One thing that Rogue Artists Ensemble consistently does is to surprise their audience with extraordinary ideas. "Schlitzie: Alive and Inside" by Eric Fagundes is no exception.
Director Nikki DiLoreto has gathered an interesting ensemble cast and found a home.. briefly, for now.. at the beautiful Heritage Square nestled just off The Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka the Pasadena Freeway).
The unique style of Rogue Ensemble turns on developing ideas and then finding unique settings for each production. It's not your sit down in a numbered seat and wait for the house lights to dim situation. It's immersive and .. to me.. what theatre needs to advance as an art form.
1n 1932 MGM released Tod Browning's "Freaks". A bizarre story of unusual talents that traveled, ovent with Circuses and Carnivals in the early 20th Century Bowning used actual side show performers in his quirky film that included the real life Schlitzie,. Schlitzie was a microcephalic man, who found a home in the Side Show, supported by kind colleagues with whom he bonds,.
Schlitzie is always ready to do 'his act." ..
Rogue Artists has re-created the atosphere and style of the early 20th Century that will pique the memories of folks who may recall the "Step Right Up Ladies and Gents! See the Side Show. It's a trip.
The beautiful old church at the far end of Heritage Square features a huge vaulted sanctuary which may be the culprit leading to issues with understanding some of dialogue. Ideally, the pace will pick up as the show gets on its feet. It's a work in progress.
. The physical business of movements, especially the two dedicated puppeteers who bring to life the Schlitzie character, are challenged with long crosses from time to time.
To quote a friend, the story of the journey of this kind and loveable character is "sweet", effortlessly evoking the empathy we have for him.
It's a short run at Heritage Square, but for experimental theatre lovers, this is a must see experience. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a cushion to sit on if .. like me. you have a tender tush.
The dedicated ensemble cast includes Carlos Chavez, Patricia Ann Eyerman, James Ian, Tane Kawasaki, Ishika Muchhal, Madeleine Shallan, Mak Shealy, and Mark McLain Wilson.
The artistic team includes Stephanie O’Neill (Producing Ensemble Member & Production Manager), Estela Garcia (Puppet Director), Elena Flores (Costume Designer), Dillon Nelson (Scenic Designer), Rebecca Bonebrake (Lighting Designer), M. Glenn Schuster (Sound Designer), Ellen Warkentine (Composer), Brittaney Talbot (Shadow Puppet Designer), Jacob Surovsky (Puppet Designer), and Michael Dougherty (Disability Consultant).
Schlitzie: Alive and Inside
by Eric Fagundes
Rogue Artists Ensemble
WHO:
• written by Eric Fagundes
• directed by Nikki DiLoreto
• Schlitzie: Alive and Inside is made possible in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency; the Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation; and California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• Produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble
WHEN:
• Previews: March 13-20, 2025
• Opening: March 21, 2025
• Performances through March 30, 2025
• 8pm Mondays-Saturdays, 7pm Sundays
WHERE:
Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
HOW:
• $36-$55
• Visit www.rogueartists.org/
MORE INFORMATION:
• Rogue Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rogueartists
• Rogue Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rogueartists.bsky.social
• Rogue Instagram: http://instagram.com/rogue_artists
OTHER:
Rogue Artists Ensemble creates Hyper-theater: original, immersive, multi-dimensional experiences that celebrate the complexity and diversity of Los Angeles. Collaboration, Design, Inclusivity and Access are at the core of all our work. Rogue is the only company on the west coast dedicated to the creation of original theater spectacles with puppetry, mask and physical performance telling stories intended for adult audiences.
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