The Bakersfield Voice

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Boom Boom Poster~.pdf

PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND RACISIM AT THE CORE OF CONTROVERSIAL ADULT DRAMA AT BCT PLAYHOUSE
Playwright David Rabe’s surreal drama, In the Boom Boom Room, focuses on the affects of sexual abuse and family violence on the psyche, relationships and fate of a go-go dancer struggling for self survival in the mid 1960’s.
The Tony Award nominated play is set in the mean streets Philadelphia. It is here, in a go-go dance bar, where dancer Chrissy becomes involved with an assortment of dysfunctional and sordid characters that negatively impact the life of this naïve and confused young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
The play received its first commercial production at Lincoln Center in New York City where it was nominated for a Tony Award.  Newsweek Magazine, described the play as a portrayal of “Compassion for anguished people leavened by a black wit and a powerful sense of the surreal nature of modern life.”  The theatre critic for WINS News Radio in New York hailed the drama as “A superior play. Perhaps a masterpiece.” “It’s full of dramatic fury,” said the N.Y. Times.
Boom Boom Room’s director, Ron Bastone, is directing this piece for the second time, having previously produced and directed the play at Hollywood Actors Theatre in Los Angeles, where it was selected one of the top ten Equity-waiver productions of 1982.
Director Bastone, who later went on to spend 11 years in the field of Social Work says, “the themes and issues addressed in the play are timeless. As a former Social Worker, I have personally witnessed the painful effects of child abuse, domestic violence and learned racism on the human spirit and how they guide and impact social and intimate relationships and behavior.”   The plays central character is a casualty of all the above.
The ensemble cast of eleven players features, Brittany Turner, Richard Newman III, Alex Mayes, Michael Pawloski, Diana Harvey and Julie Jordan-Scott in key and pivotal roles.  Music and go-go dancing of the mid sixties is also featured throughout the production.  Due to adult language and situations the play is recommended for adult audiences. 
“In the Boom Boom Room” opens November 7th and will Run through November 23rd at BCT Playhouse, 2400 S. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA. Performances are Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8 PM with two Sunday Matinees at 2 PM, November 16th and 23rd. For Tickets and Reservations call BCT Playhouse at 831-8114 or ValliTix at 322-5200.

Photos: Go-Go Girls (L. to R.) Sarah Garrett, Marlene Hall, Crystal Mann

Alex Mayes (L) and Brittany Turner (R)Turbulen Lovers in Boom Boom Room

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