Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

one-on-one theater interviews
Mark Montgomery: Playing the Extremes
by AMY MATHENY
2003-05-07

This article shared 2903 times since Wed May 7, 2003
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email


Jim Grimsley has been working, alongside Eric Rosen and Kyle Hall of About Face Theatre, for three years on his new play, Fascination, which tells the story of our obsession with serial killers. It's the story of Randall Bartleman, a serial killer, as seen through the gothic imagination of the same creative team that brought Chicago audiences Dream Boy and put About Face Theatre on the map in this town. The team created local workshops and readings, received a grant from the Theatre Communications Group for the development of the play, and were invited to attend the prestigious Eugene O'Neill Playwrights Conference in Connecticut, all in an effort to locate the precise tenor and voice for this horrifying subject which captivates many Americans.

Mark Montgomery is no stranger to Chicago audiences. He often appears at Chicago Shakespeare (last season in As You Like It), Apple Tree Theatre (Cat On a Hot Tin Roof) and most recently at Steppenwolf (Time of Your Life) and with Remy Bumppo (Money). Mark portrays Randall Bartleman, the tormented and closeted serial killer. I play his prison bride, Holly Marie Nations, a fundamentalist Christian who is enraptured with Randall's innocence.

While on break during preview rehearsals, Mark and I talked about playing these controversial roles that point to the engrossing extremes in our society. They are the horrific individuals who seem so monstrous but somehow seduce and fascinate us to know everything we can about them and what drives them to their crimes. John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Richard Speck, Larry Eyler, and Jeffrey Dahmer are a few. Whey are we fascinated by them? And now, Randall Bartleman, a new killer for our time.

Amy Matheny: Aren't you tired?

Mark Montgomery: Yeah. I am pretty worn out.

AM: It's hard to put on any show. But what makes this show, Fascination, just so exhausting and emotionally wrenching?

MM: I think whenever you are working in emotional extremes you tend to not even notice it when you are in the midst of it. But it does take a toll on you over time. We have had a very productive rehearsal, tech and preview process, but you can tell that everyone in the cast gets worn down just by the weight (of the material) of the show.

AM: You have worked at so many theatres … and now you are playing probably one of the more unlikable characters in your vast career. You have played some villains ... but Randall Bartleman—he is a closeted gay serial killer. As an actor, aren't you supposed to like the characters you inhabit to do them justice? Do you like this guy?

MM: I don't think it is a question as to whether or not you have to like the person. You have to sympathize with them.

AM: Is that hard to do with Randall?

MM: Oddly, no. It hasn't been difficult. I feel he is dealing with so much pain and sadness, which obviously does not excuse any of the homicidal activity. (Laughing) But I think hopefully what comes across is that this is a severely damaged individual and maybe things could have gone differently for him.

AM: Did you have reservations about playing this part? Either the sexuality of it or the terrifying personality you inhabit night after night?

MM: I had very few reservations. It all happened so quickly in terms of me getting the role. It came out of nowhere. It was just really perfect timing where I wasn't sure what was next for me. I wanted something meaty and I got this call from About Face Theatre saying we have this crazy serial killer play. I was immediately excited! There has been a lot of discussion about the meaning of 'Fascination' and people's fascination with serial killers. I have not been overly fascinated or obsessed with them but people willingly admit to being fascinated with the subject.

AM: Did you do a lot of research on the famous serial killers?

MM: I did a certain amount. I needed to figure out what was behind this kind of behavior.

AM: Is Randall like any one particular killer?

MM: I would say more like aspects of many. There are elements of Jeffrey Dahmer but it would be limiting to say he is a Dahmer character or a Ted Bundy character or a John Wayne Gacy character. I think Jim (Grimsley) did an amazing job of pulling together aspects of a lot of these guys and creating one really unique individual.

AM: Do you think it is dangerous for a gay company to expose something that many extreme anti-gay individuals would (misconstrue). Such as, that all gay people are pedophiles or killers or even have proclivities to be so?

MM: I don't know. Because there have been things that we (as a cast) have discussed and debated trying to anticipate what some people's reactions to the play will be. We have had a limited response so far since we have to date only had a few preview performances. I have heard nothing negative from any audiences along those lines. I think there may be people who for their own reasons would take that sort of interpretation from the play.

AM: Well, we have all had that debate. How audiences will interpret the show. Even members of the company have said, 'why would we choose to do this play with this type of subject matter?' People in the company and cast have even come to me, since I am a Christian, and voiced concern with me playing your fundamentalist Christian prison bride. She is a crazy Christian! She is a girl who is fascinated by your character in an insane way. But, people have asked if it bothers me to play this role, as a Christian, that audiences may think I am saying something about Christians. And I never did. I was actually glad that I was cast in the role, instead of someone else who might not be able to distinguish the difference. I hope that perhaps in my hands I can show the madness and the break in reality of this girl that has nothing to do with being a Christian. But I can't control really what audiences take from the performance or character.

MM: And that is something that you and I had talked about before. It's not as simple as saying this woman is a Christian and that's why she behaves this way, or this guy is gay and that is why he behaves this way. These people are individuals and the fact (is) they are chronically screwed up. There are things that they latch onto in an unhealthy way, religious beliefs or deviant behavior or celebrity worship or whatever just to find something to fill up what's missing inside themselves.

