One-Man Apocalypse Now
performed by Steven Wright
written & directed by Chris Davis
camera direction by Nick Schwasmann
sound design by Adriano Shaplin
presented as part of SoLow Fest 2021. Learn more about the festival at http://solowfest.weebly.com
Imagine Apocalypse Now performed by one actor in 60 minutes, recreating some of the most famous scenes from cinema history through Chris Davis' unique theatrical lens. Backed by the soundtrack of the movie, Davis explores the heart of darkness through movement, sound, dance, comedy, drama, lunacy, philosophy and more in this high-octane 60 minute tour-de-force.
“…a strikingly original writer and performer.”
– The Scotsman
WHEN
June 25 - Fri - 8pm (EST)
June 26 - Sat - 8pm (EST)
June 28 - Mon - 8pm (EST)
TICKETS
PWYC - VIRTUAL ADMISSION (streamed LIVE on YOUTUBE!)
suggested $15
$25 LIVE ADMISSION (limited to maximum 10 attendees per show)
WHERE
We are streamed LIVE from Plays & Players Blackbox Theatre, located in Center City Philadelphia.
You will receive a YouTube link sent to the registered email an hour before showtime. Please check all folders (PROMOTION, SPAM, etc.)
Our show is designed to be presented on an online platform. However we are allowing a limited number of audience members to watch our production live.
If you are interested in Live Admission, you must be vaccinated to ensure the safety of our cast and crew. Please note the performance space is on the 3rd floor of the theatre and is not currently handicap accessible.
REVIEWS & ACCOLADES
“...transcedent surrealism.” - The Wee Review
“It is superbly crafted, hilariously acted and strangely touching. You’d be a fool not to see this – even if only for the strip tease that had a man putting on a bra with more grace than I care to admit.” - UnderDog Reviews ★★★★★
“An accomplished performer, Davis brings dark comedy to even the grimiest parts of the story. “
“this is a multidimensional piece that will not let your interest waver” - Three Weeks
“Davis capers around an imaginary Vietnam condensing the entire film into 55 minutes of frantic fun.”
- Broadway Baby
“Davis’ knack for parody sees him shimmy in an unsettling recreation of the Playboy bunny scene before launching into a mango-munching Marlon Brando, that somehow sums up both the absurdity of this comedy and the genius of the movie.”
- The Stage
“True to its name, this was indeed a re-telling of “Apocalypse Now” by one man over the course of an hour. But it was a hell of a lot more than that. Chris Davis put on a thrilling meta-theatrical performance”
Peter Jacobs, Portfringe
"The play is at once funny, sad and familiar. He’s a comic bastard, who pulls lines about not knowing what he’s doing in his 30’s, in a basement, in a strange neighborhood in Pittsburgh, shirtless, re-enacting a scene where he’s about to bludgeon himself to death."
Jason Clearfield, PGH In the Round (Pittsburgh Fringe)
“The one man behind this one-man show, Chris Davis, is an incredible performer. He deftly embodied I’m guessing about twelve distinct characters over the course of an hour.”
- Nichole Faina, PGH in the Round (Pittsburgh Fringe)
"The most unusual and also greatest moment of the day was Chris Davis’ off-kilter comedy One Man Apocalypse Now. True to its title, this is a show in which Davis condenses the anti-war epic into an hour and fifteen minute extravaganza of unbelievable celebrity impressions, complete and utter commitment to character, and parody that goes so far beyond its one-note conceit into a kind of sublime mania."
Mark Sklaski, PGH in the Round (Pittsburgh Fringe)
“And with that, we’re off and running for a show that, thanks to its star’s deadpan determination, Chris Davis keeps its comic premise going strong for a full hour. Davis throws himself into the role with abandon; at one point he plays a female stripper and does a shimmy that, for better or worse, you won’t be able to get out of your head for a while.”
★★★★★ Tim Dunleavy, DC Metro (Philly Fringe)
“Whether you’ve seen the film or not, Chris Davis’ One Man Apocalypse Now will be a funny, dark, poignant, playful and well-spent hour of your life. Who among us couldn’t use one of those right about now?”
Patricia Highsmith, DC Metro (Charm City Fringe)
“One-Man Apocalypse Now's climactic confrontation becomes even more about Philadelphia theater and Davis's place in it, equating Willard's grim mission with an actor's struggles, and builds that combination of humor and horror to a perfect point. I can't wait to see more by Chris Davis.”
Mark Cofta, Broad St. Review (Philly Fringe)
AWARDS / ACCOLADES
Best Performance of 2016 In Plays & Musicals in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey
Best Actor – Pittsburgh Fringe
Best Plays in Professional Theaters in Philadelphia, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey 2016
Winner of the Special Jury Prize, Thespis Festival 2018 - Kiel, Germany