“OUR DEAR DEAD DRUG LORD” IS SHARPLY STAGED PRODUCTION OF A VIOLENT BUT TRUTHFUL PLAY ABOUT STRUGGLING TEENAGERS

Sunday, October 31, 2021
Curtain Up Phoenix

REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

As usual, Stray Cat Theatre doesn’t disappoint with its latest production, “Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” which winningly explores teenage alienation, sexual identity, handling racial injustice, religious struggles, the importance of rituals, and young people’s angst.  

Alexis Scheer’s play took off-Broadway by storm in 2019 and the local production is only the second after New York.  Warnings are necessary.

The play’s very disturbing conclusion and much rough language may also off-put theatergoers who aren’t used to this degree of blatant honesty. 

The production is staged with clever bluntness by Virginia Olivieri that make these girls, enacted by a superb acting ensemble, appropriately juvenile in action and execution. These young performers, some with little or no previous stage experience, all demonstrate strong acting chops.

Angel Sicairos performs the prime role of Kit who does some unusual things that allow her to be the group’s sacrificial focus.  No less striking are the other three girls, Zoom, played with sullen torment by Jasmyn Gade, Pipe played commandingly by Shawnee Fierros Casas Richberger, and Jazmyne Plantillas’ literal Squeeze.  

Impressive stage design by Robert Andrews and vibrantly telling lighting by Dallas Robert Nichols add an evocative scenic element to this graphic play.

“Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” is done with aplomb and conviction by our unique theater troupe and is a welcome divergence from conventional theater. 

GRADE: A