Angry crowds gather outside an abandoned theater as Queen Gertrude takes the stage to riff on Patti Smith and sing about her many loves and her many mistakes, while her country simmers in a volatile state of transition. As the bombs rain down and her coked-up son sells out to MTV, Gertrude hopes to incite one more riot before she goes.
Featuring Steve Coombs, Lily Holleman, James Horan, Jill Van Velzer
Musical Direction and Sound Design Rob Oriol
Scenic Design Susan Gratch
Costume Design Soojin Lee
Lighting Design Steven Young
Video Design Jason H. Thompson
Prop Design Nick Santiago
Assistant Director Courtney Harper
Casting Michael Donovan, CSA
Key Art Christopher Komuro
Publicist Aldrich & Associates
Production Stage Manager Susan Coulter
Production Photographer Ed Krieger
“Jill Van Velzer is a remarkable Gertrude…Steve Coombs is also excellent as Mama's Boy…this World Premiere is an energetic, frenzied tragedy that examines people in the throes of conflict using rock music to underscore the angst that drives the characters.” -Reviewplays.com
“Dynamically effective.” -LA Times
“Van Velzer is magnificent.” -Back Stage
“The product created by this team, as orchestrated by director Michael Michetti utilizing an impressively talented cast, takes one all sorts of places at once…Come ready for a nonstop sensory experience.” -Pasadena Star News
“True risk-taking, true creative bravado” -LA Stage
Winner of the Garland Award
Best Performance in a Musical: Jill Van Velzer
Garland Award Critics’ Lists:
Musical Score: David Hanbury
Lighting Design: Steven Young
Performance in a (Primarily) Musical Production: Steve Coombs
Performance in a (Primarily) Musical Production: Lilly Holleman
Video Design: Jason H. Thompson
Makeup Design: Leah Piehl
Music Direction: Rob Oriol
