Sussex Academy to present ‘God’s Favorite’ Jan. 20-21

The next production from Sussex Academy high school, Neil Simon’s “God’s Favorite,” will be presented at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, and 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.

A modern take on the biblical book of Job, “God’s Favorite” tells the story of Joe Benjamin, a successful Long Island businessman with a demanding wife, ungrateful children and wisecracking household employees. Just when it seems things couldn’t get any worse, he is visited by Sidney Lipton, aka A Messenger from God (and compulsive film buff) with a mission: test Joe’s faith and report back to the boss. The hilarious adaptation turns a classic tale on its head.

Continuing the tradition that started in 2016, this is Sussex Academy’s seventh student-directed show. Senior Jackson Whitcomb and junior Aidan French are producers and directors for “God’s Favorite.”

“This show has been such a new and amusing experience, and as a performer myself, getting to direct and see the other side of what goes into producing a show has really opened my eyes,” said French. “I think I’m able to better appreciate what happens behind the scenes, which makes theater much more meaningful and beautiful. The cast has been such a joy to work with, and seeing them develop their characters has been so great!”

The performance stars junior Nick Donati as Joe Benjamin, the stubborn and pious family patriarch; sophomore Zachary Burger as Sidney Lipton, the eccentric, bumbling messenger of God; junior Finn Sheridan as David Benjamin, Joe’s troublesome, snarky prodigal son; sophomore Aidan Wiggins as Ben Benjamin, Joe’s dim-witted but loyal younger son; freshman Abby Whitcomb as Sarah Benjamin, Ben’s easily frightened, spoiled twin sister; sophomore Alex DeEmedio as Rose, Joe’s materialistic and demanding wife; junior Sammy Pasmore as Mady, the family’s wisecracking maid; and sophomore Melvin Harmon as Morris, the jaded family butler.

Student directing is a unique experience for both directors and cast members. Whitcomb said, “It feels like you’re performing for your friends and a group that you admire so much. It feels so safe to perform and access the things you need to access. Overall, the experience has been very enjoyable.”

Wiggins said, “I think working with student directors has a much more casual and fun feeling. It’s less serious and more laid-back, but our hearts still go into what we’re doing.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and may be purchased at the door with cash or check only, or online at showtix4u.com. There will be an intermission during which snacks and concessions will be sold.

For more information, go to sussexacademy.org.