Open Eye Theatre presents DIARY OF A MADMAN

Via a March 9 e-announcement from Open Eye Theatre:

Master Storyteller and Open Eye favorite Kevin Kling collaborates with celebrated composer/musician Victor Zupanc to dramatize Nikolai Gogol’s DIARY OF A MADMAN in a radio/audio play. Audiences can listen for free during March as part of the OPEN EYE @ HOME series. Visit openeyetheatre.org for more info and to register. All donations will support the artists.

“I’m drawn to Gogol's short stories,” Kling says. “The frustrations, loves and desires of office clerks and service workers are as profound as those of any king, queen or mythic hero. DIARY OF A MADMAN is bizarre, heartbreaking and very funny. I also find that stories such as these are occurring now, to any number of individuals searching for connection and creating new and sometimes disturbing realities.

“The soundscape and music are composed by my dear friend, the superbly talented Victor Zupanc. He and I have collaborated on many children’s plays, orchestral and theatrical productions. Victor's ability to compose for the spoken word is a rare gift and I'm excited for listeners to experience this masterful work.”

A long-time performer at Open Eye, Kevin Kling is known for his hilarious recounts of true events on NPR's All Things Considered. Kling's autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are. He has performed regularly at Open Eye, including GREATEST HITS & JUICY BITS, CHICKEN SHIP, TENDER MERCIES, FOUR DIRECTIONS, and many more. Read more about Kevin at kevinkling.com.

Victor Zupanc has been one of the most prolific theater artists in America involved in nearly 300 theatrical productions as composer, musical director, sound designer and performer. He has worked at some of the most respected theaters in America, including the Guthrie Theatre, Mixed Blood, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Children’s Theatre Company, and Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis. Read more at victorzupanc.com.

Since spring of 2020, Open Eye has offered free viewing of popular productions for audiences to watch at home through the OPEN EYE @ HOME series, with donations supporting the artists who created the productions. In the last year, more than 5000 audience members have viewed performances that spark our imaginations, bring a smile to our faces, and remind us that we’re all in this together. 

About Open Eye Theatre

Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized as a vibrant home for artists who create imaginative and profound experiences that open eyes, hearts, and minds through the power of amazing stories and unforgettable performances. Experience a thrilling array of original theatre, inventive puppetry, live music, and world-class storytelling from local, national, and international artists year-round in our cozy 90-seat theater in South Minneapolis, or find us in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with our summer Driveway Tour! More information is available at openeyetheatre.org.