The Great Americano

 

The Red Room

August 2004

 

 

Eric Bland wrote and starred in this one-act about a southern preacher and his beautiful, oblique, and sometimes disturbing relationship with two parishioners, played by Scott Eckert and Ellie Kemper.

 

Billy-the titular Great Americano-and Vladimir try to save Maggie from a surreal coma that takes the audience back and forth in space and time, shedding light on this unique love-triangle. Did Vladimir poison his mother? Or has Billy done something far worse-with Vladimir as the result? The Great Americano is a meeting between the Scarlet Letter and Snow White, with musical accompaniment by Edith Piaf. Comedy, gunshots, and bleeding.

 

The Great Americano pre-dates The Old Kent Road Theater, which was established in 2005. However, we consider it a part of our history. It also marks the beginning of Eric Bland's collaboration with Scott Eckert.

 

CAST & CREW

 

Directed by:    Jesse Liebman

 

Written by:    Eric Bland

 

Eric Bland    as Billy

Scott Eckert    as Vladimir

Ellie Kemper    as Maggie

 

Dramaturg:    Josh Boak

Graphic Design:    Nick Hladek