'Sex, Drugs' constructs one dozen lively monologues

By: Jessica Herbine

Posted: 2/27/09

On Feb. 19 Society Hill Playhouse's Red Room presented to an eager crowd - ages 18 and up on black folding chairs at red-clothed bar tables - the opening night of Eric Bogosian's philosophical, comedic, and very clever show entitled "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll." Bogosian's uniquely original act gives a whole 90 minutes to the extraordinary Greg DeCandia, whose credits include Mark/Roger in "RENT's" first national tour, and leads in "Othello," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Andrew Borthwick-Leslie, current faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania, has a method of direction that is bold and confident, resulting in an especially difficult play which calls for a single actor to take the stage with no relief from other characters - and no intermission. DeCandia's performance is constructed of a dozen monologues, separated by cued music, dimming of the lights and a small but significant costume change.

The set design of "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" consists of a window hidden by Venetian blinds, a recliner chair, a small table, and shelf overflowing with odds and ends that produce DeCandia's different outfits, varied minimally by scarves, hats, glasses or button-up Hawaiian shirts.

DeCandia does an incredible job embodying 12 different individuals; his commitment to character is spot-on, and each personality is made distinct by well-defined vocalizations and body language.

His only aid is the occasional prop - a guitar or Havana cigar - that helps to further illustrate Bogosian's characters.

These men's monologues have to do with universal struggles and personal viewpoints, such as drug addiction, fame, "the relations between men and women; man's vision of the world and future; and the self-delusion, anxiety and hatred endemic to modernity."

Yet the appeal of "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" is that it isn't heavy or oppressive by any means.

Though some serious topics are addressed, DeCandia's characters are pensive, insightful and funny.

Bogosian injects his cultural work of art with hundreds of one-liners - some hilarious, some quirky, some philosophical and all thought provoking.

Each speech is made to address a range of audiences: a rock and roll superstar is interviewed on a talk show about his history of drug use, a nerd with big glasses anxiously darts around a room debasing normalcy, and a homeless harmonica player starts off the show announcing "Here's the situation - I need your money."

Bogosian has fashioned his own original style of one-man shows, which portray social realism through monologues and the use of minimal props. Though Bogosian is best known for his play and film adaptation of "Talk Radio," when "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" was first written in 1990, it gained much positive attention. "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" also was made into a movie, directed by John McNaughton, starring Bogosian himself.

Upon the play's debut, Frank Rich of The New York Times raved, "With this brilliant show, his funniest and scariest yet, Mr. Bogosian has crossed the line that separates an exciting artist from a culture hero. What Lenny Bruce was to the 1950's, Bob Dylan to the 1960's, Woody Allen to the 1970's - that's what Eric Bogosian is to [the '90s]."

BCKSEET Productions is showing Bogosian, DeCandia and Borthwick-Leslie's collaborative tour de force through March 14 at the Society Hill Playhouse, located at 507 S. 8th St. Tickets are $21, with a number of college nights that include 2-for-1 ticket deals. Please visit www.societyhillplayhouse.org for more information.