Nick Meo will direct a revival of "Search and Destroy" by Howard Korder, a portrait of nefarious business practices and moral degradation in the Reagan era. Martin Mirkheim, small time chiseler and producer, perilously in debt, decides to finance a film of a book called "Daniel Strong," written by a pseudo-religious, late night self help guru. Mirkheim's efforts include drug dealing and deception to achieve what he feels is a "pure goal." The play is a disturbingly entertaining indictment of American values, filled with brilliant gutter language and tightly-wound characters whose eagerness to be "strong" made them the New American Monsters of their time. It will be presented by Strudel Productions (www.strudelproductions.com) January 14 to 23, 2010 at the Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th Street.
The play was originally written in 1988. It was commissioned by The South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, CA, and debuted there in 1990. It was subsequently presented by Yale Rep in 1990 and by Circle in the Square in 1992. A film adaptation, directed by David Salle, was released in 1995. Other plays by Howard Korder include "Boy's Life," "The Facts" and "Imagining America."
Set design is by Kathryn Kawecki. Lighting design is by Josh Starr. The cast (in formation as of this writing) includes Kelly Miller (as Martin Mirkheim), Errickson Wilcox, Tina Jensen, Geoff Lerer,Andrew Kaempfer, Bruce Barton , Stephanie Weyman, Logan Tracey, Ken Hailey, Gustavo Obregon, Kila Packett, Matt Swanston and John Reoli.
"Search and Destroy"
January 14 to 23, 2010
Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th Street
Presented by Strudel Productions (strudelproductions.com)
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm
$10; $5 students with ID. Box office: SMARTTIX (212) 868-4444, www.smarttix.com
Running time: 1:50
Critics are invited on or after January 14.
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