Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Chicken-Fried Ciccone: A Twangy True Tale Of Transformation

Production Company: Hard Sparks

Armed with an acoustic guitar, actor-playwright J.Stephen Brantley reveals how he got from junkie to functional with a little help from the queen of reinvention. Chicken-Fried Ciccone is one man’s journey to heroin and back, set to countrified covers of new and classic Madge.

Show Times:

• Wed 2/19 @ 7:05
• Mon 2/24 @ 5:30
• Fri 2/28 @ 7:05
• Thurs 3/6 @ 10:15
• Sat 3/8 @ 12:30

Answers by J.Stephen Brantley
(writer-performer)

1. Your tag line is out there on postcards and press releases so we know the PR version of what this play is about.  But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?

JSB: “I’m sorry, but I had to.”

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink.  What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?

JSB: There’s a secret revealed in this production that won’t be a part of the show in future venues. Maybe it’s that bit. Or maybe it’s the part about the transformational healing power of art. But it’s probably ‘Into The Grooverotica.’.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?

JSB: Yes.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?

JSB: “Oh there’s so much freedom!”

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. Would that change the production itself?

JSB: Well…yes. Isn’t this a bit like asking, ‘if birds were fish, how would they be different?’

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints?

JSB: David Beckham.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?

JSB: Yeah, everything. Unless we’re all replaced by some weird race of robots, both the show and the audience are going to be completely different every night.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?

JSB: “Sex for money is really just site-specific theatre – with buttfucking.”

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?

JSB: Is this a trick question? (It is a ‘Twangy True Tale of Transformation.’)

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?

JSB: Madonna. I should think the reason why is fairly obvious.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?

CHALLENGES: I’ll take on Shooting Abe because I like Charlie Gershman,

THROWS: I will throw paper because he’s a playwright and he might need some.

But may I also use this forum to say howdy and bien venidos to I-DJ because Overtime Theater is coming from my hometown San Antonio and I’m really excited to see their show.

CHALLENGED BY:

- The Canuck Cabaret who threw ROCK.  That’s a WIN FOR YOU, Twangy!  Let’s see if your winning streak continues …

- Shooting Abe who threw SCISSORS.  So even though there was some great synergy there – with Shooting Abe challenging YOU and YOU challenging them right back it was a bit of a crumple for you as your paper gets cut to ribbons.  So with you and Shooting Abe going for two rounds, that’s actually TWO losses for you.

- East In Red who also threw SCISSORS.  Another defeat as your Paper is ripped to shreds.

So that’s one WIN that gets completely lost in the THREE LOSSES that follow.

Oh, Twangy - you’re plucky and fun, and when you call my name it’s like a little prayer, but even the Madonna herself couldn’t save you from this  triple loss.  I’d apologize but I can already hear you saying “I don’t wanna hear, I don’t wanna know Please don’t say you’re sorry”.  Oh, Twangy – how I admire your Madge-like resolve.

Thanks Chicken-Fried Ciccone: A Twangy True Tale Of Transformation for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2014 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially PAPER in any and all challenges.  You may win, you may lose – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Chicken-Fried Ciccone: A Twangy True Tale Of Transformation !

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Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 8th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 19-March 9. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling 212-868-4444. 

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• Óscar Tango-Bravo: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• A List Of Irrational Fears For Future Leaders Of The World: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• MY HIGH-HEELED LIFE: Or, How I Learned to Keep Worrying and Love My Stilettos: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Gardai: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Steve: A Docu-Musical: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

It’s tough out there for a single girl. It’s especially tough out there for a single girl with a habit of substance abuse and an absent father. But Nicole Pandolfo bravely lays it on the line for us in Love in the Time of Chlamydia running now at UNDER St. Marks.

This Jersey girl has a lot of hilarious, ridiculous and oftentimes make-your-skin-crawl war stories from her wild single days in New York. There’s a lot of bar (and bed)-hopping, recreational drug use, parties with strangers, chance encounters, unfortunate moments, and one memorable trip to Paris. Despite all of the hardships and heartbreak, Pandolfo tells her story with a smile, a smug F-you to all of the guys who hurt her and let her down, namely her distant father.

Here is where the levity could use a bit of toning down. In her effort to remain sassy and humorous, Pandolfo glosses over the really tough stuff. Her relationship with her father was what pushed her into her habits of self-destructive dating and partying in the first place, and though she acknowledges it, she doesn’t fully flesh out her journey of self-discovery. Her ultimate decision to cut down on the excess and her eventual happy ending come too quickly and easily, without enough explanation.

Overall, Chlamydia is enjoyable, funny, and played without self-pity. Pandolfo’s wit and charm pair well with the bold, boozy subject matter. She’s uncensored and proud of it.

