ALL-STAR CAST GUARANTEES INCREDIBLE PRODUCTION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S ANIMAL FARM
GOSHEN – 16 October 2012 – Goshen Players, Inc. announces an all-star cast for their staged reading of the George Orwell classic cautionary tale, “Animal Farm.” Be sure to make your reservations for the three performance run, which opens at Old Goshen Town Hall on November 16th, 2012.
Though numbering only seven, this cast brings to the stage decades of theatre experience. Directed by the insightful Jane Coughlin, this production is not to be missed.
The ill-fated Farmer Jones, against whom the animals revolt, is played by the versatile Doug Schlicher. Audiences of Goshen’s last two Valentine Cabarets will remember fondly Doug’s leading roles in them. Not to allow his role to be short-lived, Coughlin has also cast Schlicher in the part of the Narrator of the piece.
Revolutionaries Snowball and Napoleon will be played by Matt Cornish and Eric Hammer respectively. Cornish is no stranger to Goshen audiences, having appeared in “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and directed “The Stinky Cheese Man.” Hammer’s theatrical credits are many as well, having appeared in many productions, including Goshen’s 2011 “Mary Stuart” and “Strange Snow.”
Cornish is also cast as Benjamin, the wise, cranky, old donkey. Benjamin is one of the few animals on the farm who can read but his legendary skepticism colors all of his words. Hammer’s secondary character is that of Old Major, the idealistic pig whose ideas inspire the animal’s revolution in the first place.
Napoleon’s spokespig, Squealer, will be portrayed by Alan Spatafore. This too will be Spatafore’s second appearance with Goshen, adding to his long theatrical and musical resume. In addition to the role of Squealer, Alan will be presenting the roles of Moses, an old raven who regales the farm animals with tales from the outside world and Mr. Frederick, the tough owner of a neighboring farm.
Local favorite Jeff Savage will also be appearing in two roles in this production. The martyred workhorse, Boxer will transform into the corrupt, poker playing human Mr. Pilkington. Savage has appeared in many Goshen productions over the last decade as well as productions at the Warner Theatre and Thomaston Opera House, among others.
The talented and lovely Lynne Wilson joins the cast in the roles of Mollie, a self centered, indulgent and vain young mare who quickly departs the farm following the revolution. Wilson then returns as Muriel, the wise old goat who is one of the other animals present who is able to read. Wilson has long treated local audiences with performances in shows and musicals ranging from “On Golden Pond” to “Godspell” to “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
Rounding out this remarkable cast is the long-time Goshen Player, Lea Dmytryck. Known for her work on and off the stage, Dmytryck first brings to life the character of Clover, a matriarch of the animals. She then portrays Cat, whose long absences and lack of work are always forgiven since her excuses are not only convincing but her purring lulls all of the other animals into believing that her intentions are nothing but good. Dmytryck has long been a favorite of audiences, directing hit shows such as “The Fantasticks” and “My Fair Lady” and starring in productions from “Call Me Madam” to “Mame” to “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
Performances of this staged reading of “Animal Farm” will be presented on November 16th and 17th at 8:00 pm and November 18th at 4:00 pm. All tickets to all performances are $15 and can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 860.491.9988 or by visiting www.goshenplayers.org. Early reservations are recommended for this limited run.