Theatre is Dead and So Are You is an irreverent funeral for the stage. Read the obituary. A ragtag bunch of variety hacks are laying their sometimes beloved MC to rest, performing his funeral live, travelling from city to city, until such time as his body is too decomposed to make the proceedings pleasant. Their “eulogies” are performed à la classic variety, with slapstick, melodrama, song & dance, and feats of illusion and mentalism, each taking its own deadly turn as they celebrate the life and death of their dearly departed dead dead dead friend. Even in their joyous performance, a spectre looms as each knows they’ve all been exposed to the fatal disease that killed their MC: Life. Watch these seasoned has-beens kill theatre, live before your very eyes.
Written by Kiran Rikhye
Directed by Jon Stancato
Dramaturgy & Music Direction by Emily Otto
Set & Lighting Design by David Bengali
Coffin Design by Daniel Green
Costume Design by Julie B. Schworm
Stage Management & Props by Aviva Meyer
Make-up Design by Cat*
Postcard by Carrie Leonard & Aviva Meyer
Additional Design and Construction by Noah Schultz & Rainbow Dickerson
Music Management by Raphael Biran
Weapons Consultation by Mike Yahn
Production Assistance by Margot Connolly
Featuring David Bengali, David Berent*, Julie Coe, Rainbow Dickerson*, Tommy Dickie, Liza Wade Green, Noah Schultz, David Skeist, & Alexia Vernon
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
Musicians Raphael Biran, Emily Otto, G. Doug Pierson, & Beth Price