10/11 Season
KILLER JOE
Written by Tracy Letts
"Set in Dallas, Killer Joe revels in its white trash stereotypes, and gives you permission to do the same; it's pulp fiction which has it both ways, deriving humor from dirty realism. It's slick, it's well constructed, it knows exactly where it's going." New York Daily News
This exciting first play by the author of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY premiered at Chicagos' Steppenwolf before going on to acclaimed productions in London and New York. Hired by the dissolute Smith family to murder the matriarch for insurance money, "Killer Joe" takes the daughter to bed as a retainer against his final payoff. Don’t miss this trailer trash black comedy that was the Off-Broadway smash mega-hit!
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| Location: | Historic Hoover Theater 1635 Park Avenue San José , CA 95126 All performances begin at 8pm except Sunday. Sunday performances begin at 7pm. |
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| Ticket Info: | Season Subscriptions go on sale March 1st |
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09/10 Season
BUG
Written by Tracy Letts
Directed by Susannah Greenwood
"BUG is a psychological thriller that will have you picking your brain long after you leave the theater." Emily Grube, Metro (9/23/2009)
"Bug was itch-errific...a well thought-out production..." Kereli on Artsopolis (9/23/2009)
"I've been passionately moved by theater to tears, laughter, etc., but I have never had as visceral of a response as I did to this show...The Renegades handled this material with such abandon, bravery, soul, and insight that I found myself mentally trapped in this seedy little hotel room that serves as the bleak backdrop for the story...It as a well executed piece of theater that will provide hours of philosophical fodder. Well Done Renegades!" Jacqui H.F. on Artsopolis (9/21/2009)
"...RTE never fails to surprise me with the talent and set designs...I would definitely recommend you take the time and see this play. You'll be "itching" to see more..." Mountain Mama on Artsopolis (9/18/2009)
"In my fouth year as a season subscriber, Bug is among the best productions I've ever seen at RTE. The quality of the acting is very good...Great job everyone!..." Matthew Simis on Artsopolis (9/16/2009)
"Nestled into a comfortable seat in the Historic Hoover Theatre, waiting for Renegade Theatre Experiment's rendition of the psychological drama, Bug, I wondered if I had made a mistake in driving 200+ miles from Truckee for a "little dose" of culture...Tony award winning playwright, Tracy Letts cleverly crafted words were brought to life by a cast of 5 with well rehearsed timing that artfully conveyed a believable story...I would highly recommend Bug and driving 400+ miles(rtrip) with 4-year-old twin boys in the backseat was worth the effort." Linda Macomber on Artsopolis (9/16/2009)
"Sex, nudity, violence, drugs, profanity
and paranoia all rolled up into one
evening's performance is quite a big
bang for one's buck.
I thoroughly enjoyed the play from beginning to end. I highly recommend it
for anyone not shy to mature content and who can resist the urge to scratch
themselves during the last thirty
minutes of the show..." Michael G. Barnaba on Artsopolis (9/14/2009)
From the brilliant mind of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright, Tracy Letts, comes this gritty, psychological drama. Set in a seedy Oklahoma City motel room, the play centers on the meeting between Agnes, a divorced waitress with a fondness for cocaine and isolation, and Peter, a soft-spoken Gulf War drifter introduced to her by her lesbian friend, R.C. Agnes stays at a hotel in hopes of avoiding her physically abusive ex-husband, Jerry, who was just released from prison. At first, she lets Peter sleep platonically on her floor, but not long after she promotes him to the bed. Matters become more complicated as Jerry eagerly returns to the woman he loves to beat her up, expecting to resume their relationship. On top of that, there's a hidden bug infestation problem that has both Agnes and Peter dealing with scathing welts and festering sores-which has Peter believing this is the result of experiments conducted on him during his stay at an army hospital. Their fears soon escalate to paranoia, conspiracy theories and twisted psychological motives.
