May 02, 2008
EXCLUSVE Six Question Interview with Jimmie G. Ousley of the Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park"
All the info is in the title! Let's go!
1. To establish a fact: is there a bigger KISS fan in St. Louis than yourself? Yes or no. If "yes," who?
If there is a bigger KISS fan in St.Louis, it would be hard to believe. As a member of the KISS Army, however, it's not about competition...it's about a rock and roll love affair that has lasted 35 years and counting. Everyone should be a KISS fan.
2. What scenes, gags, riffs resonated with the audience last weekend?
Lots! Chris Jones growling as Gene, Colin Preciado "Acking" it up as Ace, me posing up a storm as Paul, and Ben Ritchie being a cooler Peter Criss than anyone has a right to be. The romantic angle that Rory Flynn and Aaron Orion Baker bring to their roles is also undeniable. Sickening, but undeniable.
3. Tell us about the blend of performers this time out. A bit of old-school, a bit of new-school from the Monkey, it seems.
This has been a really terrific and fun cast. Lots of veteran Monkey actors like Julie Layton, Amy Elz, Diane Wittling, Roger Erb and the legendary Rory Flynn. Mixed in with newer Monkeys like Adam Thenhaus, Luke Lindberg, Kurt Jarvis, Kim Sansone, and Colin...well, that is dangerous cocktail, my friend.
4. Were there any obvious "issues" in staging this one? How did the Monkey crew go about creating the visual spectacle of the original film on a fixed budget, in a small house?
Through the miracle of theatre, we really didn't have any issues. We have a set designer by the name of Dave Froeckmann, also a lifelong member of the KISS Army. Dave created a set that goes well beyond Monkey sets of the past. The set consists of a row of rotating panels that allow for instant scene changes. And the giant KISS logo? Yeah, it's there, and it is bangin'. Who cares about a fixed budget when you have an unfixed imagination and a lot of talented people?
5. Because I need to know for myself: how do tickets look for the weekend? What's left? What's sold-out?
The 8:00 shows are always at capacity, so the earlier you reserve tickets, the better. Even the 10:30 shows have done well, so make sure you call 314-361-5664 to reserve your right to rock. This show seems to have created a nice buzz, and the lines have been as long as Gene's tongue. Don't be left out in the cold, all unhip and deprived of some Monkey KISS action!
6. Any advance word on what might be next for the Monkey?
There have been various ideas thrown around - a big contender seems to be Tron. Of course, any suggestions from Monkey audiences are not only accepted, but they are taken to heart. My dream would be to do Caligula, starring my favorite actor with a double-phallic name - Peter O'Toole. Something tells me that may have to stay in my dreams though.