We sit down with out first actor, Matt de Rogatis, who most recently reprised his role as Roy in the Off-Broadway play Lone Star. De Rogatis shares his story of how he got into acting and where his dreams have taken him.
Lone Star tickets can be purchased at DrinkBeerRaiseHell.com.
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The year is 1972. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an unknown issue developing in Vietnam veterans. Upon his return from the war, Roy (Matt de Rogatis) discovers both he and his life have changed in Jame’s McLure’s Lone Star, an off-Broadway play that encompasses a man slowly going insane from the shock of the things he’s seen while clinging to his past.
The short play gets right to the point as Roy, drunk on his favorite beer (Lone Star) heads to the backyard of a Texas bar and immediately acknowledges the stars in the sky, one of the recurring motifs in the one-hour show. We are then introduced to his brother Ray (Chris Loupos) and for a brief moment, Cletis (Greg Pragel) – a friend of Ray who Roy despises for seemingly no particular reason. As Ray and Roy chat and reminisce about Roy’s glory days, we quickly realize Roy is not nearly as stable as he claims to be while brother Ray is dealing with his own issues.
The acting is impeccable. De Rogatis’s portrayal of an alcoholic post-war victim really hits home as his energy translates well across the stage. His use of facial expressions and body language carry the character convincingly as you continue to feel worse for the mood-swinging Roy every minute. Loupos shares a unique chemistry with de Rogatis as you can immediately tell the two characters are brothers, as well as which is older. Loupos also makes you believe Ray’s concern for his brother and his attempts to make everything seem alright while holding back the truth. Together, they work very well. Pragel also provides a somber comic relief in Cletis, who simply wants to be accepted by the macho Roy.
The play also provides a simple, yet relatable premise while making fantastic use of what little time the actors have. From the mcguffin in Roy’s 1959 pink Thunderbird to his marital struggles to Ray and Cletis’ secrets, the elements are peppered in at the right moments where nothing feels forced. The dialogue feels real enough to suggest that similar conversations have happened many times in reality during this particular period, and even now with current war/military vets. Even the southern accents are done to a T (for Texas, that is).
Additionally, Lone Star also has a series of motifs sprinkled thoughout the presentation. Stars are a metaphor for Roy (indicated by his beverage of choice) and everyone he’s ever known and loved (the stars in the sky). Another is Hank William’s 1953 classic “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
The one issue with Lone Star is it’s ending. Despite all the turmoil and build, the play tries to end on a positive note. This is not only confusing as there is no real resolve to Roy’s growing problems, but not entirely believable unless Roy really is that drunk (which is plausible). However, the audience will be left with many questions and the desire to see the true aftermath of Roy and Ray’s night out.
At the end of the night, Lone Star is a quick, yet large dose of drama with a great cast and script. Despite a light hiccup of a finale, you have a solid show that makes a strong brew out of the limited hops, grains and barley it’s given.
Lone Star is moving off-Broadway to The Triad May 6th and 13th. Tickets can be purchased at DrinkBeerRaiseHell.com.
Everyone loves a carnival.
Enter CalatrilloZ, a London Symphonic Metal troupe drawing NWOBHM influences merged with vaudevillian attire and theatrics. The band (active since 2009) are preparing to release their debut album “Psalms of Zahyin.”
The five band members (who create a cocktail that’s one part Kiss and two parts Demons & Wizards) describe themselves as “a troupe of wanderers” and are all fitted with unique personas complete with elaborate backstories, makeup and costumes to complete the aura of CalatrilloZ.
Set to be a concept album based on the bands mysterious origins and their mission statement to scour the earth for five marionettes with powerful demons imprisoned within them, “Psalms of Zahyin” contains six tracks of wailing guitars, entrancing arrangements and operatic vocals by singer Zayhin (who’s persona is the focal point of the album if not the band itself).
“Through Zayhin, though his universe, my compositions are free.” He said in a press release. “The only limitations I have are the ones I impose upon myself: none.”
In anticipation of their release, Calatrilloz has filmed a music video (which can be viewed below) for the final track on the album “Z the Psychopath.” The video revolves around Zayhin shifting in and out of each of his bizarre personalities with the band playing in a desolate room (or realm).
Calatrilloz ominous debut “Psalms of Zayhin” becomes available for your listening pleasure June 22.
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