Katie Reitsma reviews Addicted

...Mark Lundholm committed drastic acts in his life, he delivers the positive message well and leaves us nothing but enlightened enjoyment! Wiens is most impressive ...

Katie Reitsma of www.katieloves.com came out to “Addicted” and wrote a review. In addition to writing for Katie Loves, Katie is a Columnist for Beyond Robson (www.beyondrobson.com) and a contributor for Helium (www.helium.com/users/297169/show_articles). In the past she has been Editor-In-Chief of Art Of Influence e-magazine and a freelance writer for Global Agents For Change (www.globalafc.org/catalyst) and other literary sources. She regularly reviews theatre produced bt Arts Club, Presentation House and Playhouse Theatre Company.

After seing “Addicted”, she wrote, ”Richard Wiens plays the role of Mark in this production wonderfully and without bounds. Having embodied a role that could be so controversially received, as Mark Lundholm committed drastic acts in his life, he delivers the positive message well and leaves us nothing but enlightened enjoyment! Wiens is most impressive with his ability to rotate inner voices and deliver a passionate monologue for 90 minutes. His every movement reflects that of the personality he was portraying (as we know there were many for Lundholm)…” READ THE REST OF KATIE’S REVIEW HERE!

more audience reactions to “Addicted”

Thank you to everyone who came to see “Addicted, a comedy of substance”!

Only 5 seats short of a second sold out night, here is what people are saying after the show…

Jenny S. said, “Just saw Addicted, a comedy of substance, and it was fan-freakin’-tastic!!! Everyone should check it out, it was a brilliant, hilarious, tragic & honest performance. I never really understood addiction before…”

Jenny continued to say in another post, “…you’d enjoy an evening of brilliant local theater, and should buy a ticket or two to see “Addicted – a comedy of substance”, by Mark Lundholm. Directed by Aaron Davis, performed by Richard Wiens. A Third Degree Theater production.”

Danny M. wrote, “watched theatre for the first time today. A play called Addicted about a guys life in addiction and recovery. I think now I am addicted to theatre because it was bloody wicked! I’ve never felt so normal to be an addict in recovery. And it was the FUNNIEST thing I have seen in years!”

"...only 2 things to say.......AMAZING!!.....and GO SEE IT!!!!"

Amber B. Saw the second performance and writes, “went and saw “Addicted” last night…only 2 things to say…….AMAZING!!…..and GO SEE IT!!!! you really dont wanna miss this show!!!!”

Stan J. posted, “is scarred for life, in a really good way, after watching the play Addicted tonight. Boys don’t cry? Well I cried tonight! Everyone needs to see this!”

Pat said, “Just saw addicted at Second Storey Theatre, the play was riveting, powerful, crazy and really, REALLY funny! I cried with laughter and then compassion. The discussion time with the Actor and Director after was almost as powerful as the play. I was touched and… just, wow!”

Victoria L. Simply said, “Brilliant! Kudos to all.”

Sandy wrote, “loved the show Addicted tonight! Oh my god, you need to go it was so great! What are ya? NEW?!”

The reviews have this way of humbling me. Never have I had such a fantastic response from a show I have participated in! You in the audience are the reason we do this stuff! There are still some tickets left for Saturday, May 29. You can get them at the door but let us know you’re comming with a message on facebook or an email to thirddegreetheatre@hotmail.com

If you plan on waiting for next weekend, tickets are VERY limited, so make sure you see it and come TONIGHT!

Audience reactions to Addicted

Curious about what the audience is saying about the opening night of Addicted?

Here are some facebook posts immediately folloing last nights sold out performance…

Joyce G. said, “Just saw “Addicted–a comedy of substance” tonight at Second Story! It was amazing!! Please go see this play. You’ll laugh, cry and relate!”

And in another post Joyce Writes, “Just saw this show tonight and if you don’t have tickets…get them!!! Richard was amazing in this one man show. It was funny, thought provoking, sad and very well done. Kudos to Richard and those who helped bring it to Second Story.”

Nathan K. posted, “Addicted at second storey theatre is a hard hitting, visceral and raw tale, of ones battle with assorted addictions. Very real. I strongly recommend.”

