Charles Manson and the Murder of Gary Hinman

I recently finished a play about Charles Manson and the murder that sparked what he and his followers referred to as the 'Helter Skelter.' In researching this play, I found a lot of stage works that deal with the subject of Charles Manson and the people he referred to as 'the family.'

Manson: The Musical developed through improv by members of Annoyance Theater - A dark musical comedy with some funny moments, but not as edgy as the subject matter would imply. This off-off Broadway show was produced at the Kraine Theatre in 2009.

Sneakyville by Christopher Bryant - A full-length play about Charles Manson and his followers that will appeal to any true-crime mavens and conspiracy theorists. A talented and ambitious work, this play previewed at the fortyfivedownstairs theatre in Melbourne, Australia in 2018.

The Manson Family: An Opera based on John Moran’s 1990 play, The Manson Family - This opera was a restructuring of Moran’s work suited for an immersive audience. This theatrical experience not only took audiences on a room-to-room walk-through telling the story of Charles Manson and his followers, it was also produced in Las Vegas in 2019.

22 Years by Robert Sickinger - This play was a freehand compilation of testimony, fiction and actors’ improvisations that posed the question, "Did society created Charles Manson?' The play, billed as a rockumentary, opened in New York's Stage 73 Theatre in 1972.

You Are Perfect by Cyndy A. Marion - This play centers on the life of convicted murderer and Manson 'family member' Susan Atkins. Set in her prison cell during the Manson murder trial, the play was produced by the White Horse Theatre Company in 2016.

Sources:

Internet Source, www.broadwayworld.com, "Manson: The Musical Takes Final Bow At The Kraine Theater Tonight, 12/5" by Gabrielle Sierra.

Internet Source, www.haunting.net, The Manson Family: An Opera Review by Deb Kavis.

Internet Source, www.nytimes.com, "Stage: Rockumentary About Manson" by Mel Gussow.

Internet Source, www.playbill.com, "New Play Explores Life of 'Manson Family Member' Susan Atkins."

Internet Source, www.smh.com, "Ambitious Charles Manson Play Marred by Info-Dumping" by Cameron Woodhead.

Internet Source, www.theasy.com, Manson: The Musical Review by Terra Vetter.

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Bradley Nies, Playwright

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