Warp!

Last updated
Warp!
Warp! poster.jpg
Promotional poster for Broadway, art by Neal Adams.
Written by Stuart Gordon
Lenny Kleinfeld (as Bury St. Edmund)
CharactersDavid Carson/Lord Cumulus
Prince Chaos
Sargon
Lugulbanda
Symax
Date premieredFebruary 14, 1973 (1973-02-14)
Place premiered Ambassador Theatre, New York City
GenreScience fiction
SettingEarth; Fen-Ra

Warp!, also spelled Warp, was a trilogy of American science-fiction plays created by the Organic Theatre Company of Chicago Illinois, in 1971 by co-authors Stuart Gordon and Lenny Kleinfeld, the latter under the pseudonym Bury St. Edmund. [1] The three parts were My Battlefield My Body, Unleashed! Unchained! and To Die Alive!.

Contents

The play of Part I (My Battlefield My Body) moved to Broadway under the name Warp! for an unsuccessful short run in February 1973.

In 1979, the Organic Theatre Company mounted productions of all three plays, each part requiring separate admission, and each with its own Playbill program.

These plays were then performed in 1980 at the Mixed Blood Theater in Minneapolis, MN, where, on closing night all three parts were performed in succession, and props and other items from the play were offered for sale, including a few signed copies of the script.

The plays and their backstories became the basis for spin-off comic books and other media.

Synopsis

David Carson, an everyday bank teller, learns that he is Lord Cumulus, "avenger of the universe". [2] Suddenly transported from an annual employee-awards dinner to the mystical realm Fen-Ra, he finds himself battling for the destiny of the universe [3] against antagonist Prince Chaos. In this world, he encounters the sage Lugulbanda, who sends him on his quest aided by the leather-clad Amazon warrior Sargon. They battle Valaria the insect sorceress and Chaos' henchman, the purple ape Symax. [4]

Production history

Original production

Chicago's Organic Theater Company opened the original play Warp! in 1971. [2] Co-author Stuart Gordon in 2002 recalled its original inspiration: "It was three full-length plays that were inspired by Marvel Comics. ... Well, we weren't able to get the rights to any of the characters from Marvel, so we created our own. But I would say that Warp was very influenced by comic books like Dr. Strange and Thor ". [2] Billed by the company as "the world's first science fiction epic-adventure play in serial form", it was performed for over a year before moving to Broadway. [5]

The Chicago cast included John Heard, [6] André De Shields, [7] Cecil O'Neal, [8] J. Pat Miller, [9] and Bruce A. Young. [10] The costume designer was first-timer Cookie Gluck, a former art major at the University of Wisconsin who was married to actor O'Neal. [5] The lighting designer was David K. H. Elliott. [11]

The Chicago non-profit organization Videopolis videotaped the original production. [12]

Move to Broadway

The production moved to New York City's Ambassador Theatre on Broadway, where part one of the trilogy, My Battlefield, My Body, ran seven previews beginning January 31, 1973, and eight performances from February 14–18, 1973. [13] It marked the Broadway debut of John Heard, who played David Carson/Lord Cumulus. [13] Other cast-members included Tom Towles as Prince Chaos, and Keith Szarabajka as the young David.

The Broadway production was produced by Anthony D'Amato in association with the Organic Theatre Company, and directed by co-writer Stuart Gordon. Comic-book and commercial artist Neal Adams was art director, with scenic design by Robert Guerra, costume design by Laura Crow and Cookie Gluck; lighting design by Jane Reisman and Neil Peter Jampolis; and visuals by Khamphalous Lightshow. William J. Norris and Richard Fire provided incidental music, with the latter also providing vocal sound effects. Frank Marino and Lynne Guerra were stage managers. [13]

Broadway cast

The opening-night cast: [13]

  • André De Shields ... Desi Arnez
  • Cordis Fejer ... Penny Smart; Sargon
  • Jane Fire ... Sheila Fantastik
  • Richard Fire ... Mrs. O'Grady; psychiatric director; bank teller; Lugulbanda; Yggthion
  • Carolyn Gordon ... Mary Louise; Valaria
  • John Heard ... David Carson; Lord Cumulus
  • William J. Norris ... Bank president; Dr. Victor Vivian; Symax
  • Keith Szarabajka ... Attendant; young David Carson
  • Tom Towles ... Janitor; Prince Chaos

