God's Favorite
by
Neil Simon
Directed by Terri Stradinger
July 7-9, 2005
Fort Atkinson High School Auditorium
God's Favorite is Neil Simon's modern tale loosely based on the Book of Job. Joe Benjamin is a wealthy and respected businessman living with his family in suburban Long Island. God and Satan make a bet and God puts his trust in Joe to keep his faith. God's messenger, sent to test Joe's faith, is a wise cracking guy from Queens. Will Joe remain steadfast? This play was written in 1973 during a rough time in Simon's personal life after the death of his wife. Simon poses some large questions about life, but never loses his wonderful sense of humor.
The parts in the play are as follows:
John Wells as Joe Benjamin- wealthy businessman tested by God
Cheryl Stedman as
Rose Benjamin- Joe's dumbbell wife
Craig Engstrom as
David Benjamin- Joe's drunken son
Joanna Stradinger as
Sarah Benjamin - Joe's kooky twin child
Matt McHenry as Ben Benjamin- Joe's other twin just as dumb
Dan Rattray as
Sidney Lipton- the Messenger from God
Laurie McHenry as
Mady- a servant
Bob Horton as
Morris- a manservant