Hurlyburly
Hurlyburly
February 14 - March 1, 2014
by David Rabe
Set in the cocaine-and-sex infused Hollywood Hills of the mid-1980s, HURLYBURLY is a chilling comedy focusing on compelling characters caught in a world of parties, backbiting, lies, and self-obsession in the decade of decadence. But a string of encounters with destiny convinces one of them to dig beneath the surface to discover his soul.
Reviews
“A powerful revival! Variations Theatre Group is one of the very best off off Broadway companies around. Terrific! This is a well-directed and well-performed powerful, gritty play, depicting the levels of depravity to which men (and women) may descend. Not to be missed!”
— A Seat on the Aisle
“Entertaining, unexpected and masterful! Immersive theatre! The protagonist – Eddie – is played by the superbly talented Kirk Gostkowski. He would not be able to achieve his outstanding performance without the support of an impeccable ensemble. Rich Ferraioli’s direction is what allows these talents to shine because he uses every single inch of the stunning set to keep his actors always on the move. Ferraioli has choreographed a piece that flows with energy and clarity and, impossibly, considers every sightline to ensure full audience engagement. This show at The Chain Theatre has not a single weak link!”
— The Public Reviews
“The cast lives up to the demands of the script: Kirk Gostkowski’s Eddie lies at the center of this (sometimes self-inflicted) maelstrom, and often holds back with a dead-eyed coolness that erupts into concentric circles of furious self-absorption; his energy does not flag, and he does the heavy lifting of the piece with eager aplomb!”
— New York Theatre Experience
“Wonderful! The costumes, lighting, props and music are all period specific, and help create an absolute immersive experience into the narcissistic, neutron bomb-fearing, drug-hazed melee that was the mid-1980s. The almost constant consumption of weed, dope and booze is literally right in your face, to the point that you almost get a contact high. Kirk Gostkowski as Eddie, Deven Anderson as Mickey, Brandon Scott Hughes as Phil, and Chris Harcum as Artie, do admirable jobs breathing life into their characters. Each actor finds balance between the vulnerability and the rage that motivates his character.”
— Theatre Is Easy
“First rate ensemble!”
— Theater Pizzazz
“Kirk Gostkowski is well-cast as Eddie, for while likable, he’s not afraid to embrace the awfulness of Eddie either. Deven Anderson is also a standout as Mickey, smooth and cold, with impeccable timing. Christina Elise Perry, Rachel Cora and Jacklyn Collier do strong work.”
— A Work Unfinishing
“Eddie is played by a delightfully manic yet not-over-the-top Kirk Gostkowski. Gostkowski delivers a realistic performance that captures the essence of Eddie’s personal crisis with all its highs and lows. Eddie is confused, angry, hurt and depressed — sometimes all at once — and Gostkowski makes it all very believable. Brandon Scott Hughes also brings a sense of desperate urgency to lost soul Phil.”
— Times Ledger
“The production does a wonderful job capturing the caustic and bombastic feel of the 1980s and nights fueled by drugs and alcohol.”
— Queens Tribune
“Those who have never seen this work done on stage should consider going the ‘extra mile’ to Long Island City and catching this rarely revived play. Playing the central character Eddie, Kirk Gostkowski delivers the right mix of callousness and vulnerability, blending each in equal proportion. R. Allen Babcock’s set and lighting convey the appropriate seediness of the digs nestled in Hollywood Hills. David Rabe’s play, set in a house in the Hollywood Hills ‘a little while ago’ is pertinent to today’s headlines. And it still speaks to the heart.”
— TheaterScene.net
Director: Rich Ferraioli
Associated Director: Greg Chicchino
Production Design: R. Allen Babcock
Costume Design: Samantha Newby
Sound Design: Gregory Russ
Stage Manager: Garrett Guilbeau
Starring
Eddie: Kirk Gostkowski
Micky: Deven Anderson
Phil: Brandon Scott Hughes
Artie: Chris Harcum*
Darline: Christina Elise Perry*
Bonnie: Jacklyn Collier*
Donna: Rachel Cora*
*Actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association