“Seven Cousins for a Horse”
Thrown Stone Theatre Company
“Seven Cousins for a Horse,” the world premiere play by Tammy Ryan, is a lovely and touching new work which is being given a heartfelt production by Thrown Stone Theatre Company. Under the supple direction of Jonathan Winn, this show features a host of fine performances and the charms of this play are gentle yet also compelling. Set in 1848, “Seven Cousins for a Horse” is actually a true life story of painter Ammi Phillips, who, at a low point in his life, is invited by his cousins, the Kinney family, to have Ammi paint seven portraits of the family in exchange for a horse. Within the Kinney household, there is much change being discussed and argued, including such topics as abolition and the right for women to vote. Still, this is not a preachy play at all. Instead, playwright Tammy Ryan offers a look into the world of this family and how each family member has their own story to tell.
It certainly helps that the outstanding Will Jeffries plays Ammi and this actor brings a complex array of emotions to the role. In fact, the entire company of actors is pretty superb, and Ryan gives the audience the opportunity to get to know each character, flaws and all. On Richard Harrison’s ideal and period perfect set of a house, “Seven Cousins for a Horse” captures the era perfectly and this play feels authentic and illuminating. “Seven Cousins for a Horse,” at Thrown Stone Theatre Company, runs roughly ninety minutes (with no intermission) and it can most certainly be recommended to see a world premiere play which is both confident and also sweetly subdued.
As the show begins, Jeffries, as Ammi, is carefully trying to arrange the furniture in the house in a way which will best suit his artistry, with the essential desire to have plenty of light. From the moment this actor walks onstage, one can see that this is a man who has been touched by grief, belying his outward smile and geniality. In fact, every character onstage experiences a wide range of feelings and this company of actors does full justice to this family. Jason Peck is excellent as Nisus Kinney, the patriarch of the household, and there is a humorous comradery between Nisus and Ammi. Also standing out is the beautiful and moving Emmanuelle Nadeau as Nisus’ daughter Sarah, who truly wears her heart on her sleeve.
But, then again, every cast member has their moment to shine, with equally good work by Shannon Helene Barnes as daughter Hattie, who is a bit of a rabble rouser. Her fiancé, Lucius Culver (portrayed extremely well by Aidan Meachem, who is also responsible for the show’s enchanting music), is seen as a man valiantly trying to fit into the Kinney family, though, pointedly, Lucius is denied a portrait of his own. Bridget Ann White is just perfect as Nisus’ wife Sally and one gets to gaze at her as she reminisces about her life and where she might be if she had made different choices. Still, there is something extra special about the heartbreaking Emma Factor, as daughter Jane, who, despite her youth, exists with the foreboding idea that she may become the spinster in the family.
“Seven Cousins for a Horse” also features beautiful costumes by Brenda Phelps and the lighting design by Jiahao (Neil) Qiu is extraordinary, allowing for more than a few dreamlike moments throughout the show. Christopher Evans’ projection design is equally effective and Jason Peck is responsible for the crystal clear sound design. Thrown Stone Theater Company should be applauded for giving this new play such a first class production and let’s hope that this world premiere staging will lead to a happy future for “Seven Cousins for a Horse.” There is a wistfulness and quiet subtlety in this play which is rare, and it can touch the heart and also catch an audience member almost unawares.
“Seven Cousins for a Horse” runs through July 23, 2023, at Thrown Stone Theatre Company, 440 Main St., Ridgefield CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.thrownstone.org.
Photo: (L-R): Will Jeffries, Emma Factor, Bridget Ann White, Jason Peck, Emmanuelle Nadeau, Aidan Meachem, Shannon Helene Barnes
Photo by Chuck Jennes
Reviews by Zander Opper 