Hemingway's 'The Old Man And The Sea' Adapted For The Stage

By: Feb. 21, 2010
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The Dramatic Emotion of Ernest Hemingway comes to The NEW Caldwell Theatre in the form of a new stage adaptation of the Hemingway classic, The Old Man and the Sea. Originally produced at the Long Wharf Theatre, Caldwell will produce only the second production world wide.  

"Like many people, my initial exposure to the novel was as assigned reading in school." said Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre and director of The Old Man and the Sea.  "I loved it then.   However, coming back to it now, with the incredible struggles that we are all facing, makes the story that much more relevant and immediate." 

"The writers, Eric Ting and Craig Seibels, have done an exceptional job of adapting the book in that they have stayed true to the original," continued Cholerton, "however they have expanded the relationship between the Man and Boy enhancing the dramatic storyline.  Additionally, they have added music composed by John Gromada, further raising the emotional stakes." 

The show stars David Pendleton (Broadway-No Place to Be Somebody; Don't Bother Me and I Can't Cope. LORT- The King and I and Same Time, Next Year opposite Diahanne Carroll. TV-All My Children; The Guiding Light; The Edge of Night) in the titular role of The Old Man, Santiago.  Mr. Pendleton is joined by recent NYU grad, Ismael Cruz Cordova (Moments; E! Grito del Bronx; Julia de Burgos: Child of Water. Film-Bala Perdida; E! Cuerpo del Delito) and the cast is rounded out by Leajato Robinson (Fire Throws (Antigone). Musicals- Shinbone Alley; Crazy For You; Dreamgirls; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Annie Get Your Gun; Damn Yankees; Pippin. Tour-Tap Dogs) returning to Caldwell Theatre after his show stopping performance in the summer's hit show, Vices: A Love Story. 

"This cast literally just fell together for me," stated Cholerton.  "It began with Leajato, who of course had done the original, and then David walked in and just seemed to embody every sensibility needed from the Old Man including the combination of sensitivity melded with incredible inner strength.  Finally we locked down Ismael who I am convinced is headed to major stardom.  His is a unique talent and spark." 

The design team is familiar to Caldwell audiences.  Tim Bennett has designed a stylized set that represents both the sea and the ramshackle shack of the Old Man.  Alberto Arroyo designs vintage 1950's Costumes, while Tom Salzman evokes the mood of Hemingway through his expressive Lighting design.  Spot on Property design is handled by Deborah Veres, with Sean Lawson rounding out the design team with his Sound design.  

"Initially we looked at just buying a boat and modifying it for the stage," said Bennett. "But what we quickly found was that boats designed to float in the water, don't allow people to walk in them onstage.  So we got a very quick lesson in boat building and built it from scratch"  

February 21 - March 28, 2010

Tuesday through Saturday at 8PM

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM  

Prices:  $34 to $55 depending upon seating and date of performance

Students $10.00  

Call Box Office at (561) 241-7432 or (877) 247-7432

Order Online www.caldwelltheatre.com

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