Review: Second Thought Theatre's OUR DEAR DEAD DRUG LORD is interesting, funny, violent and disturbing.

Our Dear Dead Drug Lord

By Alexis Scheer

Directed by Ruben Carrazana

Presented by Second Thought Theatre

When I went to see Our Dear Drug Lord, I had a feeling that this was not going to be the usual casual night of comedy and feel-good Theatre.  Boy was I right.  This play is 90 minutes, chock full of deep messaging, disturbing imagery, and shocking moments that left me reminding myself to breathe.  Now it does have some really funny moments, too, but you can’t get too comfortable.  This play has A LOT to say, and you should be prepared for a uniquely different theatrical experience.

The set for this play is fantastic.  Bob Lavallee has created a treehouse filled with fun youthful effects…cute furniture, a beanbag chair, lamps, pillows…all in a gorgeous wooden planked surround.  Props by Carson McCain adequately complete the scene.  I really appreciated the work and detail that was put into this set.  Amazing work!

The story takes place in this treehouse, which is the retreat of four private school girls, Pipe, Zoom, Squeeze and Kit, who meet regularly to hold the meetings of their Dead Leaders Club.  These uniformed young women may look innocent, but they certainly have vivid imaginations and secrets that only they share.  I won’t give away the plot, because there is just so much to dissect here, and I feel that people will leave this show with their own unique interpretations and thoughts.  I think that is the point.

I was really impressed with the casting of this play by director Ruben Carrazana.  Angela Maria Ramos (Pipe) is the leader of this pack and is a tough and assertive presence that everyone responds to.  Ramos has great stage presence and navigated this character’s journey with strength and precision.  Alicia Antwine (Squeeze) was sassy and full of energy.  I loved her quick wit and chemistry with Alexis Farrell (Zoom).  Just like her name implies, Zoom is high-energy, the nerd of the group, and so very funny.  Farrell is great to watch, and her comedic timing and facial expressions really add a lot of humor to this heavy show.  Then, enter Alysha Lynette Gonzales (Kit) as the “new” girl to the group, and the dynamics of this club begin to change.  She is dark and mysterious, and that adds a layer to this group that sends the story on its journey.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the surprise appearance of two actors near the end of the play.  Neither is mentioned in the playbill, but they will mesmerize you.

Lighting by Lori Honeycutt and Niels Winter and Sound by Joshua Nguyen add so much depth to this production.  They were able to highlight every twist, turn and mood.  I was really captivated by their work.

Our Dear Dead Drug Lord is definitely the most interesting piece of contemporary Theatre that I have seen.  The talent is so strong and the set and visual effects are stunning.  But this is not a show that you want to bring grandma and the kids to.  It is interesting, funny, violent, and disturbing.  So, please, read the trigger warnings in fine print on the website (there are A LOT of them) and be prepared for what you are about to see.  You are sure to leave the theater with some things to think about.  The show runs through July 1 and tickets are available at secondthoughttheatre.com.

Audience Rating: M for Mature audiences only for adult subject matter, strong language, violence and disturbing imagery.  Please review trigger warnings on the website.

Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission

Accessible Seating: Yes

Hearing Devices Available: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available 

Production Sound Level: Comfortable Volume Level

Go See a Show!

Eddy Herring