AM: The show is really funny. When I tell people that they are like, 'What do you mean by it's funny? It's about a gay serial killer.' But it is funny! And when we look at how people are fascinated by the grotesque and enraptured by it and how they talk about it, there is a lot of nervous laughter in looking at the horrific. It's just hard to talk about these topics. Jim Grimsley has painted these extreme characters like Randall's mother (played by Patricia Kane) who is the 500-pound woman whose character is built within the couch to suggest her weight and entire body. It is extreme. But there is a lot of humor without poking fun. I think it is the humor that lies under the surface of these people and us as audience members hearing their story. The cast has laughed so much during rehearsals. Did you expect that? Not frivolous laughter but there has been a lot of levity. Why do you think that is?

MM: I don't know if that is how I expected rehearsals to be, but I certainly think it is necessary in working on something like this when you are dealing with such dark places. It's a very natural response to immediately turn around and try to make light of the situation. Well, wait. That is the wrong thing to say. But to alleviate the tension or the emotional intensity, it helps to crack a joke or have a laugh. It is a release. It keeps everyone a little saner.

AM: We have both seen and been in a lot of dramatic theatre. But I feel that this play is such a unique experience for audiences who come and see Fascination. And please (if you are reading this) come and see it! But I can't really even think of any plays that are comparable. It is not gory but it is shocking! I mean there is definitely theater in this gritty town that is shock theatre or has a lot of shock value or even gore, but Fascination is not that. It's very chilling and engrossing. That is how it is seductive. Which I believe audiences will respond to and make them more psychologically rattled than any other play that they have seen. What kind of experience do you think it is for an audience? Is there anything you can equate it with from your own experience?

MM: I agree that it is chilling and psychological. I think that is true. You asked me earlier whether I had any reservations in doing this part and this show, and like I said, I had almost none. More than anything I was incredibly excited as soon as I read this script. Because I think it is a unique piece of theatre and I think it goes in all these different directions that theatre normally doesn't take us. It's horrifying at times, which I think is amazing and incredibly difficult and sick and sad. So a lot of the (audience) laughter is nervous laughter because they are recognizing behavior.

AM: Well, we do feel exposed when we recognize ourselves and our own lives (in these characters).

MM: And recognizing that it is perhaps an extreme representation of either bad family dynamics or repression or things people do when they feel lost or scared. I think people see themselves then (in the story) and that makes them uncomfortable. That was actually my favorite reaction. Someone said after seeing a preview performance, they said 'I was laughing and was engrossed by the show but I was uncomfortable and questioning myself at the same time as to why I was responding to the show as I was.' And I think that is terrific! I can't think of a better response to hear from somebody!

AM: So when do we get some rest? Do you feel once opening night happens, you are just on this ride, this crazy, wacky, funny, terrifying ride until the end of the run June 1?

MM: I do. Once we open there is some more rest. And it's very soon. It is what it is. Fascination ... it's scary and exciting at the same time.

____

About Face Theatre's world premiere production of Fascination written by Jim Grimsley and directed by Eric Rosen is playing now through June 1 at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont on Thursdays- Sundays at 8 p.m.. Special 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows on Saturday, May 24 and May 31. Tickets are available at the Theatre Building Chicago box office by calling (773) 327-5252 or visit www.ticketmaster.com . For information, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com . Group discounts available. Valet Parking.

----------------------------------------


This article shared 2903 times since Wed May 7, 2003
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

SHOWBIZ Dionne Warwick, OUTshine, Ariana DeBose, 'Showgirls,' 'Harlem' 2024-03-29
Video below - Iconic singer Dionne Warwick was honored for her decades-long advocacy work for people living with HIV/AIDS at a star-studded amfAR fundraising gala in Palm Beach, per the Palm Beach Daily News. Warwick received the "Award of ...


Gay News

WORLD Israel court, conversion therapy, death sentences, Georgia bill, fashion items 2024-03-29
- Israel's Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Population Authority must register female couples as mothers on the birth certificates of their children they have together, The Washington Blade reported. The decision was made following a petition ...


Gay News

City Lit Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor talks theater, comics, queerness 2024-03-26
- City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season—which will be the company's 44th. It will also be the first season to be programmed under the leadership of Brian Pastor (they/them), who will assume ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th anniversary awards for non-equity theater 2024-03-26
--From a press release - A complete list of recipients can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org. (March 25, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer musicians, Marvel situation, Elliot Page, Nicole Kidman 2024-03-21
- Queer musician Joy Oladokun released the single "I Wished on the Moon," from Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the new Apple TV+ series The New Look, per a press release. The soundtrack, ...


Gay News

THEATER Chicago's City Lit has anxiety on tap with 'Two Hours in a Bar' 2024-03-21
- Two Hours in a Bar Waiting for Tina Meyer by Kristine Thatcher with material by Larry Shue Text Me by Kingsley Day (Book, Music and Lyrics). At: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.. Tickets: ...


Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance 2024-03-18
- Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret 2024-03-05
- Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare 2024-03-05
- Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

Center on Halsted hosts 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show 2024-03-03
- On the evening of Feb. 29, Center on Halsted held its 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show in front of a packed audience at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The event brought together participants of the Center's youth and senior ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion 2024-03-01
- Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


Gay News

Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical 2024-02-19
- Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...


Gay News

'West Side Story' gets a sex-positive spin with new burlesque show 2024-02-19
- In partial observance of National Condom Day, which was Feb. 14, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) presented A West Side Story Burlesque at the Harris Theater for two hour-long performances on Feb. 17. The show, ...


Gay News

Second Glance Productions hosts LGBTQupid Soiree 2024-02-16
- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago based film and media production company Second Glance hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO ...


Gay News

Carisa Hendrix mesmerizes as Lucy Darling in Teatro ZinZanni 2024-02-12
- Since 2019, Teatro ZinZanni has gathered together amazing performers from all over the world to create an experience in Chicago under the Spiegeltent in the Cambria Hotel building, 32 W. Randolph St. Over the years, ticket ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.