Critical reception

Clive Barnes of The New York Times said in terms of fidelity comics: "The look of the show is extremely accurate. The costumes — minimal and exotic — the outlandish props and the serviceably suggestive permanent setting are all perfectly in accord. The language is heightened melodrama having the same fleeting relationship to literature that bubble gum has to food". Although he criticized the show having no story but only action, he admired the acting. He allowed that "for comic-book addicts ... Warp might well be a lot of fun. Others are warned that, while it is undeniably cleverly done, it is at heart a one-joke evening". [4]

Awards

Spin-off comic book Warp #1 (March 1983), depicting the play's characters Lord Cumulus (foreground) and Prince Chaos. Cover art by Frank Brunner. WarpIssueOne-lowres.jpg
Spin-off comic book Warp #1 (March 1983), depicting the play's characters Lord Cumulus (foreground) and Prince Chaos. Cover art by Frank Brunner.

In other media

The alternative comics company First Comics published the spin-off comic-book series Warp, which ran 19 issues cover-dated March 1983 to February 1985. [14]

The premiere issue featured a 20-page Lord Cumulus story by writer Peter B. Gillis, penciler and cover artist Frank Brunner, and inker Bob Smith; and an eight-page story starring Sargon, Mistress of War, by writer John Ostrander, penciler Lenin Delsol, and inker Joe Staton. Brunner would continue as penciler through issue #9, after which he was succeeded by Jerry Bingham except for two issues, #16 (penciled by Bill Willingham) and #19 (penciled and inked by Mike Gustovich, the regular inker for most of the series' run). The backup features rotated among "Sargon, Mistress of War" by Ostrander, Delsol and Staton; "The Faceless Ones", by writer Jack C. Harris and artist Steve Ditko; "Valaria, Insect Sorceress", by writer Gillis, penciler Willingham, and inker Bruce Patterson; and "Outrider", by Gillis and various artists. [14]

First Comics additionally published Warp Special #1-3 (July 1983, January and June 1984), by writer Gillis and pencilers Howard Chaykin, Marc Silvestri, and George Freeman, respectively. [15]

Previous to these, the Organic Theater Company and Mike Gold Media Services published a one-shot, 16-page promotional-giveaway comic book, Weird Organic Tales #1 (1981), that included scenes from several of the theater company's works, including Warp!. [16] [17]

Influence

In a 2007 history of Chicago's Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, the Chicago Reader said the "science-fantasy trilogy Warp! anticipated the Star Wars phenom by several years" (six to be precise). [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wally Wood</span> American comic strip cartoonist and illustrator (1927–1981)

Wallace Allan Wood was an American comic book writer, artist and independent publisher, widely known for his work on EC Comics's titles such as Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, and MAD Magazine from its inception in 1952 until 1964, as well as for T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and work for Warren Publishing's Creepy. He drew a few early issues of Marvel's Daredevil and established the title character's distinctive red costume. Wood created and owned the long-running characters Sally Forth and Cannon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Ostrander</span> American comic book writer

John Ostrander is an American writer of comic books, including Suicide Squad, Grimjack and Star Wars: Legacy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Williamson</span> American cartoonist (1931–2010)

Alfonso Williamson was an American cartoonist, comic book artist and illustrator specializing in adventure, Western, science fiction and fantasy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fighting American</span> 1954-1955 superhero comic book

Fighting American is a superhero created in 1954 by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Published by the Crestwood Publications imprint Prize Comics, it was, contrary to standard industry practices of the time, creator-owned. Harvey Comics published one additional issue in 1966. One final inventoried tale was published in 1989, in a Marvel Comics hardcover collection of all the Fighting American stories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Ordway</span> American comic book writer & artist

Jeremiah Joseph Ordway is an American writer, penciller, inker and painter of comic books.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Avon Oeming</span> American comic book creator

Michael Avon Oeming is an American comic book creator, both as an artist and writer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Buckler</span> American comic book artist and penciller

Rich Buckler was an American comics artist and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four in the mid-1970s and for creating the character Deathlok in Astonishing Tales #25. Buckler drew virtually every major character at Marvel and DC, often as a cover artist.

