Smith is second ever group to perform stage version of 'Animal Farm'

The cast, playwright and director shared their “behind the scenes” thoughts with us about the show, and their roles in developing this production.

George Orwell’s classic 1946 novella, Animal Farm, was adapted for the stage by Andrew Periale and premiered in 2007 in Philadelphia. Now the Drama Club at E.O.Smith High School is the second group ever to perform this script on Oct. 24, 25 and 26.

The cast has worked on transforming the novel to a stage performance in preparation for the Connecticut Drama Festival, which cast members will attend in March 2009.

However, local audiences will be able to enjoy the play when it is performed at E.O.Smith in October.

The cast, playwright and director shared their “behind the scenes” thoughts with us about the show, and their roles in developing this production.

Lenore Grunko, Director: People seem very interested in learning how we're presenting such a timeless piece as Animal Farm. All I can say is, you'll have to come and see it. Andrew Periale's writing brings us his engaging wit, yet supports the darker side of Orwell's work.... I'm thrilled with the dedication of the ensemble cast and their willingness to explore opportunities before committing to a specific stage choice. It's been a great opportunity to deepen the theatrical experience with exercises- both dramatic and physical.

Andrew Periale, Playwright: My favorite part of being the writer of this show was getting to work with the original small cast in Philadelphia for two years. The most challenging part of the process was transferring a fictional book into a stage portrayal; it involved a lot of workshopping and ideas.

Corey Welden, "Benjamin": This is an incredibly unique piece of theater with a powerful message.

Ava Molnar, "Cat": I really enjoy working on this adaptation of Animal Farm. I think that people will really enjoy the advertisement scene, especially now when we are seeing so many politician ads.

Nicholas Sibley Jett, "Dog": Animal Farm is an absolute blast! We've been learning different movement techniques, and learning how to walk properly. Getting to know everyone in the cast a little bit better has been an awesome time.

Chad Dominique, "Napoleon": This show is powerful and edgy. You’ll get shivers from this, we promise.

Lynn Fesenmeyer, "Clover": I really enjoy working with these people, because I worked with them before and to be in this play together is amazing. My favorite scene is the confession scene.

Lauren Messeck, "Mollie": Animal Farm seems to have taken us all on an adventure of sorts - we have the opportunity to experiment with movement, voice and a variety of characters, and we’re finally putting something really spectacular together.

Alex Hunt, "Moses": Being in this play is really exciting, because this is only my second show at E.O. Smith and the cast is awesome. My favorite scene is when I get to fly around.

Allan Martin, "Boxer": This new adaptation of Animal Farm sheds a different kind of light on the classic story that parallels communism in Russia, a more abstract presentation if you will. It's great when you have such a friendly cast to work with too, as there isn't a dull moment during rehearsals. As Boxer says, "I will work harder." This has applied to the entire crew, thus far. It's gonna turn out great.

Andrew Bryce, "Snowball": The type of show that will make you, as an audience, think!

Althea Bock-Hughes, Extra & Stage Manager: Old Major’s speech and rallying of the animals for the rebellion are great scenes. I also enjoyed working on the challenge of developing this new script.

Christina deVecchis, Extra: I really enjoyed hanging out with and working with our cast. Developing the shadow puppetry was a really cool experience, too. Watching the classic novella transform into a stage production was a truly unique experience.

Emma Eastwood-Paticchio, Extra: I really enjoyed the improv workshops and the artistic aspects of the show.

Adam Forman, Extra: My favorite scene is the drill scene; it’s the most fun to watch.

Lena Forman, Extra & Stage Manager: My favorite part of the show is the Beasts of England song. I really enjoy the unique aspects of this show.

Emily Welden, Extra: I love spending time with the cast. I also like experimenting with miming.

Animal Farm will be performed at E.O.Smith High School on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Tickets are general Admission and are $7 each (senior and student tickets are $5 each).

For more information call 487-4876.

Posted Oct. 7, 2008