Myra Adams, Tim DAX, Dave Palumbo and Roxanne Edwards on the set of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, at the Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
Justine Joli, Roxanne Edwards and Myra Adams, who were featured in the cast of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s Off-Broadway production of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which recently ended its twice extended run at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17th, were interviewed by Dave Palumbo on The Heavy Muscle Show.
Roxanne Edwards, Dave Palumbo and Justine Joli Photo by Lia Chang
Set on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life, CALIGULA MAXIMUS is an outrageous theatrical extravaganza, combining elements of a circus, a play with music, and a nightclub installation, co-written by Alfred Preisser (ARCHBISHOP SUPREME TARTUFFE) and Randy Weiner (THE DONKEY SHOW). Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Tim DAX, Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Gladiator Germanicus (Tim DAX) dances the Hoka Hoka in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
Tim DAX is currently shooting his first starring role in a heavy metal murder musical feature film entitled, “Mr. Bricks”.
DAX recently appeared as Incitatus, Caligula’s horse and gladiator Germanicus in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s Off-Broadway production of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which recently ended its twice extended run at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17th.
Set on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life, CALIGULA MAXIMUS is an outrageous theatrical extravaganza, combining elements of a circus, a play with music, and a nightclub installation, co-written by Alfred Preisser (ARCHBISHOP SUPREME TARTUFFE) and Randy Weiner (THE DONKEY SHOW).
Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
CALIGULA MAXIMUS director and co-writer is flanked by competitive bodybuilders Tim DAX, Roxanne Edwards, Raheem Green and Myra Adams. Photo by Lia Chang
The actor and Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman was riveting in CALIGULA MAXIMUS.
“Tim DAX is a work of art,” said Alfred Preisser, CALIGULA MAXIMUS director and co-writer. ” In a lot of ways, he embodies the essential spirit of our CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which on many levels is a celebration of individuality.”
Of his experience with CALIGULA MAXIMUS, DAX shared, “Pride in knowing I helped create, nourish and sustain moments that most people can’t even dream. Unless you experience live theatre you cannot completely fathom the spirituality of it. I act on camera and in the theatre and nothing can replace the living, breathing, evolving, emotional and vulnerable collective each of us is connected to in CALIGULA MAXIMUS.
I will take with me a smile. Whenever I think back to this moment in time it will cause me to smile and appreciate the life I live.
My goal is to be in Hollywood very soon making rock-um sock-um, kick ass, action, sci fi, horror and any other type of film. And then of course on to children’s films… but that’s further along my path.”
Jennifer Thal with her husband Guns N' Roses guitarist Bumblefoot, Penthouse Pet Victoria "Dr. Z" Zdrok, CALIGULA MAXIMUS director and co-writer Alfred Preisser, Penthouse Pet Ryan Keely and castmembers Lady Circus Troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova, and Justine Joli at the closing night party of CALIGULA MAXIMUS at the Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17, 2010. Photo by Lia Chang
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Bumblefoot and his wife Jennifer Thal, Penthouse Pets Victoria “Dr. Z” Zdrok (Pet of The Year, 2004, clinical psychologist, PhD Drexel University) and Ryan Keely (October 2009), and Fetish model Darenzia partied with the cast of CALIGULA MAXIMUS after the closing night performance at the Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17th. Special thanks to Lainie Speiser of Penthouse and V2 Vodka.
The outrageous theatrical extravaganza, combining elements of a circus, a play with music, and a nightclub installation, co-written by Alfred Preisser (ARCHBISHOP SUPREME TARTUFFE) and Randy Weiner (THE DONKEY SHOW) and directed by Preisser, is set on the last night of the notorious emperor’s life.
CALIGULA MAXIMUS director and co-playwright Alfred Preisser celebrates with his cast after the closing night performance at the Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17, 2010. Photo by Lia Chang
Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the Peanut Vendor and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
Alexandra Bernard, Greg Bornstein, Angela Buccinni, Claire Buckingham, Alicia Giangrisostomi, Jeff Goldfisher, Raheem Green, Sarah Hassan, Naima Yetunde Ince, Tracy Jack, Bill Johnson, David King, Jessica Krueger, Andrews Landsman, Elinor Lerner, Channing McKindra, Alexandra Petrova, Charletta Rozzell, Alicia St. Louis, Tricia Storie, Aaron Strand, Miriam Tabb, Jenny Weinbloom and Elian Zach rounded out the cast.
