Rocking the roles
‘Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll’ offers a one-man tour de force
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
Photos by Chris Graamans
It’s the 1980s all over again. So, strap on your seatbelt and get ready for the ride of a lifetime in “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll,” Eric Bogosian’s edgy raw comedy about life as it was, and — in many ways — still is.
Eleven characters come to life in a one man show that veteran actor Marc Maislen carries with panache. And Maislen delivers. In this riveting performance, he skillfully transitions from jaded rock star, to a hardened businessman, to a homeless man who collects bottles and cans in order to survive.
Each of Bogosian’s characters is uniquely different and raunchy. They illustrate the privileged and underserved, crafted in order to prompt a collective consciousness among audiences. Themes of hypocrisy, chauvinism, and the glaring divide between the haves and the have-nots are predominant throughout.
The Alice Silverman Main Stage provides the perfect venue for this adult comedy about, well, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Director Mary Eastman’s vision is to showcase Maislen’s talents, reveal the alcohol and drug-fueled values of the day, and provide audiences substance for serious contemplation. The results are powerful. Maislen’s acting and Eastman’s directing show that they are “all-in” with portraying the attitudes of these times and the dichotomies between then and now. As well as the similarities.
Bogosian cleverly uses the characters to define larger issues that have remained relevant.
“The characters represent archetypes that reflect the 1980s but also cross into our current state of affairs,” Eastman said. “They express themselves through humorous or tragic circumstances. There is the Doctor, who assures his patient about the side effects of the prescription he is giving him. We have all seen the commercials and the multitude of disclaimers. The philosophy of the Artist takes us squarely into the lack of privacy and brainwave changing influences of the devices we carry. Then there’s the hypocrisy of the Rock Star who is blind to his influence on youth, as well as the devastation his ‘benefit’ will bring to the indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest.”
Maislen feels Bogosian’s message about the ’80s is just as fresh today.
“The Angry Rapper, Stag Party Animal and Stud are repeated today along with the issues of homelessness, the environment and the side effects of drugs,” Maislen said. “Since these characters represent iconic societal issues, their power lies in the truth they are representing. I am stretched and thrilled to take the risk of playing these tremendously socially important people.”
The staging is clean and uncomplicated, consisting of black curtains and floor. There are a few set pieces and costume elements to amplify each character. Two overhead lights are squarely on Maislen as he seamlessly transitions with the use of his voice, movement, attitude and a few props. The audience focus is on him, which is where it should be. Maislen’s interpretation of the Stud is pure delight as he struts, gyrates and praises himself for his sexual conquests. It is physical theater at its finest.
In real life, Eastman and Maislen are married and carry their connection to the stage. Eastman said they have a terrific working relationship, as ideas merge and build on each other to create a production.
“It’s blood, sweat, tears and laughter,” she said. “It is a very rewarding process filled with treasured collaborations. This is what makes each production possible.”
This is a script for adults and a stinging, riotous reflection on American culture. Whether or not you lived in the ’80s, it will provide laughs and a sobering glimpse into a classic time.
“Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll” is presented by New Visions Arts, an organization committed to bringing the full range of arts to the community. For more information, go to www.newvisionsarts.com.
The production runs from Friday, March 24, through April 8, with performances at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday nights and 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information and tickets, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.