Act 1 DeSales University Theatre will present the Lehigh Valley premiere of “Mr. Dickens’ Hat: A Play with Music,” Nov. 21 to Dec. 8, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.

Written and composed by Philadelphia playwright Michael Hollinger, the play is set in Victorian London on the shortest day and the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice. It tells the story of Kit, who works in a hat shop and is eager to earn enough money to release her father from debtors’ prison.

The hat shop proudly displays the hat of Charles Dickens, the famous author. When two thieves attempt to steal the hat from the shop, it is up to Kit to foil their plans.

Hollinger will attend talk-back performances Nov. 24, and Dec. 3, and the post-show event, “Kit’s Cookies and Carol-oke,” Dec. 6.

Directing the production is K O’Rourke, assistant professor of theater and an actor, movement director and educator.

“We are fortunate to be working with Hollinger in the room and to have him available for dramaturgical contributions, clarity, and an overall supportive energy,” says O’Rourke.

“Working with a living playwright is rare. This show promises to be a poignant, lighthearted, life-affirming holiday show for the entire family to enjoy,” O’Rourke says.

Philadelphia scenic designer Meghan Jones created the Victorian setting. Amy Best, DeSales associate professor of theater and costume designer, created the costumes. Eric T. Haugen, DeSales head of design, is lighting designer. Jonathan Cannon is sound designer. Nathan Diehl is music director.

The Nov. 23 performance has open-captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half-price for attendees using these services on this date. Call box office manager Eric Pierson at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for information.

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up.

“Mr. Dickens’ Hat,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 23, Dec. 4, 5, 6, 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 24, Dec. 8; 9:45 a.m. Dec. 3, Act 1 DeSales, Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. 610-282-3192, https://www.desales.edu

Northampton Community College Department of Theatre presents the Lehigh Valley premiere of “Rabbit Hole,” Nov. 21 to Nov. 24 in the Bethlehem Township college’s Norman Roberts Lab Theatre.

Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Rabbit Hole” was the recipient of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play premiered on Broadway in 2006. Cynthia Nixon won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her performance as Becca. The play was nominated for several other Tony Awards.

The play deals with how family members survive a major loss and includes comedy as well as tragedy.

Becca (Gabrielle Hondorp) and Howie Corbett (Justin Ferguson) have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart.

Eight months after the accidental death of their four-year-old son, they are trying to overcome their grief. He wants to hold on to everything that reminds him of Danny, while she would rather sell their home and make a fresh start.

Cracks begin to appear in the relationship as Howie bonds with a member of his therapy group and Becca reaches out to a teenage boy (Aidan Weller) with telling facial scars.

The cast includes Laura Sweeney Riker, Brookel Sabella, Marian Barshinger and Alastair Fox. P. David Hughes directs the play.

“The Rabbit Hole,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 23 25; 2 p.m. Nov. 24, Norman Roberts Lab Theatre, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 484-484-3412, https://www.ncctix.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com