April S. posted, “It was AWESOME! Thanks so much Aaron. You guys did a great job.”

Stephanie M. posted this with the link to the event page for Addicted, “just got in from watching THE play of the YEAR!!! GO NOW!!!!”

Karly H. wrote, “Just got home from ADDICTED!…. SO GOOD! everyone should watch this show!!! www.thirddegreetheatre.ca for tickets! its at Second Story Theatre in poco!!!”

And Jeff L. said, “just got back from watching quite possibly the best play I have ever seen…Addicted. It was a one man performance at the Second Story Theatre on Shaughnessy in Poco. If you have time Friday or Saturday…go see it!!!”

Thank you everyone, for the magnificent reception of our show! There are still some tickets left for Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29. You can get them at the door but let us know you’re comming with a message on facebook or an email to thirddegreetheatre@hotmail.com

Shakespeare was right…

It is the eve before the opening of “Addicted” at the Second Storey Theatre in Port Coquitlam. I cannot describe the extent of the honour I feel in being able to Direct the Canadian Debut of such an impactful story.

I have learned so much from this process. The bonds I have built with my fellow cast and crew will live with me forever. I have experienced so much personal healing, love and friendship through the journey of making this story ready for the stage. I believe it is the purpose of theatre to do these things. Theatre is an art like nothing else; it allows us to share our soul and truth in moments of raw vulnerability without a safety net or protective equipment. Theatre has the power to change lives in one instant while simply entertaining in the next. Shakespeare had it right, “all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players.” Theatre is life.

None of it is possible without the audience… Without you there would be no point in telling the story. You are the alpha and omega of our work and for that I extend my deepest gratitude.

Shakespeare had it right, "All the world is a stage and all the men and woman merely players."

I must thank Richard for his unwavering dedication to be on the spot and torn apart every single rehearsal for more than 10 hours each week. The process of a regular stage play has moments of challenge, in a one-man-show, challenge is a monumental understatement. The degree of vulnerability and risk you demonstrate on stage every second of this journey garners my utmost respect and admiration. I am so very proud of you.

I thank Diana for her dynamic ability to support me in my Directorial process that I am sure often resembles a convention of ADD sufferers. No one has ever quite harnessed the talent to “click” with me in the creative process like she does. Without your ability to be everything that I lack, I would have been lost.

Thanks to Brad for bringing me and this show on board with Third Degree Theatre. The mandate to attract new and seasoned audience to theatre and impact them with art has been the perfect stage for “Addicted”. I love this company and hope that we continue to affect our audiences in these ways for years to come. Your professionalism, support and talent for producing will be the cogs that make Third Degree Theatre everything it can be.

And finally, thank you to Mark Lundholm for not only living the life has been able to touch so many but for courageously telling your story with honesty and sincerity. Thank you for trusting us to carry your message to our community and use your words to connect addicts like us with “healthy” people in the hopes of reminding us simply that we are ALL human. You continue to be a hero to me.

Addicted: A Comedy of Substance
Written by Mark Lundholm
Directed by Aaron S. Davis
Performed by Richard Wiens

May 27, 28, 29, June 4 and 5
Second Storey Theatre
#201-2550 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC
Doors @ 7:30pm Curtain @ 8:00pm
Tickets $15/$10 advance or $20/15 at the door
Get advance tickets at www.thirddegreetheatre.ca

Trailer for Addicted: A comedy of substance

Written by Mark Lundholm
Directed by Aaron S. Davis
Performed by Richard Wiens

Performed by talented actor, Richard Wiens and Directed by Aaron S. Davis, Third Degree Theatre presents the Canadian debut of the smash hit comedy Addicted. Written by Mark Lundholm, Americas favourite recovering drug addict turned comedian, this one man show is about making choices, and second chances. It’s fiercely funny and severely dysfunctional. This powerfully dramatic stage play is a bridge between recovery and regular folks, and skewers the disease of addiction in every form. Lundholm wrote this play based on personal experience. Clean and sober since 1988, Mark Lundholm is a former criminal, mental patient, homeless wino, resident in a halfway house who started poking fun at the insanity his life had become. The New York Times called it “riveting, dark and funny!”

