9.8 /10 1 Votes
Original language English Composer Erik T. Lawson | 4.9/5 Facebook First performance 18 September 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Written by Markus Potter & David Holthouse Place premiered North Carolina Stage Company Characters Nancy Holthouse, Robert Holthouse, Molly Playwrights David Holthouse, Markus Potter Similar I’m Gonna Pray for You So H, My Manana Comes, Josephine And I, You Can't Take It with You, The Village Bike | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stalking the bogeyman by markus potter and david holthouse
Stalking the Bogeyman is an American play by Markus Potter and David Holthouse with additional writing by Shane Zeigler, Shane Stokes & Santino Fontana. It is based upon David Holthouse's Westword newspaper article, where Holthouse wrote about how he had once planned to kill his childhood rapist. Potter chose to adapt the play after listening to Holthouse's story on a This American Life podcast, and the play had its world premiere at the North Carolina Stage Company in September 2013. An off-Broadway production ran September 29, 2014 - November 9, 2014 at New World Stages. A new production of the play will open in London on Wednesday 11 July 2016.
Contents
Synopsis
When he was seven David Holthouse was raped by a 17-year-old acquaintance that he knew through friends of his parents. The teenager threatened to kill him if he did not comply with his wishes and after he was finished, David was threatened with violence if he did not keep quiet. Twenty five years later, David can no longer remain silent, when he learns that the man who destroyed his childhood has moved into his new neighborhood. With key ties to the leader of an Arizona gang and other illicit connections, David meticulously plans the murder of the Bogeyman.
Productions
Off-Broadway
The Off-Broadway production was Directed by Markus Potter. The production included scenic design by David Goldstein, Costume Design by Tristan Raines, Lighting Design by Cory Pattak, and Original Music and Sound Design by Erik T. Lawson. The cast included Murphy Guyer, Roxanne Hart, Erik Heger, John Herrera, Roderick Hill, and Kate Levy.
Off-West End of London
Stalking The Bogeyman opened at Southwark Playhouse Theatre, London on 13 July, running to 6 August 2016. The production, again directed by Markus Potter, features Gerard McCarty and Glynis Barber. Set & costume design is by Rachel Stone, lighting design by Rob Casey, original music by Eric T. Lawson, sound design by David Gregory and Casting by Anne Vosser. It is produced by David Adkin and NewYorkRep in association with Joel Fisher, Adam Richman and The Telling Company.
Cast
*In the Off-West End Production, the character of Dr Leavitt was replaced with the character of Molly.
Reviews & Critical Response
North Carolina
Critical reception for the North Carolina performance was positive and the Citizen-Times praised the play's cast.
Off-Broadway
“BREATHTAKING! Based on the riveting true story adapted from This American Life, the production’s trip to the stage has only deepened it.”
- The New York Times
“DON’T MISS Stalking the Bogeyman. A dynamic play of sobering substance. Well-written and sensitively acted. Potent stuff that never soft soaps the issues and leaves you stunned. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
- Rex Reed, New York Observer
“One of the most powerful and gripping pieces of theatre you will find anywhere in New York. RUN & SEE IT! Given the subject matter and thought-‐provoking performances, STALKING THE BOGEYMAN is going to engage you well beyond the final blackout. This isn’t an easy play to forget.”
‐ BroadwayBox.com
“Potter’s stark, unforgiving staging and matter-‐of-‐fact design.”
‐ Talkin’ Broadway
“The successful dramatization owes as much to Markus Potter’s effective narrative structure as to its thoughtful staging, design and excellent ensemble.”
‐ The Broadway Blog
“Careful and cogent direction by Markus Potter.”
‐ Huffington Post
“Markus Potter has created a production that is impeccable in its stagecraft.”
‐ New York Theater
“A shattering true story – and as adapted and directed by Markus Potter the effect is viscerally powerful.”
‐ Northern Valley Suburbanite / NJ.com
“Consistently precise blocking, effective narrative structure, and thoughtful staging from Markus Potter.”
‐ The Broadway Blog
“This is a fascinating study of human understanding, compassion, and grace. Issues of sexual molestation and abuse have long been topics for movies of the week and television crime dramas, but watching this story unfold on stage brings a visceral permanence to an awkward and uncomfortable topic. Kudos to adaptor and director Markus Potter for handling such a delicate matter with dramatic strength and truth."
‐ Manhattan Digest
“Good theater boils down to one thing: a great story, told well. STALKING THE BOGEYMAN adapted and directed by Markus Potter is a gripping tale based on the true story of David Holthouse.”
‐ Broadway.com
“A successful dramatization with effective narrative, thoughtful staging, and excellent ensemble.”
‐ The Broadway Blog
“Brave storytelling of a delicate subject – something you don’t see often in the theatrical world. Each second of this new play directed by Markus Potter is an exciting revelation.”
‐ NY Theater Now
“A fast-‐paced powerful new play directed by Markus Potter that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a play I will think above for a long time.”
‐ David Lally, NY Theater Now
“Nakedly honest. Stalking the Bogeyman stands on its own engaging integrity even before you add in that it’s based on a true story. It’s something for everyone to explore – and they will proceed to process it in their minds for a long time.”
‐ Metro
“Could not be better! A highly important play that demands to be seen.”
‐ Northern Valley Suburbanite / NJ.com
“Important theater does more than entertain, and some stories, like this one left me breathless. ..Intimate, Deeply Compelling, & Powerful.”
‐ Flavorpill