The Wonder Drug
By The Rufflings
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Company Name: The Rufflings
City/State: Lawrence, KS
Genre: Theatre
Ratings: Parental Guidance
Director: Dan Born
Premiere: Yes
Warnings: Adult Language
Website: http://danielbornplaywright.com
Venue: Independence Blvd Christian Church
Show Times:
6:00 PM Friday, July 19
9:00 PM Saturday, July 20
4:30 PM Sunday, July 21
9:00 PM Thursday, July 25
7:30 PM Saturday, July 27
Description:
What if a drug could make you more empathic? What if a court ordered you to take it? Is that not some kind of a deal?
The Wonder Drug explores the interactions of two men in just such a situation, as they attempt to navigate their unpredictable outbursts of feelings; for each other, for their past selves, and even for a policeman or two.
Cast/Crew:
Todd Schwartz -Actor
Connor Eastman - Actor
Shawn Franklin - Assistant Director
Dan Born - Director
Past Fringe Shows:
Director and Writer Bang, 2019
Writer Blue Fish, 2014
Director 4:48 Psychosis, 2010
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OUR SPONSORS
Missouri Arts Council
Theater League
Arts KC
NTDF
henderson
VMA
This a very well written play by local playwright Dan Born. “Wonder Drug” is the story of two men who, through prescribed psychotropic medication, have a chance to change their lives. But “Wonder Drug” shows us that it’s not that simple.
This play is being performed at the Independence Blvd. Christian Church in the heart of Northeast Kansas City. Drinks and burritos can be purchased, which is a definite plus. But a noisy air conditioner was rather annoying.
A very touching play about empathy, presented in a simple style. Two men, convicted felons, offered the chance to commute their sentences by participating in a medical experiment. The dialogue is beautifully written, and the acting is clear and understated. It asks a big question – how do we bring one another back from the abyss? A must see!
This was a dialogue-heavy, character-centered play about the attempts we make to save each other, and ourselves. It was simply-staged, sometimes a little too stationary, with minimal props and costume changes intended to show the passing of time. Both actors possess a natural stage presence and work well as a team to tell the story, with Connor Eastman’s character having particularly-interesting shades of instability in the beginning. I was left wondering, however, if the level of intimacy, along with the payoff at the end, could’ve been better-achieved in a more intimate space – perhaps that can be done for a future iteration of this play!
This is an extremely well scripted play and equally brilliant acting. I felt like I was watching a professional production of something Edward Albee wrote. Warning this is not for anyone looking for anything light hearted.