May 27, 28, 29, June 4 and 5
Second Storey Theatre
#201-2550 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam
Doors @ 7:30pm Curtain @ 8:00pm
Tickets $15/$10 advance or $20/15 at the door

MORE INFORMATION – www.thirddegreetheatre.ca

Produced under special arrangement from Mark Lundholm Enterprises, Inc.

Fear and Theatre Don’t Mix

Well, my intention was to start my post by sarcastically praising men’s superior laziness because I’d been the last one to blog, but Aaron just ruined that. To top it all off, what he said in his post made it hard for me to be even remotely sardonic. The truth is that I’ve wanted to write about different things over the past few days, but no point has really materialized in my mind. Then again, I know that I won’t suddenly have some genial revelation if I just sit on these ideas. So, here’s my attempt…

theatre forces us to be honest and uninhibited: both rare, and at times unwelcome, qualities to have in "the real world".

It appears that the topic that I keep coming back to is shame. Mark talks a lot about fear, and well, isn’t shame just a form of fear? People are ashamed because they fear others’ disapproval and inability to understand whatever it is they keep hidden. Sadly, I think that pain is something our society is generally afraid and – worse yet – ashamed of. Boys don’t cry, right? Sure, that stance may not be as prevalent nowadays, but it’s still present. We also seem to have an expiry date for pain. There is a point when people figure you’ve grieved enough,  but if you weren’t done, you begin to get the added bonus of being ashamed of it.

I’ve read Buddhist literature about accepting suffering as something intrinsic in life, instead of fearing it, but it’s probably one of the hardest things to do. I think actors require this same openness when they create a character; and I have to say: I have a deep respect for anyone who can embrace emotions so freely.  Most – if not every – rehearsal has left me affected in some way, and I essentially just take notes! Don’t get me wrong;  I know my work is important. I just appreciate what delving into the mind and body of another person must do to the self – especially in this case. I’m just looking into the pool, but to try swimming in it…that takes serious courage. Fear is not an option.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that theatre forces us to be honest and uninhibited: both rare, and at times unwelcome, qualities to have in “the real world”. For an art form that aims to deceive its audience, I think that theatre is the most sincere of them all. It is intensely liberating. Although I’d been in love with it a long time, I know that what actually made me dive headfirst into it was feeling unbearable pain. Theatre was the one remedy that not only didn’t feel self-destructive, but actually felt productive! There was no shame in it. So, I’m content with my addiction. Most of the time I can’t believe stage management is a “job”. All I can do once I’m calling the show is hope that the people who come see it really see it, because that connection is truly powerful.

Now for the plug: “Addicted” is a brutally honest and a fantastically told story. Working on it has been a very personal, closely knit process, which I believe is making it a very strong and pretty phenomenal piece of theatre. For anyone who values honesty and isn’t afraid of mirrors (figuratively speaking), come see it!

You’re Addicted Too

In twenty days, Third degree Theatre will open their production of “Addicted.” As it gets closer, I am reminded of my own mortality.

I know, BIG statement right?

It’s true. I embarked on my passion for the theatre some time ago now. Acting was how I found my way to it. I remember the community of a production and the magic of everyone working towards a common goal. The creativity and camaraderie of the process fed two of my deepest desires; I desired to be “part of” and to positively impact the world I live in.

In those moments before I stepped out on stage for opening night, the mess of emotion and nerves, the fear and excitement, all balled up inside me and I was sure that failure was imminent. I knew that I couldn’t pull it off, that I would disappoint and the audience would surely see through me and hate my work. As it all churned in my stomach, I had but one solution… fifteen minutes before my que, I walked out the stage door to the open air of the parking lot, and I puked.

I’m addicted to theatre. It has been progressive. I sacrifice so much to continue to explore the world, and all of you in it, through an art form that constantly forces me to bear my soul live and unplugged without a safety net.

It may not be attractive, but it is the truth.

I asked for help from something quicker and slicker and ultimately more powerful than I, and walked back in. Even as I stood in the wings I knew I was going to be a train wreck on stage. Stomach a little calmer now, when it was time, I stepped out under the lights. Even now I can’t tell you why because I was determined, right up till my foot stepped forward, that I was NOT going out there.

