Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer at The Ivy Substation

Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer

The Ivy Substation
9070 Venice Blvd Culver City

Originally written and performed in 1986, this no-holds barred satire of militarism and media manipulation tells the story of Spike Spangle, a down on his luck farmer who gets sucked into a whirlwind of celebrity and patriotism. He joins Superman on billionaire Max Enormous' Celebrity Space Shuttle and a nefarious plot leads to the deification of Spike Spangle as an American hero.

Presented by The Actors' Gang

Thru - Jun 22, 2019

Thursdays: 8:00pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 8:00pm

Show Type: Comedy/Drama

Box Office: 310-838-4264

theactorsgang.com/2019/04/violence/

Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer Reviews

Average Rating based on 3 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Broadway World - Highly Recommended

"...Performed on a basically bare-bones set designed by Margaret (Maggie) Cleary on which a large, rectangular table functions as the main set piece in almost every scene, the message is delivered not only by the talented and dedicated actors, but through Bosco Flanagan's attention-focusing lighting design, Cihan Sahin's projection design which fills every inch of the space with both real and imaginary worlds, with musical direction by David Robbins which satires popular tunes such as "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Rock Me Amadeus" among others, and cleverly outrageous costumes designed by Mela Green.""

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- Shari Barrett

On Stage Los Angeles - Highly Recommended

"...I've not seen such impressive ensemble work for a long time and the dedication of this cast to this play, now over thirty years old, but as relevant as it was in 1986, is worth the drive to Culver City! This is beyond entertainment, though the work is entertaining.. the subtext and up shot of it all ends in the war that the 'Chiefs' have all promoted as the future of our country.. of the world... hangs in an awkward balance. Our awkward state. These awkward times. A strong polemic."

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Stage Raw - Somewhat Recommended

"...Additionally, the two acts feel disproportionate to one another. The first half takes its time building the characters and painting a proper picture of the deep-seated level of bureaucratic dishonesty that has leaked its way into everything from banks to medical care and even religion. The second half seems rushed by comparison, especially when regarding the catharsis that comes with the characters' final conversations and monologues. Not enough happens after the quick climax. The after effects mostly remain a blurred assumption that would have been more poignant if they had at least partially played out on stage."

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- Lara J. Altunian

Violence: The Misadventures of Spike Spangle, Farmer at The Ivy Substation