Ryan Keely, Victoria Dr. Z. Zdrok, Darenzia and Justine Joli at the closing night party of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, at the Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
CALIGULA MAXIMUS has sets and rigging by Evan Collier, costumes by Laura Clarke, lighting by Christopher McElroen, musical direction and lead guitar by Joe Shavel, musicians Kareem Clarke (bass), Jeremy O’Brien (drum/mayhem), Brendan Scharen (rhythm guitar), Joel Siegel (drums/conga), whip consulting by Chris McDaniel, stage management by Mike Yrigoyen, and press by Lia Chang.
Aaron Strand as Jesus, Mike Y.- his handler in the lobby of the Ellen Stewart Theatre. Photo by Gillian Crosson
Thanks to Gillian Crosson for her great photos of CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Ms. Crosson came to photograph Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which recently ended it’s twice extended run at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17.
Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the Peanut Vendor and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Alicia St. Louis as Aquitania in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
Alicia St. Louis played Aquitania and a member of the tribe in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which recently ended it’s twice extended run on April 17.
Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the Peanut Vendor and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
Alicia St. Louis
“I take so many things with me from this experience with CALIGULA MAXIMUS– gaining more courage to create, a real sense of letting go and allowing things to happen…A strong sense of community with this cast and crew of 30 people from all walks of life, all avenues…
The connection is so deep with this cast. It has been such an honor to be a part of such an amazing journey…Every night we come back is like a gift. Alfred really gave us freedom to explore- which takes you to a completely different level as an artist…I thank him for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Ms. St. Louis.
A graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Northern California, Ms. St. Louis attended the Stella Adler Studio Conservatory in NYC. Her New York theater credits include 8 Women: A Karaoke Murder Mystery (Professor Thom’s Loft), Who Will Carry the Word? (Red Fern Theatre Co./ Center Stage), House of Yes(Samsara Theatre Co.), Christmas Revels (Symphony Space), Twelfth Night (Aisling Arts/Play Outside Festival) and Escape from Happiness (Stella Adler Studio). Regional credits include Julius Caesar, Hidden Prayer and Summer and Smoke. She recently appeared in the independent film, Shades of Gray, in Massachusetts. In July, she will perform in “Trojan Women Redux,” on a farm in East Hampton. She is also a hair model and event planner.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
New York based belly dancer Sarah Hassan takes great delight in being recognized from her performance in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS, which recently ended it’s twice extended run at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre. The outrageous theatrical extravaganza, combining elements of a circus, a play with music, and a nightclub installation, co-written by Alfred Preisser (ARCHBISHOP SUPREME TARTUFFE) and Randy Weiner (THE DONKEY SHOW) and directed by Preisser, is set on the last night of the notorious emperor’s life.
Belly Dancer Sarah Hassan, circus performers and musicians perform in the lobby of the Ellen Stewart Theatre before the performance of CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
Ryan Knowles stars as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the peanut vendor and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show features award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
Belly Dancer Sarah Hassan and Alexandra Bernard backstage at the Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
Hassan shared, “I believe the true question, in my situation, is what won’t I take away from my CALIGULA experience! I had the good fortune, or dumb luck, depending on how you look at it; to be invited to join the CALIGULA family late in the rehearsal process, coming from absolutely no theater experience, save for a few belly dance shows in the New York City metro area. I had no reputation when I auditioned; two weeks prior to joining, I had returned from living overseas in Mongolia, in a tiny village on the Siberian boarder where I taught English as a Peace Corps volunteer. When I was contacted by Mike Y. to drop by Great Jones Street to see CALIGULA in it’s last stages of development and possibly lend my talents to the production, I had no idea what CALIGULA was or who was involved; but when I saw all those sexy, expressive, giving bodies writhing on the floor in gleeful harmony, hearing the back story of circus debauchery and sideshow revelry, I knew I had come to the right place. I got on board immediately after Alfred gave me the thumbs up, having only seen me dance for approximately ten seconds, and the next day, I started rehearsals for the ‘Nitty-Gritty’ and Gospel scenes.
