Dead Brains NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(19 Reviews)

Positive

79%

Mixed

21%

Negative

Members say

Edgy, Intense, Absorbing, Great acting, Confusing

About the Show

In Erik Champney’s dark and often comic thriller, art is dangerous and nothing is sacred. Part of the 2018 Planet Connections Festivity.

Henry and Philly have gotten a little caught up in the fantasy. No truth. No regret. No boundaries. Artist and muse, they are idols in their own minds. Enter Corey – vulnerable and real. Now a decision must be made about his role in their game. It’s time to change the rules. Again and again and again. 'Dead Brains' was the winner of The Kennedy Center’s National AIDS Fund/CFDA-Vogue Initiative Award for Playwriting.

Member Reviews (19)

Creeoy, Polished, Bloody, Disturbing, Amoral

See it if you think you might learn something from (or even enjoy?) the graphic enactment of aestheticized mental & physical torture.

Don't see it if you think that the graphic enactment of mental & physical torture might make you queasy. Read more

Enchanting

See it if You want to see dark gritty messed up drama

Don't see it if You are bothered by scenes of violence and sexuality between two men Read more

Arch, Violent, Bloody, Sadistic, Questionable thesis

See it if U R fan of violence, sadism, brutality, guns, knives, games playing, art made from found objects, faulty reasoning, male nudity, cheese

Don't see it if don't want gun pointed at U much of play, expect a rationale, wonder why these characters aren't apprehended yet

Grisly thriller of art and violence

See it if Beautiful muse of gay/bi artist brings out his darker side. Innocent stranger gets caught up in kink and more.

Don't see it if nudity, simulated sex, sadism, violence. Gripping theater. I would have thought it was unusual, but I saw "Trainspotting Live" last week. Read more

Confusing, Edgy, Ambitious

See it if you like dark theatre base on mind games, that segue to darker actions. Matt Maretz is the standout.

Don't see it if the issue is that the Playwright created 1 dimensional malicious characters. It left me empty & I didn't care about these antiheroes. Read more

Great acting, Edgy, Intense, Quirky, Dark

See it if You want to see a play that is edgy and dark with some pretty good actors.

Don't see it if You don't have an open mind and you are put off by brief nudity and simulated sex acts.

Scary, Cliched, Indulgent, Quirky

See it if you'd like to see a mashup of American Psycho meets Cruel Intentions. You like scary-style "life is art".

Don't see it if you don't like over-the-top femme-fatales (from both a woman and a man). Show includes gun violence and torture.

Great acting, Quirky, Raunchy

See it if Quirky off-the-wall sometimes, the cast carries off a somewhat muddled play.

Don't see it if You're looking for insights.

Critic Reviews (3)

"'Dead Brains' leaves a mark on you from the onset: its unique name, its compelling performances; its razor-sharp direction; and surely, it’s psycho-drama...The cast of three were both a tight ensemble and group of stars. The chemistry between the actors...was chilling and remarkable...Champney wrote about an artist wanting to create a masterpiece. I guess it was Champney who actually did that. This show is absolutely a work of art."
Read more

"Gossage was phenomenal. She was totally believable. I was with her every step of the way totally convincing me she had serious mental issues. The direction by Adam Chisnall was brisk and effective and his use of sound enhanced the mood cleverly. His staging supplied as much tension as Erik Champney’s piercing dialogue. Both kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The show was exciting, scary, and twisted – in both plot and mind – to the end, which was a good thing."
Read more

"Champney’s writing is equal parts deep literate drama, witty contemporary humor, and base raw sexuality. The brilliant story line kept the audience totally engaged with its sinister twisted plot!...The ensemble of actors including...worked together like a perfect symphony of talent and charm. 'Dead Brains' has some truly riveting moments laced with dark humor...This is a cleverly produced show that makes you question your own mortality and even your own perceptions of life."
Read more