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A Place Where People Go to Die is my third self-produced production in the past four years. The work that it takes to write, produce and direct a full length play Is intense and extremely time consuming. I have been writing and re-writing this play for almost two years now, along with working on other projects. This has been the most difficult but in many ways the most rewarding. I have never been so detail oriented, deep in research, up so many late nights, drank lots of water, white russians, soda, taken long walks while trying to get my mind right, and I consumed gallons of coffee, and whatever have done whatever it takes to NOT STOP… this play has been in the workds for two years, so to consistantly stay in this mindset was tiring to say the least. I didn’t come up with the title of the play until late in the writing process. When I came up with the title A Place Where People Go to Die, I knew that I was actually going to finish this piece. Because I finally knew what this play was fully about. That’s the trouble with writing, you take many wrong turns and eventually you find your way. The title has both literal and symbolic meaning… the story takes place at a cemetary, a literal location where the dead go, but there is a symbolic meaning as to where people go in their minds or their souls when they make that horrifying decision to take their own life. Many have thought about it… had fantasies about it, or feared that they may do it… but to actually do it is the mystery. We’re alive and since we are alive, we don’t understand it. It’s such a haunting thought…
This play is centered on one character, Kate, a recovered addict in her mid-20’s and she is struggling to live in this world she sees as dark and lonely. While, the story is dictated by Kate’s view, we also take a glimpse into the lives of four other characters… all lost, all broken, all faced some deep trauma that has affected them in diffferent ways, and they all have crossed paths with Kate’s life. All four characters have been forced to live with a lot of pain inside and they are extremely flawed. Our hope is that you don’t hate them for their mistakes, but that you take a look into their lives and have compasssion. It is important that we learn to accept the fact that everyone deals with wounds differently. Our lead character Kate may seem to be insensitive, crude, unlady-like (If that’s a thing) and she makes terrible decisions. But, in the end she is someone who is trying to survive. Because that’s the entire point of this play… how people refuse to give up and survive, so they never understand that place people go to die in their minds. This play ultimately is about the search for hope. Those that are familiar with my style of writing may be used to my over the top raunchy humor. My last two productions were titled TITS and Defecate-ables… so yes, they were not in the same tone of this newest production. But, also understand with all the deep and heavy material that is in this story, there is a lot of humor. A dark sense of humor is set all throughout this story. I did not write a play to encourage audiences to feel sorry for these characters, but to have compassion about their pain but to also laugh at their strange ways of dealing with this pain. These characters are crude, quirky, funny, and are willing to humiliate themselves. I am grateful for this wonderful cast who is willing to go to such opposite places as actors. One point they are laughing and the next they are crying. There’s a blance of extremes. Super funny to super sad. Or at least that is the goal. I believe our five performers have done such an amazing job at accoplishing this difficult task. I am overwhelmed with pride and excitement due to their hard work and willingness to go to such places as actors. This is why I hope you all take the time to learn more about this production and watch these amazing actors kick ass. I never thought I would put this play on stage. I thought it might be too much for audiences to sit through, I questioned by ability to not only write drama but blend it with my sense of humor, I did not think I would find actors that would be willing to play such complicated roles, I never believed I would actually finish this production… but here we are. Ready to open a two weekend four show run. I’m nervous. I’m excited. I am stressed. I have never believed in theater gods until I made the difficult decision to to put on this show. The great cast I found, the small intimate space that was available, and the many things that came into place while putting this show together. This cast and crew is excited for an audience to see this story on stage. This is a play that is very funny and very heavy. This is a story that shows the ugliness of suicide, abortion drug addiction, sexual abuse, homophobia, toxic relationships, rape culture, violence, religious hypocrisy, and many other sensitive subjects. So be warned… this show is vulgar and not for sensitive ears. So, if these subjects do terrify you, I understand the hesitation to see it. But, I will encourage people to dismiss their moral standards and to watch this show because of this amazing cast. Taylor Stone plays Tyler, a mid-20’s recovered addict who is struggling to find peace and normalcy in his life. Taylor is a very brave actor who is willing to do anything on stage that I ask of him. I never have to worry about him holding back as a performer. Alexa Radson plays Lynn, a mid-30’s born again fundamentalist who lurks in the shadows of the ghettos to find broken people in order to save them. Alexa is a younger actress who is taking on a role that is a few years older than her and nothing like her in any way . Alexa is a hard working actress who has grown and molded Lynn into a full life form and I am so excited about her work. Christina Ricucci plays Angie, probably one of the most crude characters in the show. Christina is a young actress who I don’t hesitate to tell will one day be a huge star. Her amazing presence on stage is fascinating. Evan Wallace plays Alan, a mid-20’s loner, who works at Walmart. Evan’s take on Alan is emotional, warming and at times extremely funny. Evan’s appeal on stage gives Alan so much more charm. He has taken on this role with complete confidence and it is a blessing for a director to see. Karissa Maston plays Kate, one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever seen an actress play. I do not hesitate to say that either… I had so many last minute scratches from auditions the day of for the role of Kate… and I do believe that the role of Kate intimidated many and rightfully so. Karissa has taken this role head on and I’m so proud of her hard work and ability to take direction. There is no one else that can play this role but her and I am so proud to have her on board, leading this cast. Not only do I have a great cast but my crew is amazing. I would like to just point out the fact that Mary Blandino has been a life saver with her spark of creativity in production design and her bright personality at rehearsals… she has also spent a lot of time assisting in many facets. Julia McGee our stage manager is my partner in crime. She is my left and right brain. She does it all and I am forever gratefull for her hard work. SO THERE YOU HAVE IT! Great cast and crew! Help support these amazing people! Thanks, Writer, director, producer, Mark Anthony Smith The Cast |
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Karissa Marston as Kate
Evan Wallace is Alan.
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Christina Ricucci is
Angie. |
Alexa Radson is
Lynn. |
Taylor Stone is
Tyler. |
ABOUT THE SHOW
Written for the stage...
A Place Where People Go to Die is an adaptation of the screenplay After the Storm that was a Nicholl Fellowship Quarter finalist.
A Place Where People Go to Die is about exactly that… what is it inside people that forces them to give up on their life, and why do others who face the same trauma or even worse decide to live on? This story follows the life of Kate and her most impactful moments that have led her to isolate herself. Now a recovered addict and living a very safe and mundane life. Kate has decided to come back home to face one last fear that she can’t quite shake. Tired of the dark world she was born into and longing to escape her horrific past, she has forced herself to find that place that people go to die… metaphorically and literally as she arrives at the grave yard of Pete. Her ex-boyfriend who took his own life three years ago. Now, ready to confront him and maybe follow his steps, her plans are put on hold after she crosses paths with an old friend, Alan, who shares the same guilt and emotional turmoil that Kate is feeling. Together they revisit past events and remember the people who have affected their lives… and finally, they’ll have to make a difficult decision…
A Place Where People Go to Die is a play about depression, isolation, grief, suicidal tendencies, mental illness, loss of faith, and through it all, this is also a play about hope and survival. In all the darkness that this play presents, this is also a dark comedy. The play contains graphic dialogue, scenes of sexual acts, and drug content.
This is the third production produced by Caffeine High Productions, led by Mark Anthony Smith. After two produced comedies written in rhyming couples, A Place Where People Go to Die is a dramatic comedy written in pros. As the first non-verse produced play, CHP hopes to bring a completely different style of theater incorporating drama, comedy, and entertaining spectacle to the stage.
Written for the stage...
A Place Where People Go to Die is an adaptation of the screenplay After the Storm that was a Nicholl Fellowship Quarter finalist.
A Place Where People Go to Die is about exactly that… what is it inside people that forces them to give up on their life, and why do others who face the same trauma or even worse decide to live on? This story follows the life of Kate and her most impactful moments that have led her to isolate herself. Now a recovered addict and living a very safe and mundane life. Kate has decided to come back home to face one last fear that she can’t quite shake. Tired of the dark world she was born into and longing to escape her horrific past, she has forced herself to find that place that people go to die… metaphorically and literally as she arrives at the grave yard of Pete. Her ex-boyfriend who took his own life three years ago. Now, ready to confront him and maybe follow his steps, her plans are put on hold after she crosses paths with an old friend, Alan, who shares the same guilt and emotional turmoil that Kate is feeling. Together they revisit past events and remember the people who have affected their lives… and finally, they’ll have to make a difficult decision…
A Place Where People Go to Die is a play about depression, isolation, grief, suicidal tendencies, mental illness, loss of faith, and through it all, this is also a play about hope and survival. In all the darkness that this play presents, this is also a dark comedy. The play contains graphic dialogue, scenes of sexual acts, and drug content.
This is the third production produced by Caffeine High Productions, led by Mark Anthony Smith. After two produced comedies written in rhyming couples, A Place Where People Go to Die is a dramatic comedy written in pros. As the first non-verse produced play, CHP hopes to bring a completely different style of theater incorporating drama, comedy, and entertaining spectacle to the stage.
Our Crew
Production Designer - Mary Blandino
Also, a production designer for our last produced show at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival for the Defecate-ables. Mary is an experienced artist with a special resume, consisting of a diverse group of pieces ranging from paper mache, ink and water colors, acrylic painting, she has some kick ass furniture designs, and has worked on other projects in film.
Click below her profile to see her website!
Also, a production designer for our last produced show at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival for the Defecate-ables. Mary is an experienced artist with a special resume, consisting of a diverse group of pieces ranging from paper mache, ink and water colors, acrylic painting, she has some kick ass furniture designs, and has worked on other projects in film.
Click below her profile to see her website!
Poster Art - Skyler Gonzalez
Skyler has done the art work for the past three productions of Caffeine High Productions...
Thanksgiving Is Tradition of Sin (TITS) in 2015, The Defecate-ables in 2017, and now for A Place Where People Go to Die. Skyler specializes in abstract art. Just take a look at his website to some of the amazing work he does.
Skyler has done the art work for the past three productions of Caffeine High Productions...
Thanksgiving Is Tradition of Sin (TITS) in 2015, The Defecate-ables in 2017, and now for A Place Where People Go to Die. Skyler specializes in abstract art. Just take a look at his website to some of the amazing work he does.
From left to right.
Stage Manager Julia Mcgee, ASM and costume assistant Stephanie Vargas. House Manager and Props and Costume Assistant Colleen Coghlan.
Julia is a former child actor and a recent college student at Cal Poly Pomona. She's returning to her arts roots as Stage Manager. Stephanie is a photographer and lover of movies. She'll be working in many aspects of the production. Colleen made many contributions to our last production of the Defecate-ables in production design and costumes. She'll be returning for a second production.
Stage Manager Julia Mcgee, ASM and costume assistant Stephanie Vargas. House Manager and Props and Costume Assistant Colleen Coghlan.
Julia is a former child actor and a recent college student at Cal Poly Pomona. She's returning to her arts roots as Stage Manager. Stephanie is a photographer and lover of movies. She'll be working in many aspects of the production. Colleen made many contributions to our last production of the Defecate-ables in production design and costumes. She'll be returning for a second production.