Carl Burgos was an American comic book and advertising artist best known for creating the original Human Torch in Marvel Comics #1, during the period historians and fans call the Golden Age of comic books.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keith Szarabajka</span> American actor

Keith Szarabajka is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Mickey Kostmayer on The Equalizer, Daniel Holtz on Angel, Gerard Stephens in The Dark Knight and Adam Engell in Argo. He has also voiced Dr. Terrence Kyne in Dead Space, Joshua Graham in Fallout: New Vegas, Harbinger in Mass Effect 2, Herschel Biggs in L.A. Noire and the Didact in Halo 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stuart Gordon</span> American film and theatre director and writer (1947–2020)

Stuart Alan Gordon was an American filmmaker, theatre director, screenwriter, and playwright. Initially recognized for his provocative and frequently controversial work in experimental theatre, Gordon began directing films in 1985. Most of Gordon's cinematic output was in the horror genre, though he also ventured into science fiction and film noir.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Oksner</span> American comics artist (1916–2007)

Bob Oksner was an American comics artist known for both adventure comic strips and for superhero and humor comic books, primarily at DC Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organic Theater Company</span>

Organic Theater Company was founded in 1969 in Madison, Wisconsin by artistic director Stuart Gordon and his wife Carolyn Purdy Gordon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa</span> American writer (born 1973)

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is an American playwright, screenwriter, and comic book writer best known for his work for Marvel Comics and for the television series Glee, Big Love, Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. He is Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics.

Francis X. McLaughlin was an American comics artist who co-created the comic book character Judomaster, drew the comic strip Gil Thorp, and assisted on such strips as Brenda Starr, Reporter and The Heart of Juliet Jones. He also wrote and illustrated books about cartooning and comic art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Gordon</span> Writer

Alan Gordon is an American comic book creator primarily known as an inker and writer. He is best known for his 1990s work on DC Comics' Legion of Super Heroes and the Justice League of America, Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, and Image Comics' creator-owned WildStar. He is not to be confused with another Al Gordon who illustrated comics in the 1950s.

Aaron P. "Pat" Boyette was an American broadcasting personality and news producer, and later a comic book artist best known for two decades of work for Charlton Comics, where he co-created the character the Peacemaker. He sometimes used the pen names Sam Swell, Bruce Lovelace, and Alexander Barnes.

Loston Wallace is an American freelance comic book artist and comics-licensing illustrator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Perkins</span> British comic book artist

Mike Perkins is a British comic book artist known for his inking work and full art duties on comic books such as Captain America, Ruse and Stephen King's The Stand.

Dave Taylor is a British comic book creator. He is best known for his work on Force Works, as well as Batman and Judge Dredd stories.

Joyce Chin is an American comic book artist. She has created content under the Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW Publishing labels. A large portion of Chin's work has been in creating comic book covers.

References

  1. ↑ Miner, Michael (February 26, 2009). "Slow Torture in the Age of Speed". Chicago Reader . Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Additional WebCitation archive.
  2. 1 2 3 Gordon in Forbis, Wil (August 1, 2002). "An Interview with Stuart Gordon". AcidLogic.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2010.
  3. ↑ "New Comics Company Announced", Amazing Heroes #13 (July 1982), p. 17.
  4. 1 2 Barnes, Clive (February 15, 1973). "Theater: The Magic of Comic Strip". The New York Times . Retrieved January 12, 2013. (Abstract; full article requires fee or subscription).
  5. 1 2 "History: 1971". Organic Theater Company (official site). Archived from the original on April 2, 2007.
  6. ↑ "John Heard Biography > Milestones". TCM. Archived from the original on November 10, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  7. ↑ Alterman, Glenn. An Actor's Guide: Making It in New York City (Allworth Press, 2002), Chapter 28: "The Nontraditional Casting Project: Interview with André De Shields", p. 223. ISBN   978-1-58115-213-5.
  8. ↑ Williams, Albert (May 4, 2007). "Jimmy Trivette Goes to Africa". Chicago Reader . Archived from the original on June 9, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Twenty Years of AIDS". (Transcript) National Public Radio (Chicago). June 5, 2001. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Faculty Biography: Firespark! > Bruce A. Young". Brenau Academy/Brenau University theater program. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010.
  11. 1 2 "David K.H. Elliott, Lecturer". University of California Berkeley Dept. of Theater, Dance & Performance Studies. Archived from the original on June 10, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Anda Korsts". (excerpt of 1970s biographical article) Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and Computation. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 Warp at the Internet Broadway Database (The Broadway League). Retrieved on December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 19, 2017.
  14. 1 2 Warp (1983 series) at the Grand Comics Database
  15. ↑ Warp Special at the Grand Comics Database
  16. ↑ "Weird Organic Tales; no. 1". Michigan State University Libraries: Special Collections Division: Reading Room Index to the Comic Art Collection: "Weird" to "Weird Suspense". Archived from the original on June 12, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  17. ↑ Dallas, Keith (2013). "Chapter 4: 1983". American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1980s. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 72. ISBN   978-1605490465.
  18. ↑ Williams, Albert (2007). "Back to School 2007: Our Favorite Things: Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater". Chicago Reader . Archived from the original on April 13, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.