Equus
by Peter Shaffer
Blurb:
Winner of the 1975 Tony Award, Equus transports the audience into a world where questions have no easy answers, pain has no easy cure, and the line between aberrance and normalcy is constantly blurred and moving. Playwright Peter Shaffer delves into man’s inherent need to worship distorted by the strict rules of religion and the overwhelming pressures of a so-called civilized society.
Cheap-skate Discounts:
Preview tickets on Sept. 9th are $15
Saturday Matinees are $5 cheaper
Student Rush Tickets are $15
Union (AEA) actor tickets are $15
Arts and Education card holders get $15 tickets
Street parking is free on Sundays.
Cast:
Alan Strang - Drew Pannebecker
Frank Strang/Dalton - Steve Isom*
Dr. Dysart - Jim Anthony*
Hesther - Kelley Ryan
Dora - Ruth Heyman
Jill/Nurse - Emily Fisher
Horseman/Nugget - Brian Jones
Trooper - Michael Perkins
Staff:
Director - Doug Finlayson
Scenic Design - John Armstrong
Lighting Design - Michael Sullivan
Costume Design - Felia Davenport
Sound Designer - Robin Weatherall
Properties Designer - Lisa Fahey
Mentions/Awards/Kudos:
2010 Kevin Kline Award Nominations:
Best Director - Doug Finlayson
Best Supporting Actress - Kelley Ryan
Best Actor - Drew Pannebecker
Download the zipped photo archive here.
Director's Notes:
“I saw Equus on Broadway in 1975 as a freshman in college. It was my first visit to New York and the production affected me deeply. I remember feeling a tremendous connection to Alan Strang (a young Thomas Hulce) and his journey through a lonely and troubled adolescent crisis. Dr. Dysart recognized in this boy, a decent human being who had done a terrible thing. I sat onstage as part of John Dexter’s original production and was barely coherent by the end of the show. The play and the character of Alan seemed to be speaking directly to me.
When Marty asked me to direct the show I sat back down and reread the play. It turns out that 35 years later the play seemed to be less about a troubled teen lost in an adolescent nightmare, and more about a man struggling in mid-life to put meaning to his work. Dysart’s doubts about the value of his life’s work, was touching to me in a way it had not been before.
These changing facets within Equus are the hallmark of a great play. Time has passed, but the production’s impact has not been diminished. The “dance” of trust and truth that Alan and Dysart undertake in the play still has the ability to affect audiences in a powerful and provocative way.”
- Doug Finlayson
Critic's Reviews:
The Ladue News:
Director Doug Finlayson has mounted an outstanding production of Shaffer’s mesmerizing story in this HotCity Theatre presentation. Everything works in Finlayson’s interpretation, making “Equus” a sizzling sensation and a riveting, thought-provoking examination of individual needs and desires within the confined structure of a societal framework.
- Mark Bretz
TheVital Voice:
I don’t expect I’ll find a better production of this fascinating play.
This production of Equus is a must-see event for lovers of good theatre. I like HotCity’s often-offbeat selections, but here they prove they are more than up to handling a classic. I was mesmerized, and I recommend it for all mature audiencs. - Andrea Braun
Broadway World:
If you only know about HotCity Theatre because of their dedication to producing new and original works by some of the most talented and unknown playwrights around, then you should also know how adept they are at staging revivals of edgy and provocative modern classics. This season they've chosen Peter Shaffer's taut masterpiece from 1973, Equus. And, they've delivered an intense, disturbing and brilliant production that's powered by sharp direction and exceptional performances. - Chris Gibson
KDHX:
This presentation of Peter Shaffer's play is quite simply the finest evening of theatre that I've been privileged to see in a number of years.
- Steve Callahan