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The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Love In The Time Of Chlamydia: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun! – And That’s Just The Beginning … (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Big Plastic Heroes: Good Things Come In Big Plastic Packages (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Blind To Happiness: To See Or Not To See (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Why So Much Shame?: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions.  Five Answers.  And one big decision: Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Nicole Pandolfo

Love In The Time Of Chlamydia

Company: Hard Sparks

Love In The Time Of Chlamydia is one woman’s search for love in a world full of absent dads, dirtbag boyfriends, and premature ejaculators. Your first time wasn’t weirder – and your best time wasn’t wilder – than writer-performer Nicole Pandolfo’s.

Show Times:

• Thur. 2/23 @ 10:30 PM
• Sat. 2/25 @ 4:00 PM
• Sun. 2/26 @ 4:00 PM
• Wed. 2/29 @ 6:00 PM
• Sun 3/4 @ 5:30 PM

Answers by Nicole Pandolfo

(Writer, Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Nicole: Well, it started out originally as monologues from the perspective of prostitutes who had seen really weird stuff go down on the job, and it was called Five Fucked Up Fetishes. Then I realized I was using a lot of back story from my own real life – God that sounds bad – and then I was like ‘ok, this is actually going to be a one person show based on my life.’ And then, because there is a vignette with venereal disease, I came up with Sex in the Time of Chlamydia. I came up with that very quickly and it was obviously inspired in its form by the title Love in the Time of Cholera. And then when I was really getting into writing the first draft I realized that even though there was a lot of sex in the piece it was really about love. And it took me a minute for that to sink in. But once it did I decided to stick with Love In The Time Of Chlamydia, and it made it even closer to Marquez’s title, but it just felt right so that’s how it came to be. I think it hints at the way sex is presented in this piece specifically, which is kind of funny, and kind of weird, and it’s sexy but not in a conventional way.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Nicole: John Leguizamo – I think what he does with one-person shows is amazing. I am a huge fan of his work and I hope he would like this. I invited him last March outside of Ghetto Klown a year ago when I didn’t even know when or where it would be done, just that it would be done, and his bodyguard snatched my business card out of his hand. Bummer! I’ve been trying to get in touch with him to get him invited, but have been having a hard time. So if you know anyone who knows anyone, please let me know!

Chris Farley – I love him and think he is so funny and I think he might like this. I like to do improv and I would have LOVED to do improv with him, though I’m sure I’d never make it through a scene without losing it with laughter. As far as entertainers go I really wish he wasn’t dead.

Patrick Pandolfo – My grandfather. He died when my mom was 12, so we’ve obviously never met, and I really wouldn’t want him to see me talking about sex for 50 minutes, but I’d invite him just for the chance to meet him.

The Ejaculator – Come see the show and you’ll know why.

My future agent – Sign me already!

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Nicole: I think some of the stuff I put out there in this show is actually the biggest sacrifice I have made for my art. It’s really personal and kind of down and dirty if you know what I mean. It’s a very exposed piece and my mom came to a presentation I did of an early script a couple of years ago, and when I think about that it makes my skin crawl. She was totally cool about it and supportive, but I was just like ‘Why did I invite her to this?!’ I really wanted to at the time but in retrospect I’m like…eh, maybe not. I’ve now told all my family they can come when it gets moved Off-Broadway.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Nicole: I have to say being asked to do it with J.Stephen Brantley’s new company Hard Sparks was such a major surprise. I love him and his work and I was so honored to be his new company’s second major production. At the time I was asked I had kind of put it on a shelf in my mind and he brought it to life! Also, in the rehearsal room with director Jonathan Warman I’m finding all kinds of amazing and hilarious moments that I’ve discovered with him.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Nicole: I hope the audience reflects on their own life, and maybe they’ve had some not so perfect moments growing up and that they think ‘Ok, I was young, and learning, and trying different things…I wasn’t a bad person, I was a kid! I was just trying to figure it out.’ Trying to find love. That’s what it’s helped me do, so hopefully it helps them to do that also. But above all, I hope it entertains them. That’s the whole point of it all really.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Nicole: ROCK!

Thanks Love In The Time Of Chlamydia for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges. And apparently you take on EVERYONE!  So far, you’ve already won – by beating  Breathe, Love, Repeat who threw scissors.  So Congratulations!  You may keep winning, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Love In The Time Of Chlamydia!

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Love in the Time of Chlamydia
Company: Hard Sparks
Directed by: Jonathan Warman

Feb 23, 10:30PM
Feb 25, 4:00PM
Feb 26, 4:00PM
Feb 29, 6:00PM
Mar 04, 5:30PM

$13.00

UNDER St.Marks

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The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Love In The Time Of Chlamydia: Love And War Stories (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Chicken-Fried Ciccone: A Twangy True Tale Of Transformation: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• ‘Til Love Do Us Part: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Drowning Ophelia: A New Rock Musical – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Big Plastic Heroes: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)