Dead End Dummy At Coney Island USA

Taking a stroll around Coney Island we are constantly reminded of the drastic changes of the past half decade. Popular amusements and businesses have come and gone. Through it all Coney Island USA has stood alone as the epicenter of experimental music,art, and theater in Coney Island. Actually, in a decade of such uncertainty and change they are thriving. How?

First of all, the last of Coney Island’s classic showmen is still at the helm. Dick Zigun can be tagged at the end of a long list of local showmen that includes  Boyton, Tilyou, and Gumpertz to name only a few. Secondly, CIUSA now has Coney Island native Meryl Vladimir, of La Mama fame as it’s Executive Director. La Mama is to the avant -garde what Nathan’s Famous is to hot dogs.

Now that Coney Island USA’s home is in a “heated” landmarked building on the corner of W.12th and Surf. they now have the resources to produce year round programming.

Introduce Dead End Dummy written by Coney Island USA founder Dick D. Zigun and directed by leading avant-garder,author,journalist,playwright and stage performer, Trav S.D.

Dead End Dummy is introduced on stage didactically by affable house manager Patrick Wall (Patrick also added to the artwork). Veteran Broadway and film actor Scott Baker as Max Morinsky and his dummy leads the cast which includes, Douglas Mackrell, who plays the anachronistic YouTube show host, Edison, the electric and hilarious Bree Benton as Sara Hartburn, and in her debut at Coney Island USA the well rounded and talented Becca Bernard as Beethoven. Rhiannon Shaefer and Arianna Geneson keep up the atmosphere well adding an ominous mystique portraying the two shadows.

Of course we wouldn’t recognize a Coney Island USA production without their legendary artist in residence, Marie Roberts designing the play’s artwork. As well as Prop Shop Queen, Kate Dale as scenic designer with assistance by master carpenter Alix Martin and stage manager Sarah Lahue.

Go see Dead End Dummies for yourself and experience vaudevillian avant-garde theatre at it’s Coney Island best. Let us know what you think by sharing with us your comments below.

Dead End Dummies is playing now at Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf ave. at W.12th st. in Brooklyn. Next showings are October 24-31 and November 1-2. All shows start at 8PM except Sundays at 4pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased right before the show at the theater’s Freak Bar or in advance at coneyisland.com.