ARMS AND LEGS
"The play scores as topical and timely, as well as outright funny."
- Variety
ARMS AND LEGS
Extreme Absurdity
Cast: 7
Type: full-length
Genre: dark comedy
Keyword: serial killer, love, death, parenting, television
Synopsis: The story of a serial killer who is maneuvered by TV and motion pictures into becoming a public idol pushes satire and absurdity to the extreme. The focus is on Bobby, who’s in his early 20’s and holed up at home surrounded by police after admitting to 22 killings. Before Bobby can be taken away, Parker, a producer for Paramount, gains admission to the house by helicopter and signs Bobby to a picture deal. A flashback tells of Bobby’s birth to trashy parents who are vague about moral values. Seems Bobby is just a loving son who loves people — some of them so much he wants, literally, to keep a part of them.
Production History:
Developed At: Kansas City Repertory Theatre Playwright’s Stage - 1993
World Premiere: Unicorn Theatre - Kansas City, MO - 1995
* Winner of the 1995 National Playwright's Award bestowed each year by the Unicorn Theatre.
ARMS AND LEGS
December 3, 1995 By JOHN QUINN Publication: Variety
The story of a serial killer who is maneuvered by TV and motion pictures into becoming a public idol pushes satire and absurdity to the extreme. Yet it draws a string of laughs from the concept that a subject so vile could take such a weird turn. The play scores as topical and timely, as well as outright funny.
'ARMS AND LEGS,' VIOLENCE AND THE MEDIA - RON SIMONIAN'S PLAY AT UNICORN THEATRE WAS INSPIRED BY REAL CASES.
October 27, 1995 By ROBERT TRUSSELL Publication: Kansas City Star
Simonian said the play seems destined to retain its relevance for a very long time. ``Just like with 'Thanatos,' there's always going to be something to make this play topical,'' he said. ``It would be great if this play was never topical again. The sad thing is, I have a feeling it will be topical for quite some time. It would take about 10 minutes to rewrite it every month and put a little more of the truth into it. '' More
UNICORN PLANS ANOTHER MIND EXPANDING SEASON - `SISTERS ROSENSWEIG' AND A NEW RON SIMONIAN PLAY AMONG THE OFFERINGS.
May 7, 1995 By ROBERT TRUSSELL Publication: The Kansas City Star
A world premiere by the Kansas City playwright who also wrote "Thanatos" and "Bagheads. " In this satire, a serial killer becomes the focus of the media, Hollywood and the courts. More
'ARMS AND LEGS' BLUDGEONS UNICORN AUDIENCE - ACTING IS STRONG, BUT MESSAGE IS OBVIOUS; THERE ARE NO NEW TWISTS.
November 3, 1995 By ROBERT TRUSSELL Publication: Kansas City Star
Like Simonian's earlier play, ``Thanatos,'' this one deals with American attitudes about violence in a quirky style that balances comedy and horror in roughly equal parts. More