Back Stage at Santa Paula Theater Center
December 18, 2009
Santa Paula News
Through special arrangement with the author, Back Stage at Santa Paula Theater Center is pleased to present William Peter Blatty’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘Killer’ Kane” in its theatrical premiere.
The play will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. January 15 through January 31, 2010, with a special Thursday performance at 8 p.m. on January 28.
Blatty is best known for his novel “The Exorcist.” In 1980, he wrote and directed “The Ninth Configuration,” for which he won a Golden Globe award for best screenplay and also garnered a nomination for best movie. Recently he adapted this same story for the stage, re-titling it “Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘Killer’ Kane.” Despite Blatty’s misperceived reputation, TTKK is not a horror story, but explores the nature of God, the problem of evil and man’s hope for redemption.
The Story: During the Vietnam War, many American soldiers developed symptoms of psychosis and suffered mental breakdowns. Authorities wondered how many men, if not all, were faking illness to avoid combat. The government established secret military installations to probe this mystery. Despite their efforts, they did not obtain the answers they desired. In a new attempt to discover the truth, authorities bring in Colonel Hudson Kane, a psychiatrist who appears to be grappling with demons of his own.
Featured in this ensemble cast of 11 men are a mixture of stage veterans, journeymen and relative newcomers. Peter Krause portrays Captain Cutshaw, the reluctant astronaut. Michael Perlmutter ably handles the complex Colonel Kane, while Adam Womack embodies Reno, the Shakespearean director for an entirely canine cast.
William Peter Blatty’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘Killer’ Kane” is directed by John McKinley, produced by Andrea Robles, and costumed by Kate English.
Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors, students and military. For reservations or information about William Peter Blatty’s “Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘Killer’ Kane” or about the Santa Paula Theater Center, call the box office at 805-525-4645 or visit www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
