Review: ORWELL IN AMERICA at 59E59 is Fascinating

"What you have shown us in Animal Farm is where we must not go."

By Carlotta Morrison in ORWELL IN AMERICA

59E59 Theaters is now hosting the New York premiere of ORWELL IN AMERICA through October 30th. The play is produced by Northern Stages, written by Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright, Joe Sutton, and directed by Peter Hackett. It is an insightful depiction of one of the twentieth century's most famous authors, George Orwell. Literature enthusiasts and many more will be fascinated by this story that features outstanding staging and stellar acting. Sutton has created a keen imagining of what may have occurred if Orwell had actually visited the United States on a book tour.

ORWELL IN AMERICA is set in the years immediately following World War II. George Orwell, the author of the recently released "Animal Farm," is traveling to American cities with his attractive, young publicist, Carlotta Morrison. A proud socialist and a purist at heart, Orwell staunchly defends his political beliefs in the wake of America's contempt for Stalinism and Communism. In the play's scenes, Orwell addresses the book tour audiences and also engages in revealing conversations with his publicist as she tries to orchestrate the tour and learn about his motivations. Throughout the play, we learn about Orwell's education, personal life, political activism and his literary inspirations.

The actors portray their roles with a passion that brings their characters to full life. Jamie Horton is excellent as George Orwell. You may believe you are in the company of the renowned writer who is tenacious, yet subtly charming. Jeanna de Waal is ideal as Carlotta Morrison, the lovely, intelligent and dedicated publicist. Casey Predovic rounds out the cast as the Young Man.

The Creative Team has done a fine job of bringing ORWELL IN AMERICA to the stage with set design by Caite Hevner; costume design by Amy Sutton; lighting design by Stuart Duke; sound design by Ben Montmagny. The Production Stage Manager is Whitney M. Keeter; the Assistant Director is Deby Xiadani and the Assistant Stage Manager is Lela Gannon.

See ORWELL IN AMERICA now while it is on the New York City Stage. This theatrical jewel entertains and captivates its audience.

The running time for ORWELL IN AMERICA is 1 hour and 45 minutes with one ten minute intermission. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 8:15 PM? and Sunday at 3:15 PM. On Sunday, October 9, the performance is at 7:15 PM. There will be a post-show discussion following the evening performances on October 20 & 27. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg