John Jakes has been publishing stories since he was a college student in the 1950s. He began writing professionally during his freshman year at Northwestern University where he was studying acting, but gave up the stage after he sold his first story for $25.

He got his start in the pulp magazine world and then became an active player in the popularization of sword and sorcery. While his work was successful, Jakes’ biggest break came years later in the 1970s, once he transitioned into writing historical fiction and left his advertising job.

The popularity of the “Kent Family Chronicles” — an eight-book saga meant to celebrate America’s Bicentennial — was matched by a second family drama, the “North and South” trilogy. Both series sold millions of copies around the world, were shoo-ins for the New York Times bestseller list, and cemented Jakes’ literary fame.  

With more than 50 million books in print, Jakes has authored sixteen consecutive bestselling novels. He has been called “the godfather of the historical novel,” and the New York Times Book Review noted, “he is quite simply, a master of the ancient art of storytelling.”

In addition to his prolific career as an author, he has adapted two Charles Dickens novels for the stage, “A Christmas Carol” and “Great Expectations”.

Northumberland Players Youth Theatre is thrilled to present the adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall in December, 2019. There will be three school performances Dec 4 – 6, and two public performances at 11am and 3pm on December 7. School group rates are available by calling 905-372-2210, and tickets for the public performances can be purchased online.