Animal Farm
at St. Margaret's Episcopal

Reviewed on October 6, 2018

Katie Wagner
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

St. Margaret's ‘Animal Farm' Squeals with Gritty Whimsy and Political Relevance
written by Katie Wagner, a senior at University High School

Twenty six voices ring out in harmonious, acapella unity. They sing of a golden future, a future where animals are ruled not by man, but by themselves. Unaware of the impending perils of self government, the animals begin to joyfully stomp out the rhythm of their new anthem.

St. Margaret's "Animal Farm" is graced with a versatile ensemble and talented technicians who work to paint a picture of gritty whimsy, and maintain the political relevance of a classic fable.

Elena Plumb delights in the character of Squealer, an ever-conniving mouthpiece for farm leader, Napoleon. Until she is questioned, bright, scheming eyes, a measured, hips-first stride, and sugary sweet tones of deception appear to be all Squealer is capable of. But, when threatened, she snaps, whirling around to shrilly berate her fellow farm animals. Through layered characterization, Plumb aptly demonstrates the dangerous self interest of those in power.

Finian Williams is Boxer, a loyal and hardworking citizen. With a bowed head, unfocused eyes, and constant fidgety energy, Williams quickly establishes an endearingly shy character. Though not the cleverest animal on the farm, Boxer is invaluable, devoted to even his very last, wheezing breath. His naive display of trust leads to a heartbreaking death, and indicates the dangers of blindly following political leadership.

As Moses, Sarah Pence skillfully adopts the sweeping confidence of a traditional religious leader. Her voice is a slow, gospel singer's drawl, and her upturned eyes are closed in reverence. Dripping with charisma, she entices the citizens of Animal Farm to believe in the wonders of Sugarcandy mountain. When her emphatic preaching is later silenced, it becomes devastatingly clear that political power is being abused.

While the farm is sleeping, a storm brews overhead. Violent flashes of lightning, booming claps of thunder, and the drumming of a torrential rainfall, all precisely synchronized to emulate the chaos of natural disaster, cause immeasurable destruction to the farm. This powerful effect is due to stage manager Stephanie Amokhteh's impeccable timing, which allows the sound and light sequence's smooth execution.

"Animal Farm" at St. Margaret's is a poignant tragedy. Through gritty whimsy, a talented team of actors and technicians portray the ever-relevant dangers of tyrannical government.

Samantha Stokes
Crean Lutheran
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

St. Margaret's retells the classic story of "Animal Farm"
written by Samantha Stokes, a sophomore at Crean Lutheran High School

St. Margaret's fall production of "Animal Farm" excellently brings George Orwell's timeless tale to life on the stage.

The story is set as Major, played by Cole Robinson, delivers an influential monologue, inspiring the animals to rid of the old farmer, Mr. Jones, and start a new era of tranquility and unity. The animals succeed in the eviction and begin to work together for a common goal, until the farm takes a turn for the worse. The pigs begin manipulating the animals into accepting them as the rightful rulers and that Napoleon, the head of the gang, is never wrong.

Napoleon, played by Matthew Lizarde, plays into the character nicely as he composes himself in a confident manner, displaying Napoleon's mindset of superiority and dominance. As he struts onto the stage, his posture and wide stance command the attention of the others. Napoleon's spokesperson, Squealer, assists by covering up his lies and offering explanations as seen fit. Squealer, played by Elena Plumb, uses a condescending and high pitched tone that immediately grabs the attention of those around her, asserting the power she has over the other animals.

Boxer the horse, portrayed by Finian Williams, and his companion, Clover the horse, played by Miranda Gilbert, are just two of the many animals that overlook Napoleon's manipulative ways. The two actors work nicely together, balancing the energy of their acting with the intensity of the situation, and thus, creating an engaging, dynamic duo.

The ensemble of the show performs as various types of farm animals. For a majority of the production, the ensemble observes the dialogue, silently reacting as necessary. In a few instances, the ensemble members' dialogue is not exactly audible, making it difficult to understand what is happening, but this is quickly made up for by the narrators.

The stage management is beautifully done by student Stephanie Amoukhteh. The lighting cues are perfectly timed with the sound cues and almost all entrances and exits ran smoothly. The publicity is done by Elena Plumb. She created comedic Broadway musical parody videos and hung propaganda posters from the set around the school quad in order to spark interest and conversation about the upcoming performance.

St. Margaret's "Animal Farm" is wonderfully brought to life on the stage by a spirited cast, adept stage manager, and a creative publicist, making it a compelling performance.

Bella Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Tyrants Take Over in SMES's ‘Animal Farm'
written by Bella Gordon, a freshman at San Juan Hills High School

"Power-hungry pigs" is typically a metaphorical term, but in this story, it becomes literal as pigs take over and fight for power.

"Animal Farm" is the story of how animals living on Manor Farm create a rebellion against their inebriated owner, and pigs begin to run the newly named Animal Farm by the Commandments of Animalism. St. Margaret's Episcopal School's production of "Animal Farm" demonstrates how power can change people through a blend of excellent technical design and acting.

Conniving second-in-command Squealer (Elena Plumb) assists Napoleon (Matthew Lizarde) with becoming the dictator of Animal Farm by acting as his voice. Plumb, with her chin held high and proud gait, cleverly manipulates the residents of Animal Farm into trusting Napoleon and the other pigs: like when she informs the ensemble that Boxer, a sick horse, died at the hospital with sympathy in her voice and despair in her eyes despite Boxer being slaughtered by a butcher at Napoleon's command.

Diligent horse Boxer (Finian Williams) spends his life working to improve Animal Farm by working tirelessly and joyfully on the harvest and windmill. Williams enamors the audience with his expressive facials and good-natured personality. When young and egotistical Mollie (Sally Fales) questions Boxer about his ability to recite the ABC's, Williams ducks his and his prop's head in shame as he visibly struggles and stutters out only the first three letters as the spectating animals sympathetically supporting him in the background.

Moses (Sarah Pence) acts as the remaining piece of hope on Animal Farm, occasionally visiting and giving speeches to the residents. Whimsical and dynamic, Pence passionately discusses her philosophical beliefs with the animals about "sugarcandy mountain" with eyes closed and arms out to exude the confidence and faith she has in her words.

Throughout the show, Stephanie Amoukhteh's stage management allows for smooth transitions between scenes and clean, coordinated exits and entrances through the three sliding doors of the barn house set. Napoleon, now communicating with humans, invites nearby farmer Pilkington (Holiday Jones) for drinks, and as they clink their mugs in celebration of their friendship and the sound echoes around the room, the lights immediately go dark and music simultaneously begins to play, and a somber and foreboding mood fills the room.

St. Margaret's Episcopal School creates an admirable rendition of "Animal Farm" with a precise meshing of skillful technicals and eloquent acting.