The press release reads CHERRY RED PRODUCTIONS TO CLOSE FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER, AFTER ONE FINAL NIGHT OF DEBAUCHERY!
And on that one final night, August 27th, DC’s smut-loving theatre company bows out after performing two shows based on – what else? – the dirtiest joke of all time, The Aristocrats. (If you don’t already know it and don’t believe us, you can hear it – South Park style – on YouTube.)
Founded in 1995 by Ian Allen and Chris Griffin, Cherry Red Productions has served up numerous raunchy, silly hits including Cannibal Cheerleaders on Crack, Angel Shit, and Poona the Fuckdog and Other Plays for Children. Other productions like Killer Joe, “Kenneth, What Is the Frequency?” and Hellcab showcased the company’s darker, more thoughtful side.
They’ve also produced two feature films, 2005’s “Trapped by the Mormons”, and last year’s “Snuff.mov.” Some may remember Cherry Red best for its community-based endeavors like the groundbreaking Vaudeville Night, sold-out Halloween Freak House, and annual Day-Old Plays event, which drew talented artists from every corner of DC’s thriving scene.
The Aristocrats hopes to put a big, sleazy, happy, naked slimy Cherry Red cherry atop that tradition. Cherry Red warns: “This show will be a big mess. We’ll try to keep it on the stage, but, just in case… Please dress appropriately. Cherry Red Productions will not be responsible for anyone’s dry cleaning.”
The Aristocrats stars B. Stanley (voice), Johnny Kat (agent, 8:30), Christopher Henley (agent, 11:00), Tony Greenberg (man), Yasmin Tuazon (woman), Joe Pindelski (boy), Judith Baicich (girl), Melissa Douglass Bustamante (dog). Many more folks, in supporting roles, will be announced in early August.
Written and directed by Ian Allen and Kate Debelack. Costumes by Rhonda Key. Set by Kim Deane. Sound by Paul Vodra. Lights by David C. Ghatan. Stage Management by Jason Milner. Producers Jennifer Ambrosino, Judith Baicich, Chris Griffin, Monique LaForce, Bridget O’Leary, Christopher McKenzie, and Rabbi Weiss.
Artistic Director Ian Allen said, “It seems only fair that our farewell event should be at the Warehouse Theater, where we’ve performed for years, and that the proceeds should benefit the DC Arts Center, an organization that nursed us through our early years, and which continues to lend its support to any group of idiots that might, as we did those many sixteen years ago, manage to come up with a couple bucks and a wild idea for a show.”
As to why Cherry Red is choosing to leave us – “Ian’s pretty tight lipped about that,” Cherry Red company member Esther said when we asked. But I’m assured they aren’t bowing to Tea Party pressure.
In case you didn’t read this carefully, and were thinking of bringing the kiddees, don’t. This is for grownups who are 18 and up.
Cherry Red’s The Aristocracts performs Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at 8″30pm and 11pm at Warehouse Theater, 645 New York Ave, NW, (around the corner from its old entrance on 7th Street), Washington , DC.
More details here
Ticket: $25 – $35
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