on the museum’s website or by calling (310) 515-7166.
Hours both days are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  An“interactive” performance of “A Christmas Carol” takes place at 11 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m.

Venue: Print Museum, 315  W. Torrance Blvd., Carson