Likeness by David Caudle

SYNOPSIS:
Colonial Massachusetts, 1765: A wealthy landowner hires a highly idealistic young artist to paint a highly idealized portrait of his daughter for the purposes of enticing a titled British nobleman into marriage. Though adverse to the idea of telling a lie with his brush, the artist is lured by the promise of money and career advancement. Neither man takes into account the ego of the painting's subject. She loathes the idealized preliminary sketch and refuses to cooperate any further. Piqued by her attacks on his talents, the artist likewise refuses to paint her. Her tyrannical father, determined to have his way, locks his daughter and the artist together in a room until the painting may be completed to his satisfaction.

The unwilling artist and his unwilling subject must find their common ground-- their 'like-ness'�-- in order to create a portrait that, despite showing more imperfections than Mr. Westerley wishes, yet endows the girl's image with the irresistible beauty of truth and understanding.

Character Breakdown: (in order of appearance)

EDMUND FARRADAY, 24; An idealistic young artist. He combines the gawkiness of youth with a highly sophisticated verbal eloquence.

MARCUS, 17; Farraday's eager apprentice.

MR. WESTERLEY, 50. A wealthy, tyrannical landowner.

MISS PRESTON, 40s. The reserved governess, Act One only. Doubles as A BRITISH SOLDIER. Non-speaking, Act Two only.

MISS WESTERLEY, 16. Mr. Westerley's apparently vain and spoiled only child.

MRS. MAPES, late 50s. Mr. Westerley's saucy 'niece.'