StageWorks Ink's "Electric Dreams"

StageWorks Ink was a unique fringe theatre company that created exciting, and entertaining theatre, and live interactive performances in Portland, Oregon.

For their second show of 2014, they presented "Electric Dreams," a comedic musical fantasy romantic thriller filled with amazing music from 1984! This show featured a collection of awesome hits from artists like Culture Club, Heaven 17, Giorgio Moroder and Philip Oakley, UB40, Helen Terry, P.P. Arnold, and Jeff Lynne.

They performed the numbers with a live band and plenty of '80s flash and dazzle!

"This piece has been on my 'to-do' list for a long time," said StageWorks' Artistic Director Steve Coker. "A piece that, when presented in 1984, was overlooked and underrated. An '80s version of "Cyrano" with a bit o' "Little Shop of Horrors" thrown in for good measure. It's a bizarre love triangle between a boy, a girl, and a personal computer that has come to life and wants the girl for himself."

The production also featured songs NOT found in the soundtrack. Steve Coker wrote, "Even with the amazing music in the original film, I couldn't help pulling in a song [or two] from "Xanadu". He is talking about the song(s) "Suddenly", and Jeff Lynne's "The Fall". He'd later produce a parody tribute to Xanadu, called "Xana-redU". There's also one more 80's gem included in the production, and a song that was featured in the film but only heard in the background; however, I'll not spoil it for you.

This abridged production used 8-bit props and clever puppetry. It ran May 8th through May 24th, 2014, at the Funhouse Lounge, in Portland, Oregon.

Photos by Mike Lindberg

Nominated for best Playbill Cover Design (Scott Roller) for the 2014 PAMTA Awards.

The Cast: Sean Ryan Lamb, Vanessa Elsner, Ben Nystrom, Kristi Bogart, Matt Workman, Augustine Elizabeth, and Anna Zimmerman

You can watch a video of one their performances below.

Stay electric!

~Craig

ELECTRIC DREAMS LIVE from Steve Coker on Vimeo.

Comments

Lenny Von Dohlen, Rest In Peace

Lenny Von Dohlen died July 5th at his Los Angeles home after a long illness. Everyone that worked with him or knew him had nothing but good things to say about him. His sister, Catherine Von Dohlen, wrote this on her Facebook page: The world lost a magnificent man on July 5. Brother Len was passionate about everything and everyone. He was always leading; whether it be a riveting conversation, an artistic creation, or a trip to new places. He loved a good laugh. He continues on his spiritual journey. Living life full in his memory.💕 Virginia Madsen wrote this on her official Facebook page: No. Not Miles. My sweet Lenny. I can’t process this. It’s a bad dream. I loved you. So very much. One of the most beautiful souls on earth. Eyes of sparkling blue I shall never forget and the sound of your voice would tame the Lion. The last time we met he said “we were just babies!” And we were. Your calming nature made me feel like I was walking on a cloud and when I was uns...

Films Featured in "Electric Dreams"

Films either featured in or referenced to in the movie "Electric Dreams". Sometimes filmmakers pay homage to classic cinema. So it should be no surprise that you'll find some in Steve Barron's movie "Electric Dreams". They're either featured in a scene or cleverly stitched together within a scene, helping with the storyline or for comedic effect. In order of appearance, you will find some examples below. There's a slight reference to the movie Alien (1979) in the scene when Miles was locked inside his apartment. The previous night, he installed a home security system on his apartment door that was monitored and controlled via his computer. By morning, he had forgotten all about it. And, being late for work, he had to recall the password. The scene in Alien that was referenced was after the character Dallas was killed. Ripley was then able to break through a “Science Officer Eyes Only” computer lockout, and communicate directly with Mothe...

Edgar dreaming of electric sheep.

Electric Dreams

Edgar's Electric Dreams

Search This Blog