By Wendy Humphrey
West Windsor, N.J. – A teen boy’s strange fascination with horses sets the stage for high drama in “Equus,” to be presented by PinnWorth Productions at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre. Dates and show times are: Fridays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Nov. 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Oct. 30.
Based on a real incident that took place in Britain, this 1973 play by Peter Schaffer focuses on child psychiatrist Martin Dysart and his 17-year-old patient, Alan Strang. The plot unfolds like a detective story in which Dysart must get to the root of Alan’s obsession with horses that has resulted in a frightening act of violence. Exploring themes of religion and sexual awakening, “Equus” also reveals Dysart’s own demons as he considers the “healing” methods he employs to control and erode the passions of his young patients. The play was the winner of the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play.
The cast features John Shanken-Kaye of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., as Martin Dysart; Matty Daley of Toms River as Alan Strang; Siyali Singg of Lawrenceville as the Nurse; Marina Vrahnos as Hester Salomon; Sean McGrath of Churchville, Pa., as Frank Strang; Jean Prall Rosolino of Princeton as Dora Strang; Keith Harper of Princeton as Horseman/Nugget; Steve Grossman of Hightstown as Harry Dalton; and Nicole Patrick of Columbus as Jill Mason. Featured as horses are Conor Fallon of East Windsor, Dean Proctor of Trenton, Michael Quesada of Trenton, and Patrick McKenna of Charleston, W.Va. The show is directed by Lou Stalsworth, with choreography by Jody Person and technical direction by Robert Terrano.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request.
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