Jon Michaelson
Theatre & Film Directing
From Sam Shepard, wildly iconic characters embodying a supercharged show biz world idiom, set in an ominous velvet underground American tabloid limbo. Fading macho Elvis type rock star mixes it up with a wily rising Bowie-like punker. A rock & roll Macbeth.
Owned by Michael Kopsa, and Denyse Karn - in another virtuoso performance.
Powered by Alan Cole's original score, played down and dirty by The Shivs, set to Sam the Shaman's sinuous lyrics.
The vibrantly surreal lighting was crafted by Stephen Plotkin, who typically excelled, but was especially masterful with musicals.
Revival – at the Bathurst Street Theatre
“The Tooth Of Crime still can bite…Mercury fits right into the Shepard groove ...A smart new take on a play that may yet make it to being a classic.”
Ray Conlogue, The Globe & Mail
“Mercury Theatre's Tooth of Crime is a punker's Wild-West Story. Audiences will find themselves developing a strong feel for the dynamism that originally powered Shepard’s work, and that stems from the scope and vision of Mercury’s Artistic Director Jon Michaelson.”
Henry Mietkiewicz, Toronto Star
“Without a doubt the most exciting Sam Shepard work I’ve ever seen done in Canada.”
Ron Singer, Chairman, York University, Theatre Dept.
“Costumes are as eclectic as the characters wearing them – creating explosions of contrasting colors and textures which are wonderful to look at. The high-powered music adapted by Allen Cole and played by a four-piece band called The Shivs, resounds with the anger and space-age energy of the warring singers.” Lillian Mingall, The Midtown Voice
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Directed by JM.
Set & Lighting Design: Stephen Plotkin, with Grant Primeau
Costumes: Denyse Karn
Videography: Doug Stephens and Charlene Olson
Musical Director: Allen Cole
Lyrics: Sam Shepard
Band: John Gzowski, Allen Cole, & others.
SONG TRACKS
CROW'S SONG
https://soundcloud.com/jonmich/tooth-of-crime1
3 ROUNDS
https://soundcloud.com/jonmich/tooth-of-crime-1
ROLLIN' DOWN