The Fourth Walsh

Jackalope Theatre presents the World Premiere of ANDY WARHOL PRESENTS: THE COCAINE PLAY.

Andy Warhol is stuck. He spends days staring at a blank canvas unmoved while his lover Michael paints nonstop. When Marilyn Monroe wanders into the restaurant he works at, he asks to paint her. She says no. He does it anyway. He creates the iconic  Marilyn Diptych that launches him into iconic status and immortalizes Marilyn for eternity. The inspiration is a blessing and a curse. Although Andy now has fame and fortune, he also has Marilyn in his basement haunting him.     

‘100% Fake Story about 100% Real People’ is the tagline for this total original play written and directed by Terry Guest. It’s about four artists: Andy, Marilyn, Michael and Edie. Andy wants to create. Marilyn wants to reinvent. Michael wants to express. Edie wants to thrive. As each grapples with how to make it happen over a few bumps, Andy’s career takes off seemingly with little to no effort on his part. Guest reimagines the impetus to Warhol’s notoriety and the probable resentment from his muse, his lover and his friend.

Guest’s script is sharp, clever and profound. And under his masterful direction, Guest’s ensemble is picture perfect! In the title role, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II (Warhol) dons the signature white, unkempt hair and becomes the frustrated painter, the playful lover, the aloof celeb and the tortured artist. Rose delivers an intimate peek into the complex nature of a nobody turned somebody. He delivers Warhol’s internal anguish and external detachment with vulnerability, style and wit.

The bane and triumph of Warhol’s existence is the vivacious Alexis Ward (Marilyn). Ward skillfully portrays both sides of a megastar; the sexpot public persona and the serious actress trying to break thru. A crazed David Dowd (Michael) plays the obsessive painter chasing his dream to make it. And the fierce Jazzy Rush (Edie) works to transform her career by continually coloring her hair. Rush hilariously reacts with multiple emotional outbursts to situations. Her ability to immediately shift from one feeling to another makes for comedy gold.

Since this is a show about creative expression, the design team are featured prominently. Composer and Sound Designer Ethan Korvne sets the 1960s vibe for coke and exploration. Korvne’s music stylings provide mood music for Warhol’s party culture world. Upon arrival, the audience becomes mesmerized by the oversized head of Rose as Warhol. Scenic and Show Curtain Designer Sydney Lynne utilizes a range of artistic flair to represent the era; black and white graffiti, bright mod flowers, and shimmering disco-era spectacle. Costume Designer Maddy Shows and Wigs Designer Ayanna Bria Bakari add to the visual storytelling especially with Rush’s evolving wardrobe choices. Dazzling!      

ANDY WARHOL PRESENTS: THE COCAINE PLAY is riding high with substance. Believe the buzz! The champagne and powder lifestyle is entertaining. The journey through obsession, possession and desperation is thought-provoking. Guest takes us on an unforgettable bender in this re-imagined Warhol memoir.   

Running Time: 2 hours and fifteen minutes includes two intermissions

At Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway

Written and Directed by Terry Guest

Performances are:

Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm

Sundays at 2pm

Thru July 6

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Joel Maisonet/Maisonet Photography

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