Drew Pisara’s Price in Purgatory Takes Us on a Witty Existential Journey

Up next, a “Laughter Life” for a Film Legend.

Presented (and recorded) by All Out Arts in the form of a live radio play, Price in Purgatory sees the titular icon of both the camp and the macabre, Vincent Price (Mike Pinney), in the infamous limbo world. Finding himself standing at a podium, he meets God themselves (Sai Cameron Gatrall, in his New York theater debut). Price is said to have entered Hell upon his departure from our world, but the Mormon community has arranged to have his case re-opened solely due to his performance as Mormonism founder Joseph Smith in the biopic, Brigham Young.

The “re-trial” explores Price’s life via a trip through the seven deadly sins, all of which he is clearly guilty of, with no remorse on display. Price, an inspired choice of subject, is arrogant and flamboyant as he defends (or rather, celebrates) his own existence with delightfully smirky self-satisfaction. He is presented here as a man so hilariously vain that he probably thinks the song is about him, but it’s done so in a tongue-in-cheek, reverent manner that shows true affection for the hero of horror.

Price is soon joined by his spirit guide, a youthful version of himself (Jmar Reid). After Price “Envies” his younger form, the two switch bodies/actors (“a painful process that culminates in the ripping off a moustache” explains a disembodied voice). They argue, banter, and in a brilliant and hilarious sequence, become ever more exasperated as they repeatedly say the exact same words in unison.  “It’s weird to hear yourself think in stereo!” the Prices observe.

With sinful “Pride”, Price continuously namedrops his films and sidesteps into anecdotes about his career triumphs, including his narration on Michael Jackson’s Thriller. “It allowed a whole new generation to fall in love—with ME!” Price/Reid boasts hilariously. He later begins to perform the song but is forced to stop for legal reasons. “Copyright laws don’t stop in the afterlife!” explains the Spirit Guide.

Casting a child actor as God is a stroke of genius, and Gatrall gives a winning performance as the sardonic, sharp-tongued deity who’s literally seen it all (including Price’s films). “I am many things…smug included!” he proclaims in a moment of ultimate self-awareness.

Pinney and Reid are charming, engaging, and killingly funny as the dueling Vincents. The play is both hysterically funny and intensely thought-provoking as it debates what makes a person either worthy of heaven, better off in hell, and the purpose of existence on both sides of the veil.

“Everyone needs a little Nietzsche,” says a philosophical Price. “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.’ I’m still trying to figure out how to apply that one, despite being dead.” Price in Purgatory is written by Drew Pisarra and directed by Douglas Wagner (who also provides an appropriately spooky audio score). Costumes are by Adanne Spencer-Johnson. It is produced as part of the RadioPLAY Series as part of the Fresh Fruit Festiva