Lyric artistic director Spiro Veloudos and associate director Courtney O'Connor will co-direct the theatrical epic based on Charles Dickens' classic that earned the 1982 Tony Award for Best Play. Nicholas Nickleby will run through Dec. 19. The Lyric production marks the New England premiere of the ambitious work.

The cast includes Will Lyman (Ralph Nickleby), Jack Cutmore-Scott (Nicholas Nickleby), Peter A. Carey (Newman Noggs), Maureen Keiller (Mrs. Nickleby), Larry Coen (Vincent Crummles), Nigel Gore (Wackford Squeers), Leigh Barrett (Miss LaCreevy) Kerry Dowling (Mrs. Squeers/Mrs. Crummles), and Jason Powers (Smike), John Davin (Arthur Gride) and Neil A. Casey (Mr. Mantalini).

Here's how the Lyric describes the work: "Left penniless by the death of his father and young Nicholas Nickleby assumes responsibility for his mother and sister and seeks help from his Scrooge-like Uncle Ralph. Instantly disliking Nicholas, Ralph sends him to teach in a school run by the sadistic Wackford Squeers. Nicholas decides to escape, taking with him the orphan Smike, one of Squeers’s most abused young charges, and the two embark on a series of adventurous encounters with an array of humanity’s worst and best—greedy fools, corrupt lechers, cheery innocents, and selfless benefactors."

Designing the production are Janie E. Howland (scenic designer), Rafael Jaen (costume designer), Scott Clyve (lighting designer) and Kevin O’Shaughnessy (original music).

Nicholas Nickleby will be performed in rotating repertory with marathons scheduled for Nov. 13, 28; Dec. 1, 4 and 18. For tickets phone (617) 585-5678 or visit LyricStage. Lyric Stage is located at 140 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA.