THE TRADEGY OF MARIA MACABRE
The Tragedy of Maria Macabre is a carnival of horrors that begins at the end of the life of our twisted heroine, Ms. Macabre. Arriving in the land of the dead, Maria Macabre is greeted by the King and the Queen of the Dead, and many other ghoulish Hades-Dwellers including a maniacal Ringmistress, a Beauty Queen burnt to a crisp, a menacing Pierot Clown, and three skeletal Mariachis.
Starring: Abigail Hawk, Elizabeth Stewart, Michael Porsche, Eric Schmalanberger, Megan O’Connor, Danielle Marie Fusco, Freddy Mancilla, Preston Burger, and Brian Rubiano.
The Tragedy of Maria Macabre is written, directed, choreographed and costume and wig design by Rachel Klein. Featuring sound design and editing by Sean Gill, make-up design by Anita Rundles, costume construction by Rachel Klein, Megan O’Connor, and Stacy Malliet, and additional choreography devised by the ensemble.
Featuring original composition by Borut Krzisnik.
The Tragedy of Maria Macabre is an ongoing work in progress that has had excerpts featured at La MaMa, the Kitchen, and the 3rd Ward. This work was created in part through The Field’s Emerging Artist Residency program, supported by the Tides Foundation.
Click HERE for THE TRAGEDY OF MARIA MACABRE photos.
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PRINCES OF DARKNESS
Your host for the evening is Lucifer, a creature of oily charm and devilish plans. Follow him on a journey through a shadowy dungeon full of sultry glamour as he weaves together the stories of Hamlet, Oedipus, and Dracula; PRINCES OF DARKNESS. Satan's question is, "If God is so great, why is the world such a mess?" He proposes an unusual and extreme remedy for the problem.
PRINCES OF DARKNESS is Written & Performed by Bill Connington (ZOMBIE), and Directed & Choreographed by Rachel Klein with Sound Design & Music by Sean Gill, and Lighting Design by Kia Rogers. Stage Managed by Naomi Anhorn.
Presented by Razors Edge Productions as part of The Dream Up Festival at Theater for the New City, Princes of Darkness will play Sunday, August 8 through August 14, 2010.
Click HERE for THE PRINCES OF DARKNESS photos.
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LIZARDMAN!
A new musical with music by David Mallamud and lyrics by Michael L. Cooper.
Directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein. Musical Direction by Christopher D. Littlefield
Assistant director, lighting and prop design by Megan O’Connor. Costume and makeup design by Rachel Klein.
Audio mixing by Josh Hobbs.
Starring: Sarah Mugavero, Eric Moore, Mimi Ferraro, Marshal Kennedy Corolan, Amy Linden, Cruz Candelario, Jessie Nelson, and Richard Todd Adams as Lizardman!
April of 2010
Click HERE for LIZARDMAN! photos.
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STAGE BLOOD IS NEVER ENOUGH
Stage Blood is Never Enough is a theater spectacle paying tribute to the horror films of the 1980's, integrating the talents of actors, dancers, clowns, and burlesque artists into a cohesive evening of creepy comedy and eccentric tragedy.
Stage Blood is Never Enough featured work inspired by every Zany 80’s horror film ranging from the A list’s Nightmare on Elm Street and Sleepaway Camp to Frankenhooker and Killer Clowns from Outter Space.
Featuring works by Sean Gill, Libby Emmons, and Rachel Klein.
Directed by Rachel Klein, Sean Gill, Jillaine Gill, and Joe Stipek.
Costume Design by Rachel Klein. Makeup Design by Anita Rundles. Sound Design by Sean Gill. Stage Manager Marina Steinberg.
Performed by Veronica Vroom!, Jillaine Gill, Sean Gill, Elizabeth Stewart, Michael Porsche, Brian Rubiano, Preston Burger, Michele Cavallero, , Megan O’Connor, Kari Warchock, the Luvely Rae, Kristen Lee, Danielle Marie Fusco, Joe Stipek, Freddy Mancilla, Abigail Hawk, Dana Perry, Robyn Neilsen, Beau Allulli, Rob Richardson, Josh Hyman, and Sapphire Jones.
Stage Blood is Never Enough performed at the Duplex In October of 2009, with excerpts from the show featured in various other venues.
Click HERE for STAGE BLOOD IS NEVER ENOUGH photos.
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HOUND
A twisted re-imaging of the Sherlock Mythos -- A detective has returned from the dead. An American becomes the heir of an estate after a mysterious death in the family. Sherlock Holmes’ faithful sidekick, a grieving widower, risks his very soul to find and battle the legendary creature that he believes can reunite him with his wife. Presented on a stark, empty stage with costumes and props that fused elements of Victorian era England with sexy, Brectian Cabaret.
Hound performed June 17 through the 25 at the Robert Moss Theater in Manhattan as part of the very first Planet Connections Theater Festivity. Hound was a co-production of Rachel Klein Productions and HQ Rep. Written by John Patrick Bray. Directed and Choreographed by Rachel Klein.
Starring: Cavan Hallman, Ryan Knowles, Abigail Hawk, Grant Boyd, Elizabeth Stewart, Blaine Peltier, Meredith Dillard, Alyssa Schroeter, Jason Stroud, and Jack Corcoran.
Costume and Wig Design by Rachel Klein, Makeup Design by Anita Rundles, Prop Design by Teresa Maranzano. Stage Manager Teresa Maranzano. Sound Design by Sean Gill.
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GO GO KILLERS
A campy, stylized, choreographic, retro-futuristic play that depicts the New York metropolitan area ten years hence, imagining the potentially horrific outcomes of both the current economic crisis and the global warming debacle. By “2019,” the gulf between rich and poor has been so widened that anything approximating the middle class ceases to exist. Hordes of stylishly violent women, comprised of go-go dancing gang debs, roam America’s underbelly with the intent to kidnap or kill each member of a list of the nation’s wealthiest citizens. Pulp entertainment takes the stage by a dancing storm!
Performed at the Sage Theater in Times Square from May 8th through May 30th, 2009. Rachel Klein Productions in Association with Junta Juleil Theatricals, LTD. Written by Sean Gill. Directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein.
Starring: Leasen Almquist, Joe Stipek, Elizabeth Stewart, Kari Warchock, Reagan Wilson, Jillaine Gill and Kevin G. Shinnick.
Featuring: Dana Perry, Megan O’Connor, Marna Kohn, Robyn Nielsen, Michael Porsche, Don DiPaolo, Michele Cavallero, Danielle Marie Fusco, Chala Savino, Lisa Fiebert, Helen Wo, Brian Rubiano, Preston Burger, Freddy Mancilla, and Veronica Vroom!
Costume Design by Emily Dorwart, Costume Coordination by Rachel Klein and Jillaine Gill, Makeup Design by Anita Rundles, Sound Design by Sean Gill, Prop Design by Lizz Giorgos, Associate Producer Joey Nova. Stage Manager Marina Steinberg.
An Excerpt of Go-Go Killers! was featured at “Cabaret Nights” and “La MaMa Moves!” , La MaMa E.T.C.’s international dance festival.
Click HERE for GO GO KILLERS photos.
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LA ENFERMA
A Dia de los Muertos inspired movement based performance piece created, directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein that fuses elements of dance, acrobats, pantomime, and juggling.
Performed in Manhattan and Brooklyn in 2007 and 2008 at festivals and venues including Emerging Artist's Laugh Out Loud Festival, The Fish and the Lion's Cherchez La Femm, and Joey Nova's Rebel Rebel at the Annex. LA ENFERMA was adapted as a short film by collaborators Sean Gill and Rachel Klein which was screened at Stage Blood is Not Enough at the Collective Unconscious, Whhhacky Summer Smash Up Shake Down at the Kraine Theater, and Shazam! Super Hero Glam Party.
Featuring: Elizabeth Stewart, Michael Porsche, Kari Warchock, Daren Taylor, Casey Pickette, Megan O'Connor, Dasha Kittredge, and Jeff Seal.
Make Up Design by Anita Rundles.
LA ENFERMA is currently in development to become a full length theatrical production.
Click HERE for LA ENFERMA photos.
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GIVE THANKS
GIVE THANKS was a variety show benefit to raise money for the Cambodian Childrens Fund that was held on November 16th, 2008 at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO, Brooklyn. GIVE THANKS was hosted by burlesque performer and MC, The World Famous Bob and actress Dana Perry. Two Pieces of choreography by Rachel Klein, MEDUSA and SWEETER THAN WINE, were performed.
MEDUSA
A dance and pantomime re-imagining of the myth performed with human marionette sequences, fight dance choreography, and lots and lots of glitter.
Starring: Elizabeth Stewart as Medusa and Michael Porsche as Perseus.
Featuring: Megan O'Connor, Ben Forster, Robyn Nielsen, and Fara D'Aguiar.
Costumes by Emily Taradash, Wig and Make-up by Rachel Klein and Emily Taradash.
SWEETER THAN WINE
Two all-American, naive beauty queens become tainted by the alluring, stoic voice of Lou Reed. SWEETER THAN WINE is a darkly rooted, abstract compilation of singing, acting, performance art, and striptease.
Featuring: Jillaine Gill and Dana Perry.
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AENIGMA
AENIGMA is a new play written by playwright and filmmaker Sean Gill.
AENIGMA pendulates between the absurdly comic and the genuinely disturbing as two show-biz sisters must cope with a series of increasingly appalling events which eventually take a turn for the fantastic. Told with an inventive flashback structure which incorporates multiple points-of-view and even the live action staging of a videotape playback, Aenigma delights in literally and figuratively “twisted” storytelling.
AENIGMA was performed as one half of the horror double feature Something Weird…in the Red Room produced by Rachel Klein in association with Junta Juleil Theatricals, LTD. AENIGMA Performed October 7th through October 31st, 2008 at the Red Room Theater in Manhattan. AENIGMA was directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein.
Featuring: Jillaine Gill, Elizabeth Stewart, Bret Jaspers, Rob Richardson, Dasha Kittredge, Claire Sansaricq, and Christopher Loar.
Costume Design by Emily Dorwart, Makeup Design by Anita Rundles, Sounds Design by Sean Gill, Lighting Design by Lisa Soverino. Stage Manager Marina Steinberg.
Original Composition by Sean Gill and John Gill.
Click HERE for AENIGMA photos.
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SIR SHEEVER
SIR SHEEVER, written by Benjamin Spiro, is a creepy, comedic play about a demented heiress who forms her own twisted Addams Family from four department store mannequins. When an intruder unwittingly becomes her new playmate, it is only a matter of time before tea parties and temper tantrums become unbearable for the living. Meanwhile, the mannequins are a little livelier than they ought to be, and they want to play a few games of their own. There’s no telling what sinister plans might hide behind these glassy eyes. They’re the kind of dolls that you’ll want to pull to pieces.
SIR SHEEVER was performed as one half of the horror double feature Something Weird...in the Red Room, produced by Rachel Klein in association with Junta Juleil Theatricals, LTD. SIR SHEEVER Performed October 7th through October 31st, 2008 at the Red Room Theater in Manhattan. SIR SHEEVER was directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein.
Featuring: Kari Warchock, Bret Haines, Megan O'Connor, Michael Porsche, Ted Caine, Abigail Hawk, and Dasha Kittredge.
Costume Design by Rachel Klein, Makeup Design by Anita Rundles, Lighting Design by Lisa Soverino, Sound Design by Sean Gill. Stage Manager Lizz Girgos.
Click HERE for SIR SHEEVER photos.
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ALL KINDS OF SHIFTY VILLAINS
A Carnival Noir Written by Robert Attenweiler, directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein.
ALL KINDS OF SHIFTY VILLAINS follows private detective Max Quarterhorse as he winds his way through a dark and seedy underworld filled with beautiful but manipulative women, lowlife villains, vagrants, and … um, clowns… all of whom are likely plotting his doom.
Dick Tracy meets Tom Waits in this carnival noir, blending elements of circus and dance with 1930’s crime fiction.
ALL KINDS OF SHIFTY VILLAINS was performed as a co-production of Rachel Klein Productions and Disgraced Productions at the Kraine Theater from June 12th through June 28th, 2008.
Featuring: Joe Stipek, Elizabeth Stewart, Kari Warchock, Bret Haines, Nathan Williams, Michael Porsche, Rob Richardson, Christine Holt, Christopher Loar, Jonathan Levy, and Erik Dies.
Costume Design by Emily Taradash, Make-up Design by Anita Rundles, Set Design by Bret Haines, Sound Design by Rachel Klein and Robert Attenweiler, and Lighting Design by Lisa Soverino.
Click HERE for ALL KINDS OF SHIFTY VILLIANS photos.
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METRO
Created, Directed, and Choreographed by Rachel Klein. METRO is a visual journey on a crowded subway that keeps stalling. Each scene in METRO delves into the imagination, emotional state, or claustrophobic frustration of each passenger. Each character's inner state is presented with heightened performance including clown, acrobatics, ballet, and tableaux.
METRO was performed at the Bushwick Starr from March 6th through March 8th, 2008. Produced by Rachel Klein.
Featuring: Michael Porsche, Kari Warchock, Elizabeth Stewart, Ophra Wolf, Rob Lok, Carol Lee Sirugo, Kathleen Schlemmer, and Daren Taylor.
Costume Design by Emily Taradash, Lighting Design by Lisa Soverino, Sound Design by Rachel Klein and Greg Hennigan. Stage Manager, Natalie Golonka.
Original Composition by Greg Hennigan.
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THE CANTERVILLE GHOST
Adapted from the Oscar Wilde short story.
Directed and choreographed by Rachel Klein.
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is the story of a family that moves into the haunted Canterville Manor. Once confronted by the evil ghost of Lord Canterville, the family's nonchalant attitude and the children's practical jokes only devastate the poor ghost. Performed through narration, movement and circus tricks, the story is both visual and literary.
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST was performed as part of the Open Studios Festival at the Bushwick Starr in June, 2007.
Featuring: Elizabeth Stewart, Michael Porsche, Abigail Hawk, Kirsten Kollander, Dan Berkley, Gautham Prasad, and Kyle Haggerty.
Costume and Sound Design by Rachel Klein, Makeup Design by Anita Rundles.