Rose Theatre Presents ANIMAL FARM, 9/29-10/2

Get ready as the pigs take over The Farm, this fall in The Rose's Teens ‘N' Theater (TNT) production of George Orwell's classic Animal Farm, September 29 through October 2. This stage version of the thought-provoking fable on leadership and corruption features 22 local teen actors and will be presented in The Rose's intimate Hitchcock Theater space.

The cast of talented teens will portray the themes of independence and organization through the story of a group of downtrodden farm animals. When their leader, Major, inspires the animals to improve their lot, they set out to overthrow the old farmer and establish a new social order under a revolutionary new philosophy: "All men are enemies. All animals are comrades."

Animal Farm is the first show of the TNT season that features open auditions, and thanks to the ensemble cast of the script, Director Michael Harrelson has been able to cast a diverse group of talented students ranging in age from 13 to 17 and representing more than ten local schools.

"The rich storyline was also a big reason we chose Animal Farm for TNT," said Director Michael Harrelson. "It's a classic story that attracts a large, diverse audience because of its universal appeal. Plus, it presented great research opportunities for the cast, like watching the animated film and talking about the history of Russia and communism."

Thanks to The Rose's vast supply of animal costumes, the actors had no trouble feeling out their roles. "They had a great time finding the physicality and vocals of the characters," said Harrelson. "It comes through in the great way they portrayed the eeriness of a social experiment gone awry."

As the story develops into an allegory of the Stalin-era Soviet Union, the animals successfully drive out their old master and embark on a social experiment in which all animals are equal. But will their dream succeed when the manipulative pigs get a taste for power?

Animal Farm is the second show this season by Teens ‘N' Theater, which provides teenagers with the opportunity to gain a full range of theater experience including acting, directing, playwriting, designing and stage managing.

Animal Farm will be presented Thursday, Sept. 29 (7 pm), Saturday, Oct. 1 (5:30 pm), and
Sunday, Oct. 2 (4:30 pm) on The Rose Theater's Hitchcock Stage, 2001 Farnam Street.
Tickets are $6 each and available at the door or in advance by calling The Rose Box Office at (402) 345-4849.

Animal Farm was adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge. The Rose's Teens ‘N' Theater program is sponsored by the Mammel Foundation, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Mukti Fund.

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