It’s Pompeii meets Heathers as New American Folk Theatre continues its “season of audio theatre” with a new studio recording of its 2018 hit comedy Hot Pink, or Ready to Blow, written Joanie Drago, directed by Derek Van Barham and featuring the full original cast. Tickets ($10) for the 1980s-infused comedy are currently available for audio download at newamericanfolktheatre.org/store.
The cast includes Brittney Brown (Tatanya), Tommy Bullington (Lenny, Mr. Kowalczyk), Janyce Caraballo (Brichelle), E.M. Davis (News Reporter, Coach Dykeman, Tour Guide), Charlie Irving* (Cadence), Caitlin Jackson* (Bangs), Kirk Jackson* (Duff McStraddlin), Will Kazda (Brace Face, Bruce), Josh Kemper (Mayor, Chadwick Throbhard) and Anthony Whitaker* (Mother).
When New Pompeii’s annual sacrifice fails to satisfy the local volcano’s appetite for virgins, three totally ‘80s teenage girls concoct a brilliant plan to save themselves. This fearless twist on the classic, horny high school comedy incinerates double standards, as our heroines take control of their destiny by following one simple rule: get laid or die trying!
The production team include includes Josiah Robinson (sound design) and Jamal Howard* (producer).
*Denotes New American Theatre company member
About the Artists
Joanie Drago (Playwright) is a transgender writer and comedian in Brooklyn. Before the pandemic, she performed on Characters Welcome at Upright Citizens Brigade, and co-organized NYC's only satirical anti-clown troupe, the Boof. During the pandemic, she made 150+ hours of clown-adjacent livestream digital comedy with her quarantine pod. Currently, she's figuring out what comes next, how to put it all together. Joanie has taught satire and comedy writing for the Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive and for the Dramatists Guild of America, and her plays have been seen at Pig Iron, Ars Nova, Dixon Place, Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Edinburgh Fringe. Follow her @joaniedrago
Derek Van Barham (Director) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays and Artistic Director of The Ruckus. Directing credits include Head Over Heels (Kokandy); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Three Days of Rain (Boho Theatre); Baby with the Bathwater (Eclipse); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon, Skooby Don’t (Hell in a Handbag); Hot Pink, TRASH (New American Folk); Taylor Mac’s A Walk Across America for Mother Earth (CCPA); From These Fatal Loins (The Ruckus); Homos, or Everyone in America, Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags in Steppenwolf Garage Rep, Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert (PFP). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ community. www.derekvanbarham.com
Jamal Howard (Producer) is New American Folk Theatre's Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director. He has most recently directed the world premiere of Scraps as well as Dirty Girl and Dark of the Moon. He was the Associate Artistic Director at Emerald City Theatre, Chicago's theatre for young audiences, where he directed and choreographed Corduroy, Magic Tree House: Showtime with Shakespeare and The Wiz. Jamal grew up in San Jose, California and moved to Chicago where he got his bachelor's in Theatre and Public Relations/Advertising. He has taught theatre and dance in the Chicago area and has worked with T.U.T.A., The Den Theatre, The Beverly Arts Center, Children's Musical Theatre San Jose and Quest Theatre Ensemble.
About New American Folk Theatre
New American Folk Theatre is dedicated to an honest and creative retelling of the American story while embracing the foundation of folk art. NAFT believes that by being inclusive and inquisitive we can reexamine and reimagine our stories through the haunting truths of folktales new and old. The company’s art is handmade – designed to be useful and utilitarian. It is of, by, and for the people, all the people, inclusive of class, status, culture, community, ethnicity, gender and religion. Since 2011, NAFT has produced 10 productions and 15 unique cabarets and festivals while earning a Jeff Award nomination for 2015’s The Summer of Daisy Fay. For additional information, visit newamericanfolktheatre.org.