X's Tons Millions

Performance venue ARC up in Pasadena hosts an unusual production created by Daniel Sullivan: X's Tons Millions.

Sullivan's exploration of the effect on human beings by the war machine is highly stylized  and extremely intense. It's a trip.. "A requiem in voice, dance and sound" 

Co director Adrian A. Cruz says,, "Sullivan’s text brings together four distinct, yet isolated points of view; the bureaucratic war machine… the direct impact on the land, creatures and people… the unaffected
citizen bystander… and the irrational abstraction of the act itself. A provocative intersection from all angles, progressively bringing them closer into a haunting, impactful and sonorous question mark — one that we must all reckon with.” 

 "X's Tons Millions" is a road map to an evening of amazing dedication by the finely tuned cast.  The ARC space is one that lends itself to what these folks have meticulously cobbled together: Passion with theatrical skill and physical movement combine with a dedication that reminds me of The Living Theatre of the sixties.  Cast Member Tina Preston touts a connection to Beck and Malina who made important social commentary so long ago.

Daniel Sullivan's text and movements may be for a hip audience. There is a visceral and emotional connection with each vignette as the ensemble moves as one.. The stage pictures and sounds and lighting effects enhance each episode.

I was reminded visually of the late video artist, Bill Viola, when watching this intense presentation.. The slow motion movements are part of training as an actor to create images that . in this case.. reflect and enhance the text.

The short presentation is,   essentially, ART! The messages come as much from the physical presentation as from the text.  

I was particularly impressed with a comment from an audience member  who said that the work "came right into me."  I was less emotionally engaged and more intrigued by the theatrical aspects which were more intellectual than visceral. 

That said, recalling the dedicated physical training that was evident in work by The Company Theatre, The Open Theatre and The Living Theatre so long ago,  Sullivan's piece presents an echo of that work from days gone by.

The visceral work speaks for itself and I would guess that folks more sophisticated than I in the audience will come away with a message that is beyond my ken. 

Come to the ARC and allow the work to unfold. Don Preston on bass is worth the price of admission alone.     

X's Tons Millions has a short run.  It's strong work and deserves an audience.

 Cast: 

Augusto J. Ferriols 

Tina Preston, 

Marti Skoler, 

Lisa Vo, 

Tate Navarro, 

Jacqueline Wright

The creative team includes Lighting Designer Kathy Nolan, Live Musical accompaniment Don Preston, and Choreographer
Augusto J. Ferriols. 

Amanda Weier of Open Fist lends her expertise as Production Consultant. 

X’s Tons Millions 

written by Daniel Sullivan

Co directed by  

Roxanne Rogers 

Adrian A. Cruz

ARC Pasadena  

1158 E. Colorado Blvd  

Free parking around in back!

Pasadena, California 
Tickets are $25.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.onstage411.com
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