We all go through changes in life. Often those changes barely go unnoticed because they are so subtle. Each one adds up and slowly, over time, our experiences change us and evolve us into who we are in the next moment. There are also times, however few in a person’s life, where the soul is catapulted through massive growth resulting from super impactful trauma or other event. These are the moments that scar us or burn into our memories forever.

I did not fail. In fact, it was the most spiritual experience of my life. When that show was over and I found some space to be alone with my overwhelming emotions, I was moved to tears. It was one of those moments that prove to be life changing in an instant.

Of course, each piece of theatre and film that I participated in after that paled in comparison, I always found myself chasing that theatre dragon. It wasn’t enough to act anymore. Don’t get me wrong, every moment was magical. But that feeling of soul exploding growth was never quite the same.

And then I discovered directing…

Theatre has taught me so much about myself and the world. For example, I’m not afraid that the audience will see through me anymore. They see through me every time something I’ve directed hits the stage and every time I perform. They see through me because I have grown comfortable with personal vulnerability, honesty through storytelling, growth through risk.

NOTHING is more true of this than the experience of directing and collaborating on a one man show.

You see, addiction is just that common. It hides around every corner and touches us especially when we are blind to it. Sometimes it even works FOR us. I’m addicted to theatre. It has been progressive. I sacrifice so much to continue to explore the world, and all of you in it, through an art form that constantly forces me to bear my soul live and unplugged without a safety net.

All of us involved in bringing the story of Addicted to life have the disease of theatre addiction. It’s what is fuelling the process and what will make this comedy of substance powerful enough to touch YOUR life too.

Open up… Let it in… but most importantly, BUY A TICKET!

Doing Homework

I see that our supposedly weekly blog has become bi-weekly, which is not good, but I’ll get myself into the habit of writing more often. It has been a good couple of weeks – pretty eventful for me. We’ve had some interesting rehearsals. In fact, our last one was in a racquetball court, which certainly made for interesting acoustics! If you’re wondering why on Earth we would do that, the answer is: hockey (i.e. unavailable living room). Hopefully things will be back on track after next week . We’ve had to reschedule a few rehearsals already on account of sickness, school, and improv nights. Despite that though, I think we’re making some decent progress. As Richard mentioned, he doesn’t always play just Mark, but the other characters he plays definitely have a distinct presence now.

"...when these people started talking about their thoughts and feelings, or just telling stories, I felt more at ease."

Thinking about what we’ve done in the past week, what stands out the most for me is a particular evening of research. We got the chance to listen to some people who are currently in recovery, and it was nothing short of amazing. At first, it was very intimidating; to say that I felt out-of-place would be an understatement.  But when these people started talking about their thoughts and feelings, or just telling stories, I felt more at ease. The stories were not always ones that I could relate to, but I loved hearing them and how they’ve helped turn lives around completely.

Dramatic as it may sound, it has taken some time for me to absorb and digest everything that we heard that night. That’s not to say that I was traumatized or something – not at all! On the contrary, I feel so many positive things. For one, I feel compassion and admiration for the people who shared their stories and exposed themselves without shame. That takes so much courage. I also feel relieved to know, for example, that existential crises are more common than I thought, which is extremely comforting! When it comes to “Addicted”, I feel more distant and yet somehow closer to Mark. I am a lot more aware of how different we are, but I’ve also gotten a deeper understanding of what he is talking about.

In conclusion (excuse the academic tone), researching Mark’s world has proven to be quite valuable for me – as a stage manager and a person – as well as inspiring. I feel so lucky and excited to be part of this production!

Addicted to the Challenge

Well this is my first ever attempt at a blog, it is also my first ever attempt at a 1-man show so I figure this is 2 birds with one stone.

When Aaron first approached me with the script, I was already very interested just from the way he described it. Then once I read it, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I was excited about not only playing a real live person, but a person I could relate to, even though he is so very different from myself. I didn’t come from a world where there were a lot of addicts. Sure, like everyone I know of some and even have 1 or 2 in my extended family. But to dive into someones world so different from my own was going to prove (and is proving) to be a challenge. However the more I read and the deeper I look, the I more I realize that 1 or 2 different turns in my life and I could have been LIVING Mark’s life, not just playing it. This play relates to me in ways I didn’t think it could and my hope in doing this show is that it will do the same for those who see it. Maybe leave them thinking “Hey, that could have been me!”

