Press Room:
Animal Farm opens at Arkansas Arts Center on February 20

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Animal Farm opens at Arkansas Arts Center on February 20

(LITTLE ROCK, AR) - The Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre presents "Animal Farm" on February 20, 2004, at the Arkansas Arts Center, 9th and Commerce.

Adapted for stage by Peter Hall, George Orwell's tale begins as Manor Farm has fallen on dark times. Life for its animals is bitter and hard. Then one day old Major, the eldest and wisest of the pigs, has a vision of a shining future in which all animals are equal and the tyrant Man no longer reigns. The animals of Manor Farm rise up in righteous revolt, but the idealist dream soon degenerates into a nightmare of new tyranny.

"Animal Farm," is an allegory. It uses symbolic means to make a point. The story is often regarded as the most powerful political satire of the twentieth century. "Animal Farm" stands as a stark warning to all generations - beware the all too human traits of greed, materialism and the hunger for power.

The cast of "Animal Farm," directed by Bradley Anderson, includes: Jeremiah Smith as Boy; Jimi Brewi as Mr. Jones; Buddy Habig as Old Major; Thomas Hankins as Boxer; Kristy Barrington as Clover; Melissa Riggins as Muriel; Tristan Anthony as Benjamin; Sara Wyatt as Mollie; Shannon Farmer as Snowball; John Isner as Napoleon; Phillip McMath as Squealer; Ben Fish as Minimus; and an ensemble comprised of Eve Anthony, Hank Fuller, Ashley Long, Kyle Lovett, Connor Pierce and Alex Speer.

"Animal Farm" will run through March 7, 2004. The final two productions of the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre season are "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit" and "Pinocchio." Individual tickets are $8.25 and $7.25 for seniors. To reserve tickets, call the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE INFORMATION Public Showings: 7:30 p.m. Friday
2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Season Sponsor: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Production Sponsor: Warren, Harriet, Miles, John & Laura Stephens
Media Partner: Little Rock Family