P for Pumpkin
by Kevin K.
The much-ballyhooed graphic-novel-turned-film V for Vendetta isn't the only provocative, politically-charged entertainment opening tonight in NYC. You can also add the Pumpkin Pie Show's "Junta High" to the list:
Celebrating its tenth year, the Pumpkin Pie Show is a rigorous storytelling session amplified by its own live soundtrack. In junta high, Clay McLeod Chapman, a New New Stuff 2005 favorite, crafts a Sweet Valley-styled high school for terrorists where cheerleaders double as suicide bombers and guidance counselors are taken hostage by the A/V club. Holy causes worth dying for galvanize school spirits, blood is shed on the football field every Friday night and the Hungry March Band fervently plays on.Original music written and performed live by the Hungry March Band.
Think of it as Elephant X 10 plus tubas.
Performance Space 122
150 First Ave., NYC, 212-477-5288
March 16 - 26
Wednesday-Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
$20 ($10 Members)
RELATED: A look back at Vanity Fair Contributing Editor James Wolcott's review of V for Vendetta. The film opens tonight at 10PM at several NYC theaters followed by the muffled sounds of wingnuts' heads exploding throughout the country.
Comments
Thanks for the recommendation. It was great.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 24, 2006 06:05 PM
I think I almost fell out of my seat a few times during this show. the stories make your skin crawl, but at the same time, you're laughing nervously and looking around you to make sure everyone else is, too. You don't want to seem like you're liking the violence too much, right? Clay Chapman has taken the art of storytelling, deconstructed it, and turned it into a creature with claws and fangs (like the Tamilton Tiger!)that you think will later tuck you in at night, or maybe rip your throat out. SEE THIS PLAY! The music is superb, the Hungry March Band never fails to deliver and this is a great piece of work from them. Plus, their dancers feel the music like no other.
Posted by: Darla | March 24, 2006 11:58 AM
Yep, this show kicks major ass! If you haven't seen it yet, SEE IT!!!!!!
Posted by: Eric | March 23, 2006 12:04 PM
I saw this play last night. It's shocking so prepare yourself. There's a scene where the homecoming queen is describing how she sets her hair for her tiara. So disturbing! I won't spoil it. go see it. the music is so fuckin' good and the actors and dancers are top notch. These are the stories that you see in your mind's eye when you dream...or when you have nightmares that you just can't shake.
Posted by: Margaret | March 23, 2006 09:33 AM
Wow. Talk about a disturbing show! But I loved it. It gets up under your skin and pokes you until you open up your eyes! The music adds such amazing color. And damn, they've got a freaking DRILL TEAM with routines and everything. This is storytelling taken to its highest form.
Posted by: Mira | March 22, 2006 10:29 AM
I saw Junta High and it is incredible. the music is fantastic and really sets the tone. the actors are star quality and the dancers have the best high kicks I've ever seen. Run, don't walk, to see this play!
Posted by: Val | March 21, 2006 05:58 PM