RED
By John Logan
Directed by Gary Davis
Master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, RED is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.
"John Logan sends American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko into battle with his demons in this electrifying play of ideas, and the artist’s howls are pure music… Rothko is one old lion that will keep roaring until he draws his last breath." — Variety
May 1–3 and May 22–24 at 7:00 pm
May 4 and May 25 at 1:00 pm
The Hive Collaborative, St. Paul
Featuring
Patrick Holt and Brock Ray
Technical Design
Connor Davis
Artistic Consultant
Erin Holt — eholtart.com
The Cast
Pat Holt (Mark Rothko) was first coerced onto the stage by Director and Applause board member Gary Davis ten years ago for a production of Skin of Our Teeth, when Gary found himself one Stumbling Drunken Convention-Goer short. “Pat can do that!” Gary thought. Gary was correct, and Pat has been stumbling about on stage ever since with Applause. This is true. Pat is notorious for inventing his own unique blocking patterns each night. Careful, he may end up sitting your lap.
He stopped wandering long enough to offer these insights to the role.
“This is a story focused on a man approaching the later stages of his life, where I find myself. Rothko is my age, and the approach he takes to confronting mortality is so different than my own. I think because Rothko expects to be immortal. Rothko disturbs me because he raises disturbing questions. I want to relax and enjoy this time, while his approach, by contrast, is harsh, all or nothing, and impossible.
I have never much appreciated the “rage against the dying of the light” thing. No disrespect to Mr. Thomas, but it’s always felt masochistic to me. Rothko embodies that. That got in my head and would not leave. What is it like to think like that? To live like that? To expect everyone to live like that? It turns out it’s not fun. He is a hard guy to live with. My daughter Erin and I are going to the Keys after the play closes to perform a Rothko exorcism. It will involve snorkeling and seafood.”
When not lost on stage, Pat works for Ramsey County and lives in St. Paul with Tina, his adored wife of 36 years. Their daughter Erin is an artist who painted all the Rothko replicas you see here tonight, and their daughter Laura is a writer living with her husband Peer in Minneapolis.
Brock Ray (Ken) is proud to return to Applause Community Theatre stage. He has previously performed in numerous on-stage with ACT, including Done to Death, Our Dearest Friends, Ending True, and The Piano Teacher. During the pandemic, he also performed in online productions of Stop the Monsanity, Zoom Out, Chattered Ends, Reunion Forever, and Do You Read Me. He has also been seen on-stage with Duck Soup Players in Belles of the West. For the past two years, Brock has also helped ACT with graphic design and promotion.
About the role, he says, “I absolutely love this script—the dialogue crackles with intensity and meaning. Playing Ken has been a rewarding challenge, pushing me to tap into a sense of innocence and eagerness that’s very different from the characters I’ve played in the past.”
Originally hailing from Washington, D.C., Brock has made Minnesota his home with his wife, Jennifer, and children, Collin and Bonnie. When he’s not immersed in his day job as Director of Marketing & Creative with Traust Consulting, he can be found playing guitar, singing karaoke, and facilitating successful community and international service projects as a member of the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club.
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