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Animal Farm, at the Bailiwick is "low on Carbs
and High on Fun. A musical with politics." OPJ
runs through November 7, 2004

review by Ed Vincent
Bailiwick on Chicago's north side is doing a
wonderful job of Orwell's converted book to a musical format with fun
lyrics
and tale of the fall of currupt socialism, evil communism, and
or the folly of the fool hardy. The best intentions of man
and animal go via the Lord of Flies in the tale written in the 1940's,
good insight on the part of Orwell.
The costuming is akin on a smaller scale to the Lion King,
and the actors and actresses work well with the inventive
garb. The acting is fine and the writing adapted to the stage
is excellent. The shell game played with the workers goes
back as far as time itself and the animals on stage will show
you how it is done on the farm. It a wonderful production,
and the seats even tilt for compfort at the Baliwick mainstage.
The educated audience will see it all coming, even before
the beaks or hooves take notice, why then does the world
still find these moves so illusory?
This is a production I would gladly see again and if you
have friends who like politics take them with.
SMASH-HIT MUSICAL ANIMAL FARM OPENS SEPTEMBER 27 AT
BAILIWICK REPERTORY
CHICAGO—The classic musical Animal Farm previews September 24 and opens
September 27 at Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 West Belmont. The
popular
musical, which originally made its American premiere at Bailiwick
Repertory
in 1987, is directed by David Zak and runs through November 7, 2004.
Based on George Orwell’s 1946 masterpiece, Animal Farm is the riveting
story
of a revolution staged by the animals on Mr. Jones's farm. The
production is
ripe with underlying social commentary and political humor, while its
imaginative puppets, creative costumes, and rousing anthems will appeal
to
all ages.
Animal Farm is adapted by Sir Peter Hall from the novel by Orwell, and
features music and lyrics by Richard Peaslee. Set Design is by
Eric
Appleton, Lighting Design is by Jared Moore, Costume Design is by Sandy
Lazar, Musical Direction is by Richard Schwegel, and the Production
Stage
Manager is Deanna Cox.
The cast features Chicagoland favorites including Margaret Dunn as
Napolean,
Rus Rainear as Squealer, James Adkinson as Snowball, Randy Johnson as
Boxer,
Elizabeth Tanner as Mollie, Gina Capetta as Muriel, Wynter Spears as
Clover,
Don Shell as Benjamin, Bethany Thomas as Old Major, and Sarah Kinsey as
Minimus. Others featured in the cast are Caryn Ott, Heather Connelly,
Michael Harnicher, and Eric Lindahl.
Animal Farm has $20 previews on Friday, September 24
at 7:30 pm;
Saturday, September 25, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday September 26, at 3:30
pm.
The opening night performance is Monday, September 27th at 7:30 ($30
includes reception.) Regular performances are Thursdays at 7:30
pm
($25); Fridays at 7:30 pm ($25); Saturdays at 7:30 pm ($30) and
Sundays at 3:30 pm
($30).
The show will run through November 7.
Tickets and subscriptions for all Bailiwick productions can be
purchased by
calling 773.883.1090 or on-line at www.bailiwick.org. Discounts
are
available for students and seniors. Group Sales are offered by Chicago
Group Sales, 773- 857-7741. Subscribe today, and you can save up
to 40%
over full-price tickets. Flex passes for 2004 cost $275 for 16
(Gold)
admissions, $230 for 12 (Silver), or $165 for 8 (Bronze).
Bailiwick Repertory is located at 1229 West Belmont, Chicago,
Illinois.
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