Anthony Cochrane

A few seasons ago, Paper Mill decided to produce Agatha Christies' Murder on the Orient Express.  We were so excited about the play and knew that our audiences would love it, but once we entered the audition phase we found we had a huge problem. Casting the iconic role of "Hercule Poirot" was turning out to be a near impossible task.  We had seen many actors who spent time with us in the audition room and had a good command of the language but lacked a certain combination of mystery, intelligence and dry humor required to succeed in this part.  When Tony walked in and began to read the scenes for us, we were all immediately engaged in a way we had not experienced until that moment.  We knew instantly that we wanted him to be a part of this production and soon had an offer out to him, and he confirmed.  The choice of Tony for the role was absolutely the right one, not only because of his talent, but because of the other parts of himself that he brought to the process.  Tony was a wonderful company leader; completely dedicated to the work, serious in his handling of the material, and an exciting actor to be around. The show is an ensemble piece, but for the person playing the role of "Poirot" it is in reality more like a two-hour monologue with supporting commentary and action provided by the other characters in the show. It can be very daunting to even the most accomplished performer, but you would never have known that if you had had the opportunity to watch Tony inhabit this role. He literally became the character and the deft way he guided the audience, and those other actors on stage with him, through the journey of the plot was inspiring.  Tony is a director's dream; open to collaboration, appreciative of notes and adjustments, always ready to work, and his humility is one of his greatest, and most admirable, strengths. I am so excited for him to bring his unique talent to the Lunt Fontanne Fellowship program.

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Mark Hoebee

Producing Artistic Director

Paper Mill Playhouse