Rehearsing for a 1-man show isn’t really as easy as I thought it would be. I was thinking I wouldn’t have to rely on rehearsing with anyone, no other characters to do something wrong and screw me up. Quite the contrary. This may be a 1-man-er, but when the story introduces upwards of 10 characters (7 of which show up in 1 scene), my focus is no longer just on how do I portray Mark, but all the others as well. And sitting there with only 2 other people (most of the time) in the room is very nerve racking. Aaron, my Director, is watching every move I make to see what he likes or what I can change. Which kind of makes him like that really cool guy in high school, I just want him to like everything I do. Diana, the Stage Manager, hardly ever has her nose out of her binder. She’s taking down ever little note, every little error, every little piece of information that might be relevent. But when there are only 2 people watching, she now becomes that girl you just want to notice you, however if she does, you know you’re going to be thinking “Oh crap!!! She’s looking at me!” Thus far it has been a fun experience and I look forward to putting it on in front of an audience.

On one little separate side note, if I may rant for a moment, any of you planning on doing a 1-man show in the future, sign that contract first because apparently a verbal agreement to getting me my own trailer doesn’t mean that I’ll really get my own trailer! That being said, I’m probably not getting my own star on the sidewalk….oh well!!

Until next time, enjoy

Addicted: A Comedy of Substance

In 2004 I heard a man speak. He was talking in great detail about some skeletons in his closet that made many he was speaking to sit with jaws dropped. He spoke with honesty and candour, sparing none of the gory details. I listened on the edge of my seat for about an hour hooked on every word.

I learned two things in that hour:

1. This guy was experiencing a life DESIGNED for movies, and
2. I identified with a little part of each and every thing he said.

In that short time, I laughed hard, cried hard and listened hard to the details of Mark Lundholm’s experiences. He spoke about his world of addiction, abandonment, crime, overeating, promiscuity, insanity, jails, institutions, family, love, parenting, accomplishment and recovery. He opened the doors to his life so wide that you could see his soul. It was funny, then it wasn’t… then it was over.

At every turn, despite the seriousness suggested by the themes of his story, there was hysterical laughter. Mark makes his living as a stand-up comic and motivational speaker. He tours North America telling his stories is different ways to different people to entertain them and maybe plant some seeds that allow each individual a richer life experience. He is incredibly funny and incredibly talented at bringing even his most shocking happenings to a place where ANYONE can identify.

What I really learned had little to do with Mark at all. Somehow, while he told us about his tragedy, his love, his pain, his dark secrets and his triumphs, I discovered a lot about myself. The event changed me and brought me a more intimate awareness of my own life as well as how I reacted to it.

I found myself thinking that it would all make a great movie…

And then a friend introduced me to the Play, written by Mark about his life. “Addicted: A Comedy of Substance” had spent six months off Broadway in New York and was a smashing success. As soon as I got my hands on it, I knew this story had to be told here. Mark Lundholm made that dream possible a few years later by agreeing to provide us the performance rights. He didn’t make it hard, he didn’t make demands and he flat out refused to take money. Anyone who has ever been in theatre understands the uniqueness of his offer.

So here we are. Two rehearsals in to “Addiction: A Comedy of Substance” by Mark Lundholm. It has never been produced outside of Mark. This will be its Canadian debut. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to direct this show.

If you are an addict; if you are recovering from addiction; if someone you know is an addict; if your life has been affected in ANY way by addiction, you MUST see this show. It will move you. It will surprise you. It will make you laugh… A LOT!

Third Degree Theatre presents…

Addiction: A Comedy of Substance

Written by Mark Lundholm

Directed by Aaron S. Davis

Performed by Richard Wiens

Tickets: $15 ($10 Students/Seniors)

Call 604-612-9713 to reserve yours

May 27, 28, 29, June 4 and 5, 2010

Second Storey Theatre

201-2550 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC