Blood, guts and opera? It appears Matthew Stiles, co-director of the Degenerates shadowcast of Repo! The Genetic Opera, plans to bring all of those elements front stage on Fri., Feb. 4, to the Beach Theatre.
The group's original intention was just to shadowcast the movie (a la Rocky Horror Picture Show), a favorite form of performance among Stiles' group of friends, but the show has expanded beyond that.
Their live event is reportedly unlike any other, including pre-show entertainment, short films and interaction with cast members inside and out of the theater. The party-like event encourages (but doesn’t require) debauchery and role-playing. Adding to the reverie, beer and wine are sold to further relax the inhibitions.
The musical opera tells the tale of a tragedy in the not-so-distant future, when organ failures devastate the planet and a devil-in-disguise sweeps in to save the day with a hefty price.
Since founding of the Degenerates, the cast has shown their ever-expanding talents in Little Shop of Horrors, several scenes from Sweeney Todd, Labyrinth and in a performance, with interchangeable parts, of Shock Treatment.
Just a few days before the show, Stiles talks to CL about the group's preparations for this unforgettable experience and their efforts to maintain this unique art form.Drugs, death, violence and gore are all very apparent in the film. What drew you to these particular themes?
“It's the music. Nothing even comes close to how unique this movie is. The music and otherwise. Where else can you find Sarah Brightman, Anthony Head, Paris Hilton, and Ohgr Nevik on the same track, let alone the same project?”
How much rehearsal time goes into putting on a live, large-scale production like Repo! The Genetic Opera?
“We will take a week or two off here and there. But usually one 2-3 hour rehearsal a week. But when it gets close to showtime we can be meeting 3 times a week, not including private rehearsals.”
I understand that the show is being performed live while a screen shows the film behind them. How do you prepare for a shadow-cast production like this one?
“The joy of the film must be more than an appreciation, borderline obsession. Watching a film a few dozen times helps. I would agree the live performance in conjunction with the film is much more exciting than a film itself. Basically we take the fourth wall and shatter it, the audience is our stage.”
I also read that your cast pays for their own costumes and makeup, a diligent move to say the least. Do they also create these costumes and apply their own make-up?
“Yes, cast members are required to pay for their own costumes and makeup. It does get kinda nutty when you spend well over $300 in a single costume. We have cast members that are talented and assist in costume design as well as makeup. So if you don't know how to do it you'll learn.”
For those who have never been to a production of the like, how should they prepare themselves?
“Seeing our show or another shadow cast is helpful. You must be dedicated, open-minded, and willing to have fun.”
This article appears in Feb 3-9, 2011.