Belly Dancer Sarah Hassan in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS at the Ellen Stewart Theatre. Photo by Lia Chang
I have been, for the past ten years, a belly dancer, first and foremost, as a means of creative expression. Stage lights beam down on me only when I am dressed to the nines in sequins, coins, feathers, and tassels, so joining a cast where I could keep the costume yet step outside the ‘belly box,’ was invaluable. Belly dancers are a group of performers unto themselves; only recently have we been used in venues and shows not specifically made for us or without a strong Middle Eastern bent. Now, belly dancers are touring the world with rock bands and promoting their artistry all over the web. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a belly dancer, and I am so fortunate to have been able to join a production such as CALIGULA, which speaks to the vaudeville, circus, side-show freak inside of me, that for too long has been wanting to crawl out, horns and all, and grace the public with visions of another world, which is exactly what CALIGULA is all about. To have shown up, night after night, and applied false eyelashes and rouge next to some of the most dedicated, talented and gregarious artists I have ever encountered has not only been a pleasure, but a gift. CALIGULA MAXIMUS has changed my life, by inviting me in to a world of show that I truly understand and never want to leave.”
Ms. Hassan was a member of the Harem Belly Dance Studio from 2000-2004, where she became fluent in Egyptian and Turkish cabaret under the tutelage of the late Renate Wallasch and performed with Jewels on the Path, The Turkish Delights, and The Harem Belly Dance Troupe. Over the past seven years, she has studied cabaret belly dance with Yousry Sharif and Raqia Hassan, American Tribal Fusion dance with Isis, Trisha McBride, and Elisheva, Flamenco with Victorio Korjhan, and Ballet with Barbara Forbes. Her performance credits include Nadia Moussa’s showcases at Kush (New York City), Amara Al Amir’s showcases at Katy Daly’s (Long Island),ASAmed’s Winter Showcases (New York City), The 2009 Festival of the East (Long Island), and in 2008 she was the premier dancer of Il Cedri, a restaurant in Florence, Italy. Ms. Hassan has taught at Sarah Lawrence College, where she also received her B.A, in dance studios and sports club on Long Island, and in Mongolia, where she was a Peace Corps volunteer. In addition, she has choreographed pieces for the students of Sarah Lawrence College and the Harem Belly Dance Studio. Her work is influenced by the Ballets Russes, the folk dances of Central Asia, Spain and India, and the cabarets of Europe during the turn-of-the-century.
See what inspires Belly Dancer Sarah Hassan by checking out her blog , where she posts dance tidbits, upcoming performances, photos and dance inspirations.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Get your Funk on at Luqman Brown’s BUDDHABUG RECORDS monthly dance party, FUNK-YOU on April 24, when his band MACKIE RIVERSIDE & THE STREET PUSHERS, will play with jazz arkestra BURNT SUGAR at KENNY’S CASTAWAYS, 157 Bleeker St. in New York.Tickets and info at www.mackieriverside.com.
As the Peanut Vendor Sulla in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s Off-Broadway production of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, Luqman Brown is the first and the last character you see and hear. In the preshow, he is selling his wares, and during the course of the play which takes place on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life, he foretells Caligula’s demise. CALIGULA MAXIMUS is an outrageous theatrical extravaganza, combining elements of a circus, a play with music, and a nightclub installation, co-written by Alfred Preisser (ARCHBISHOP SUPREME TARTUFFE) and Randy Weiner (THE DONKEY SHOW), which recently ended it’s twice extended run at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 17.
Luqman Brown hawks his peanuts as Sulla, the Peanut Vendor, in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
Ryan Knowles starred as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show featured award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
A commercial run of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS is in the works, and will be produced by Stephen Pevner, Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA. Stayed tuned to www.caligulamaximus.com.
(l-r)Ryan Knowles, JerZ Short, Luqman Brown and the cast of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
The talented composer, musician and performer is a graduate of the rock and roll streets of New York City. This hard-won education led to the founding of such seminal bands as FunkFace, Dope Sagittarius, and MACKIE RIVERSIDE & THE STREET PUSHERS. Between these and other entertaining endeavors, he has toured the US and the world since he was 17, recently showcasing Dope Sagittarius at the FIFA European football championships in Austria. Theatrical projects in the works include taking the mantle of musical director in SummerStage’s upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration production of “Etymology of a Bird”; followed by a first time father/son collaboration – he’ll team up with his father Carlyle Brown (writer of Little Tommy Parker’s Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show , and Pure Confidence), performing in his one-man show The King of 8th Street, which Carlyle will direct.
