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Final Performance on Friday, March 13.
After careful consideration and conversations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Garden Theatre’s final performance of Ben Hur on Sunday, March 15 has been canceled. Please click here for further updates and information.
By Patrick Barlow
What happens when an amateur theatre troupe tries to perform the epic story of Ben Hur? As the struggling actors rehearse the grand tale of the fictional Jewish prince and merchant, offstage rivalries and romances interfere with their chariot races and sea battles. Patrick Barlow’s new adaptation of Ben Hur is a light-hearted comedic take on the timeless story.
Content Transparency: This show contains limited use of vulgar language. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer to make informed decisions before purchasing tickets.
This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. This project is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, home of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com.
cast & crew
CAST
Daniel Veil / Melchior / Ben Hur / Nubian Dancer: TJ Washburn
Omar / Caspar / Archangel Gabriel / Messala / Jesus / Galley Captain / Roman Captain / Galley Slave 2 / Nubian Dancer / Valentinyo: Mason Criswell
Crystal / Mary / Tirzah / Esther / Ancient Slave / Nubian Dancer / Catalinya / Naboth / Mrs. Pilate: Kristin Shirilla
Edgar / Balthasar / Sara / Centurion / Slave Driver / Quintus Arrius / Pontius Pilate: Adam Graham
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Jason Horne
Stage Manager: Louis Rego
Scenic Design: Chris McKinney
Lighting Design: Erin Miner
Costume Design: Eryn Brooks Brewer
Sound Design: Jack Audet
Wig Design: Erma Sandora
Props Master: Alesha Hollatz
Assistant Stage Manager: Sören Ray
Master Electrician and Light Board Op: David Clenney
Master Carpenter: Mark Sansing
Scenic Artist: Ruth E
Run Crew: Clairanne Monur, Jacob Motes, Mackenzie Woodward
Costume Run Crew Chief: Carrie Brown
Assistant Carpenter: Thomas Rivera
photos
PROMO PHOTOS
Photos by Steven Miller Photography
reviews
Audience Reviews
“Innovative, very funny, and well acted.” – Garden Theatre Guest
“Ben Hur is an absolutely hilarious show. The performers and the crew do an amazing job presenting this story… the quick costume changes are done dizzingly well: which is a testament to both the performers and the dressers backstage… The pace and feeling of the show is great for anyone. It is very Monty Python, which I enjoyed!” – Garden Theatre guest
“Ben Hur was brilliant and hilarious! Love the theatre and we will be back again.” – Garden Theatre Guest
“Funny, fast moving, exceedingly creative, and excellent acting.” – Garden Theatre Guest
“Going o this fabulously funny show for the second time! Love it! Very creative and well done!” – Garden Theatre Guest
Critic Reviews
“Ben Hur, AN EPIC COMEDY! is genuinely funny and multifaceted, drawing as much from General Lew Wallace’s 1880 play as William Wyler’s 1959 film. It’s irreverently thoughtful in its observations about both…”
“[Jason] Horne and his cast do create truly funny moments. And those performers are working overtime with a frenzy of quick costume changes…
As the pretentious and lovesick leader of the thespian troupe, TJ Washburn has the right portentous delivery… His cohorts are equally game. Kristin Shirilla… displays a particular funny knack for the melodramatic acting style of 1950s starlets. Mason Criswell hams it up as the evil Messala, and makes a trippy Jesus… Adam Graham… shines brightest as the Roman official whose interest in our hero seems more than fatherly.”
Orlando Sentinel’s Matt Palm Reviews Ben Hur
“After reading [Patrick] Barlow’s wordplay-filled satire, which follows a deluded theatrical impresario’s misguided attempt to dramatize the entire 900-page novel (chariot race and all), [Director Jason] Horne thought it was something that definitely fell into his wheelhouse.”
ASL-Interpreted
ASL-Interpreted Performance
Thursday, March 12, 2020 | 7:30 pm
In partnership with Signing Shadows, Garden Theatre will present an American Sign Language-interpreted performance.
When looking at the stage, the interpreters will be located in front of the stage on the far right.
For more information about the best seating to view the interpreters, please email BoxOffice@gardentheatre.org.