Alexandria, VA – The United States in the 1960s was marked by political upheaval and social unrest, mirroring the deep polarization seen today. As Richard Nixon ascended to the presidency, a vibrant counterculture emerged, fueled by the passions of youth who resisted authority.
This tumultuous period saw heavily armed police clashing with student protesters on university campuses—an environment that led to the shutdown of important educational institutions. The nation, still reeling from the assassinations of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy, was engulfed in fear and uncertainty.
Amidst this chaotic backdrop arrived journalist Hunter S. Thompson, whose notorious lifestyle choices—including drugs, alcohol, and a knack for provoking the establishment—drove his creativity. The musical, “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical,” offers a vivid portrayal of Thompson’s legendary life and work. Eight teams spent nearly two decades crafting this production, which resonates strongly with current events.
The narrative of the musical intertwines the fascinating figures surrounding Thompson. Among them are his devoted wife, Sandy; President Richard Nixon, the embodiment of the Silent Majority; various devoted fans and fellow counterculturists; Hell’s Angels friends, editors from renowned publications like Time Magazine and Rolling Stone; his human rights lawyer friend Oscar; his estranged son Juan; and his spirited mother, Virginia.
Virginia, a librarian, played a crucial role in Thompson’s early inspiration. In an ironic twist, she would sometimes steal books to nurture his imagination. Her unwavering belief in the power of literature led her to impart wisdom to her son, telling him, “You can change the world. You can write it.” This encouragement fueled Thompson’s obsession with influential authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald. To internalize Fitzgerald’s writing style, he once spent a year transcribing “The Great Gatsby,” using it as a metaphor for his pursuit of love and truth.
Throughout his tumultuous life, Thompson embraced the highs and lows of fame through his groundbreaking style of journalism known as Gonzo, where the writer becomes the story. This musical ingeniously encapsulates that journey with an array of humorous, poignant, and outrageous scenes.
The production shines brightly thanks to its stunning design elements that reflect Hunter’s eclectic items and collections. The musical unfolds in nine sections, including a prologue, an epilogue, and two interludes. Among the many standout moments are George Abud’s over-the-top Vaudeville performance as Richard Nixon in “Richard Nixon’s Big Number” and Juan’s poignant ballad, “Hey, Dad.”
The creators skillfully weave humor and heart throughout the musical, with songs that capture the essence of Thompson’s adventure, from triumph to despair. The vibrant characters, described as “candy-colored, tangerine-flake, electric Kool-Aid acid characters,” bring the era of Thompson to life on stage.
Under the direction of Christopher Ashley, the show boasts a talented cast including Eric William Morris as Hunter S. Thompson, Tatiana Wechsler as Sandy, and George Salazar as Oscar, among others. The visual experience is enhanced by scenic design from Wilson Chin, with music supervised by Rick Edinger and costumes designed by Toni-Leslie James. Every element, from lighting to puppetry, intertwines to create a captivating theatrical event.
Currently running at Signature Theatre in Shirlington Village, Arlington, VA, until July 13th, this production captures the essence of an era fraught with challenges while celebrating the unique spirit of a man who forever changed the landscape of journalism. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.SigTheatre.org or call 703.820.9771.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Thompson’s musical, audiences can look forward to an exploration of various cultural phenomena, including vampires, sharks, and dinosaurs, in an upcoming themed event titled “The Summer of Scares: Vampires, Sharks, and Dinosaurs, Oh My!”
image source from：thezebra