Justine Joli and Luqman Brown at the curtain call for Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
“Working on CALIGULA MAXIMUS was a great opportunity to stretch into theater as an actor, which is a new venture for me,” mused Brown. “As a musician/performer, it was an amazing experience to see the different approach to a live collaborative effort that exists in theater. The translation from word to action guided by the interpretation of the director’s thought, and how the actor takes that thought and makes it real. It has broadened my thoughts on live musical performance where there are many similarities. A great friendship and bond was created with the cast. Such a varied and wonderfully talented bunch of folks. I’ve enjoyed the other forms of art and personality that are represented in the cast as well as the play. I’ve learned a lot from these people. I also learned that people will purchase anything, if it cost only one dollar. All in all its been an amazing time as Sulla the Peanut Vendor.”
CALIGULA MAXIMUS director and co-playwright Alfred Preisser, Living Colour lead vocalist Corey Glover, Kareem Clarke, Luqman Brown and Yvonne Glover on the set of CALIGULA MAXIMUS at the Ellen Stewart Theatre on April 3, 2010. Photo by Lia Chang
Other theater credits include: Little Tommy Parker’s Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show (Actor), Taking Steps 313, the Musical adaptation of Crime and Punishment (Musical Director/Orchestra Leader/Actor). He worked on the film Afro-Punk and in the dance world, as musical director on Brown Girls Burlesque’s Grind High. Additional Musical Highlights for Brown include appearing on the Tony Hawk video game soundtrack, Project 8, writing interstitial jingles for Nickelodeon. He has been featured on various albums, compilations and singles in the US and abroad, shared great stages with a cadre of great musicians, and is literally in the Smithsonian for his impact as a musician.
Friend and colleague Living Colour lead vocalist Corey Glover and his wife Yvonne came to show their support and Brown was recently featured on www.boldaslove.us for his turn as Sulla in CALIGULA MAXIMUS. His record label BUDDHABUG RECORDS, plans to inject the world with new sounds and events in 2010 including the upcoming release ‘KILL THE DJ’ from electro/hiphop/punk band DOPE SAGITTARIUS (www.myspace.com/dopesagittarius), and two brand new singles from his alter-ego MACKIE RIVERSIDE & THE STREET PUSHERS.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Updated: March 3, 2011 Performances for CALIGULA MAXIMUS 2011- to be announced- at the House of Yes in Williamsburg, New York. Stayed tuned.
Thanks to the talented team of Roberto Serrini, Michelle Vergara and Jamie Ward of www.concretebrothel.com for their superb coverage of CALIGULA MAXIMUS.
The Concrete Brothel gets a V.I.P. pass to the hottest urban theater action in NYC – Caligula Maximus – at the La Mama theater in the heart of the East Village.
Director: Alfred Preisser
Writers: Alfred Preisser, Randy Weiner
Starring: Ryan Knowles, Justine Joli, Jerz Short, and many many more.
Presented by La MaMa, e.t.c., CALIGULA MAXIMUS is a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA.
Performances for CALIGULA MAXIMUS, at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St., are on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, through April 17th. Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at http://www.lamama.org or by calling the box office at 212.475.7710. Tickets must be picked up at the box office which is located at 74A E. 4th St. For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.com.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Wicked Local Dover-Sherborn
Posted Apr 07, 2010 @ 01:43 PM
Dover-Sherborn —
Bornstein makes off-Broadway debut
Gregory Bornstein of Dover makes his off-Broadway debut in “Caligula Maximus” at the Ellen Stuart Theater in New York City. Bornstein graduated Dover-Sherborn High School in 2007 and is currently a third-year student at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. This is his first professional role.
Greg Bornstein as gladiator Judea in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS at the Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
Bornstein has performed at the Stella Adler Studio, and first worked with Alfred Preisser as Banquo/Old Siward in his production of Macbeth this past winter. Bornstein on working in CALIGULA MAXIMUS
“I am so excited to take part in CALIGULA MAXIMUS because this is the kind of theater I want to see. This is the type of theater I believe in. When I worked with Alfred as Banquo in his Macbeth at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting this winter, his physically ambitious and theatrically stunning Pictish vision of the Scottish play shook my preconceptions of what great theater could be. I am truly grateful that Alfred has allowed me to take part in this fantastically original off-Broadway production that stimulates my heart, my intellect, and my desire for the greatness of sheer spectacle. Alfred and Randy have created, along with the nicest and most talented cast and crew I could have possibly worked with, a fantasy that I wish would never end. Thank you everyone involved with CALIGULA MAXIMUS, and thank you Alfred. It’s a true honor.”
Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s outrageous circus themed theatrical extravaganza CALIGULA MAXIMUS is currently playing at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St. in New York, and has been extended through April 17th.
Co-written by Alfred Preisser (Co-Founder, Classical Theatre of Harlem) and Randy Weiner (owner of the notorious night spot, The Box) and directed by Preisser, CALIGULA MAXIMUS is set on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life.
Ryan Knowles stars as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Druscilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the peanut vendor, JerZ Short as circus master Helicon, and the show features award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim Dax and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
Rounding out the cast in multiple roles are Alexandra Bernard, Angela Buccinni, Claire Buckingham, Alicia Giangrisostomi, Jeff Goldfisher, Raheem Green, Sarah Hassan, Naima Yetunde Ince, Bill Johnson, David King, Jessica Krueger, Andrews Landsman, Elinor Lerner, Channing McKindra, Alexandra Petrova, Charletta Rozell, Alicia St. Louis, Tricia Storie, Aaron Strand, Miriam Tabb, Jenny Weinbloom and Elian Zach.
Performances for CALIGULA MAXIMUS, at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St., are on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, through April 17th. Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at http://www.lamama.org or by calling the box office at 212.475.7710. Tickets must be picked up at the box office which is located at 74A E. 4th St. For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.com.
Presented by La MaMa, e.t.c., CALIGULA MAXIMUS is a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA.
Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 E. 4th St. (btwn 2nd Ave & The Bowery)
Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors
CALIGULA MAXIMUS at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theatre Completes Extended Run on April 17th
Wednesday, April 7, 2010; Posted: 04:04 PM – by BWW News Desk
Justine Joli as Caesonia in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St. in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
Celebrate with Penthouse and the cast of CALIGULA MAXIMUS, Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner’s outrageous circus themed theatrical extravaganza currently playing at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St in New York, when the show completes its extended run on April 17th.
The party will take place on the set when the curtain comes down. Penthouse is donating complimentary issues of the magazines while supplies last, V2 vodka is the beverage sponsor of the night.
Co-written by Alfred Preisser (Co-Founder, Classical Theatre of Harlem) and Randy Weiner (owner of the notorious night spot, The Box) and directed by Preisser, CALIGULA MAXIMUS is set on the last night of the infamous dictator’s life.
Ryan Knowles stars as Caligula, adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli as his wife Caesonia, Lady Circus troupe aerialist Anya Sapozhnikova as his sister Drusilla, Luqman Brown as Sulla, the peanut vendor and JerZ Short as circus master Helicon. The show features award-winning competitive bodybuilders Myra Adams and Roxanne Edwards, Coney Island Sideshow tattooed muscleman Tim DAX and an outrageous collection of over two-dozen circus performers, wrestlers, showgirls and freaks.
The Cast of Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Photo by Lia Chang
Check out what the critics are saying about CALIGULA MAXIMUS.
…a rock musical to make “Hair” pale by comparison, replete with nudity, sex, every form of perversion and violence …a probing, provocative and profound piece of theater.
This cast is the hardest-working ensemble of diverse talents with vastly varied backgrounds that could be assembled. Each plays many parts and the energy level could light up Manhattan. In addition to well-trained experienced actors, singers and dancers, there are actual circus performers, strippers, muscle men and body builders. Heading it all is the utterly astonishing Ryan Knowles, as beautiful a young man as the historical Caligula, an actor of range, sensitivity, colossal endurance, and a solid singer.
Presented by La MaMa, e.t.c., CALIGULA MAXIMUS is a project with Hammerstein & Weiner, LLC, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser and Kingsize, USA.
Performances for CALIGULA MAXIMUS, at the Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St., are on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, through April 17th. Tickets are $30, $25 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at http://www.lamama.org or by calling the box office at 212.475.7710. Tickets must be picked up at the box office which is located at 74A E. 4th St. For more information, visit www.caligulamaximus.com.
Click here for the full article at broadwayworld.com.
Click here for the CALIGULA MAXIMUS Articles Archive.
Lia Chang
CALIGULA MAXIMUS 