THE WIRE's Brian Anthony Wilson to Star in THE WHIPPING MAN at Dorset Theatre Festival, Begin. 7/11

The Dorset Theatre Festival is excited to announce that Brian Anthony Wilson, known for his work on the HBO drama The Wire as well as the Academy Award winning film Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, will be performing the role of Simon in the upcoming production of The Whipping Man.

Brian is also known for his work on the stage including Assassin (InterAct/ Act II Playhouse) and Seven Guitars (People's Light & Theatre Co). He will be joined onstage by Michael Simpson, whose stage credits include The Glass Menagerie at The Globe Theatre-San Diego and Calvin Dutton, who recently performed in Fences at the Denver Center Theatre. This production is helmed by Dorset Theatre Festival's own Artistic Director Dina Janis.

The Whipping Man, presented with the support of Josiah Allen Real Estate and rk Miles, coincides with the 150th anniversary of our nation's Civil War and was named one of Vermont Tourism's Top Ten Civil War events for the summer.

Of The Whipping Man, director Janis says: "There are a number of exciting things about this production - the play is fantastic, audiences all over the country love it, and to be able to do it now, during the anniversary of the Civil War when people are looking back and talking about these issues of race and religion that are still so much in the public discourse, is very inspiring. And then to have an actor of Brian's caliber to render this beautiful, important character - it's very exciting for the Festival and the community."

The Whipping Man runs July 11th through the 20th. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays and some Tuesdays at 8 pm, Wednesdays, Sundays and some Saturdays at 3 pm. For tickets, call 802 867 2223 or visit dorsettheatrefestival.org.