Alpha Stage Heats Up with "Popcorn"

As you probably know, I don't like dramas...especially ones that leave you with questions and make you THINK! The Renaissance Theatre's Alpha Stage is doing just that with Popcorn by Ben Elton, a British playwright and edgy stand-up comedian. Popcorn is set in the Beverly Hills home of Oscar winning movie director, Bruce Delamitri (brilliantly played by George Kober). "Popcorn is a satirical comedy thriller with the firing capacity of a hit squad that leaves the audience with some burning questions. When notorious killers Wayne and Scout interrupt Bruce's passionate introduction to Brooke Daniels (nude model and actress), they want more than an autograph from their cinematic idol. Wayne intends to use Bruce's 'art' as justification for murder. Events are disrupted with the arrival of Karl (Bruce's producer) and Farrah Delamitri (Bruce's soon-to-be-ex-wife) with spoilt teenage daughter, Velvet."

Ben Elton has said "I don't think balanced people can be driven to be any different from what they are ... The suggestion is that those who are open to anti-social behavior may be seduced into believing it is the norm ... I feel slightly exposed here because I am putting a point I don't entirely believe." (The Daily Telegraph, July 29th 1996)

Wayne and Scout are psychopaths who are killing people without apparent reason but join in with the public's outcry that the sex and violence in Bruce's films are the cause of, well, sex and violence in society. Kevin O'Brien, as Wayne, is just a little too convincing as a madman gone wild. In fact, this is one show where I honestly thought Iwas involved in all the mayhem onstage and seriously considered running for my life! Beth Rhodes as Scout seems almost as demented as Wayne and both actors pull off their parts naturally and without any abandon. It's a little scary and uncomfortable to watch especially when they are called "poor dumb white trash" and react violently without hesitation. It reminds me a lot of Bonnie & Clyde.

Ashley Hendricks is the perfect "nude model/actress." Rosalee Martin is making her debut onstage as Velvet, the Delamitri's daughter. The rest of the cast includes Mel White, Criss Ashwell, Jon Christopher Tillman, Casey Hollingsworth, and Alex Coma. Jon Tillman and Criss Ashwell directed this spine-tingling thriller and Rodney Pruitt worked on Sound and Lights. There is adult situations, smoking, violence, shouting, phones ringing, doorbells buzzing, loose women, guns with loud noises, yelling, blood, very bad words, trains going by, and mayhem in this production--beware! If you dare to go, I think you'll leave with a message about violence, responsibility, today's society and what we watch on TV and in the movies.

Performance dates:
Fridays and Saturdays, October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinee on October 24 at 5 p.m

All seats $14.00
Get tickets to Popcorn by calling 256-536-3117 from Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, or or by emailing Criss@renaissancetheatre.net.
Renaissance Theatre
1216B Meridian Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-536-3117
256-536-3434.

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