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The Shape of things
Written by Neil LaBute
Directed by
Kathleen Normington
"Renegade Theatre Experiment's new production is driven by four excellent performances, which not only nail LaBute's ambitious agenda but even tweak the characters to the extent that those who've previously seen the film or the play must check out what's been done with it here." Steve Palopoli, Metro
"It was very easy to feel as if you were witnessing real conversations in many ways...this is a genuinely well written and naturally performed piece. A great introduction to Renegade's high quality." Susannah on Artsopolis (11/9/2009)
"Although The Shape of Things is a twisted love story, Kathleen Normington presents the play in a hilarious fashion and the play is something any viewer can relate to. I highly recommend this play for anyone. The Shape of Things is very enjoyable and is a good performance. This play will excite and shock you, but after watching this play, one must ask himself/herself, what would I do for love?" Jesse Hsiao on Artsopolis (11/8/2009)
A startling dissection of cruelty and artistic creation from the writer of IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, THE WICKER MAN, and FAT PIG.
In a modern version of Adam's seduction by Eve, THE SHAPE OF THINGS pits gentle, awkward, Adam against experienced, analytical Evelyn. After a chance meeting at a museum, Evelyn and Adam embark on an intense relationship that causes shy and principled Adam to go to extraordinary lengths to improve himself. In the process, Evelyn's subtle and insistent coaching results in a reconstruction of Adam's fundamental moral character. Only in a final and shocking revelation do we learn the truth behind their romance. Labute's latest work is an intense and disturbing study not only of the uses of power within human relationships, but also of the ethics involved in the relationship of art and life. THE SHAPE OF THINGS challenges society's most deeply entrenched ideas about art, manipulation, and love.
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RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
WORLD PREMIERE
Written by Lia Romeo
Directed by Aldo Billingslea
"...a wonderful circus of twists, turns and unexpected relationships...a gritty and grinning exploration of false love, superficial relationships, materialism, adultery and bad bloody Marys." Gary Singh, Metro (1/27/2010)
"This is one of the funniest plays I've seen in a long time! We were on vacation in SJ and stumbled onto the Renegade Experimental Theater doing a premier of a young playwright from the east coast, Lia Romeo. The dialogue is smart and quick, and the story quite unexpected. Total enjoyment, and a great evening's entertainment. We highly recommend it." Kay Williams on Artsopolis (1/29/2010)
"I found the play outrageous and funny at the same time. I laughed, I enjoyed. The actors were laudatory. This is certainly a credit to the RTE. Go see it!!! " David Eisbach on Artsopolis (1/29/2010)
"An interesting look at love, romance, marriage, and what it really takes to be happy....Excellent technical elements including fantastic costuming, props, and set, really showed off the actors who in turn showed off the writing. A nice collaborative ensemble effort worthy of Renegade's high standard for presenting an "alternative voice"..." Susannah on Artsopolis (1/25/2010)
"...Absolutely fascinating play, the ultimate comment on the craziness of our media infused psyche, well written and wonderfully performed...I have now seen this production twice and will see it again this weekend! And I am looking forward to more great things coming from play write Lia Romeo!" SP on Artsopolis (1/24/2010)
"I greatly enjoyed RTE's production of Right Place, Right Time. The show is wonderfully written and the quirky characters are played perfectly by the talented cast. We were treated to a non-stop stream of fast and funny dialog and an ending that will keep you thinking about the show for quite a while. Highly resommended!" IBBillyJ on Artsopolis (1/24/2010)
Richard Lamparsky finds himself hitting rock bottom. His wife left him, he’s a failed romance novelist, and he just turned 40. In a moment of pure desperation, he begs his wife to meet him at an upscale hotel bar, only to get stood up.
As he wallows in misery and things look bleakest, a wealthy woman walks into his life and he wins life's lottery. She needs a stand-in groom and, in a flash, he is on top of the world!
But the top of the world comes with a price. Can he hold onto his good fortune without losing himself? Find out in this mordant comedy from the heart of our materialistic society.
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