John Kelly Performance

 

 

UNDERNEATH THE SKIN – A dance theatre work by John Kelly composed entirely from the writings and words of Samuel Steward (1909-1993)

Mise-en-scène, Direction, Choreography, Video, Costume, and Set Design – John Kelly
Original Texts – Samuel Steward
Lighting Design – Joe Levasseur
Directorial Consultant – Kevin Malony
Gertrude Stein and Older Sammy Interview Video Sequences – Josef Astor
Stage Management – Hjørdis Linn-Blanford
Oscar Wilde Coat Design – David Wollard
Music – Russ Columbo, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Ludwig van Beethoven, Jean Lenoir (sung by Lucienne Boyer), Judee Sill, Iron Butterfly, Bessie Smith, Lucille Bogan, Ma Rainey, George Hannah, Peg Leg Howell, Kokomo Arnold, Gene Malin, Gladys Bentley.

CAST:
John Kelly – Samuel Steward
Hucklefaery (ne’ Ken Mechler) – Student, Buddy, Le Pigeon, Sailor, Phil Andros, Walt Whitman
Chris Harder – Student, Buddy, La Licorne, Sailor, Gay Dude, Oscar Wilde
Alvaro Gonzalez – Student, Buddy, Le Cochon, Sailor, Gay Dude, Man in hospital gown
Lola Pashalinski – Gertrude Stein (on video)

UNDERNEATH THE SKIN was commissioned by and premiered at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, Oct.11-12, 2019

Photos by Albie Mitchell