New play to feature multiple homicides, teenage passion

Mark Robinson
Staff Writer

Tonight at 8 p.m. marks the premiere of “Love Kills”, a story of two love-crazed murderous teenagers, at the Firehouse Theatre Project.

The show, billed as an “emo rock musical”, portrays the killing spree of Nebraska teenagers Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate in the late 1950s with an added touch of modern music, along the lines of bands like Hawthorne Heights.

The story of Starkweather and Fugate has been depicted in Hollywood movies in the past, like the 1994 Oliver Stone classic “Natural Born Killers,” and the 1993 Tarantino film, “True Romance.”

“We’re not quite talking Tarantino here,” director Morrie Piersol said with a chuckle. “It’s a different kind of piece.”

Piersol stressed that the play focused more on the misguided love aspect of the story than the actual criminal acts.

The play, which only sports a four person cast, draws a parallel between the accused younger couple and the police sheriff’s relationship with his wife. Much of the play is set in a jail, with occasional flashbacks relaying detail of Starkweather and Fugate’s relationship.

VCU Theatre graduate Nick Aliff stars as Starkweather, and Emma Orellov, a New York based actress, joins him in the passionate teen couple as Fugate. The sheriff is played by Larry Gard and Kim Jones Clarke completes the cast as the sheriff’s wife.

Piersol emphasized that the musical aspect is what sets this play apart. “Its not your typical musical—sing songy and full of dance routines, but instead the music provides an extension to what’s going on. It’s emotional.”

Leilani Mork, the musical director for “Love Kills”, has a Master’s degree in piano performance from VCU. She has performed as a pianist in VCU theatre productions in the past, including “A Funny Thing That Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “The Civil War”.

“Love Kills” was originally adapted by Kyle Jarrow, and debuted last October in St. Louis. The play was received with critical acclaim; Jarrow is no stranger to success. The avant garde Brooklyn based writer won an OBIE, Off Broadway Theatre Award, in 2004 for his play “A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant.”

“He’s very developmental,” Piersol said, reffering to Jarrow.

“We’ve made a few adjustments along the way, but I’m staying true to what he is trying to communicate with the script.”

The two have been in close contact throughout production of “Love Kills”. Piersol points to Jarrow’s edginess as a defining factor thus far in his career.

Following the premier, a reception catered by Bacchus will be held in the lobby. Patrons are invited to mingle and discuss the show with glass in hand.

“Love Kills” will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 20 with showings Thursday through Sunday night starting at 8 p.m.

Piersol was adamant about his hope for the younger demographic to turnout. “This play appeals to the 20 somethings and college kids that normally wouldn’t come out to a show,” he said. “They will ultimately make it a success.”

For more information about Firehouse Theatre Project or “Love Kills”, visit http://www.firehousetheatre.org/. Adult tickets are $22 to $24 dollars and can be preordered online; Student tickets are $10 at the door with presentation of a valid student ID.