Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) is excited to present Good Medicine, a satirical play written and performed by the talented Richard Grunn. This interactive theatrical experience takes the audience on a journey through the centuries of America’s eccentric medical quackery and showcases the enduring presence of snake-oil salesmen throughout the centuries.
Good Medicine will be staged for two performances at the Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg, Friday, July 7th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, July 8th at 7:00 pm, 2023.
SYNOPSIS
Good Medicine is an interactive satire on the American medicine show through the centuries. The story brings together three characters: Reverend Beauford T. Jones, Dr. Chester C. Braman, and Kurt Candleman, Spiritual Advisor and Master Guru. They all exist in different periods of history and are trying to sell their philosophies and products for health. The show exposes the similarities between the characters even though they are from different centuries showing that today we have the same snake-oil salesmen as in the 19th century, with absurd products which claim to heal and cure.
CAST & CREATIVES
Written and performed by Richard Grunn, Good Medicine brings together his diverse range of talents as an actor, artist, puppeteer, and teaching artist. With an impressive performance history that includes tours and original shows at festivals in the U.S., Ireland, and the U.K., Grunn’s work has garnered critical acclaim. He received a Creative Engagement Grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) in 2019 for his innovative puppet circus production, Urbano’s Circus and the Monster of Garbage, performed at the University Settlement in NYC. Grunn’s original solo shows, including Urbano’s Circus and Father Joiner’s Purgative Poetry Project, have delighted audiences with their unique blend of whimsy and social commentary.
Director Leslie Kincaid Burby brings her exceptional talent and accolades to Good Medicine. Notably, she received the NYIT Outstanding Director award and NY Times Critic’s Pick for The Workshop Theater’s Drama Desk-nominated production of The Navigator by Eddie Antar. Burby’s outstanding direction in Zamboni by Sean-Patrick O’Brien earned her a NYC Fringe Award, and the production was extended in the Encore Series. Her recent directorial credits include The Chekhov Dreams at Becket Theatre, Broadway Bound at Gretna Theater, and The Tempest at Pied Piper Theatre.
Joining the cast of Good Medicine is Joe Burby, a multi-talented actor, musician, and voice-over artist residing in Northern Manhattan. Burby’s unique voice has been featured in museum exhibits, including Acoustiguide installations from Ellis Island to the Met and Angels Mining Camp in Calaveras County. He has achieved success with two original musicals for children and, together with his wife Leslie, wrote and produced a highly acclaimed film titled Robin Hood, shot entirely in Manhattan parks.
Henry Burby, a dynamic performance artist and public historian, adds his talent to the cast of Good Medicine. Burby has showcased his versatility in various theatrical roles, including Tony Lumpkin in She Stoops to Conquer with UP Theater Co., Valère in Tartuffe with UP, Lee in the lead role of The Tallest Building in the World with UP. Burby’s participation in Good Medicine merges his passions for music, acting, and obscure history, making for an exhilarating performance.
TICKETS & LOCATION
Performances take place at the Tusten Theatre, 210 Bridge Street in Narrowsburg, NY.
Tickets $25 advance / $30 at door ($20/$25 DVAA Members). Kids 12 and under are free. Box office/concession opens 30 minutes before shows.
ABOUT DVAA
DVAA is a creative home in the Upper Delaware Valley and Sullivan Catskills Region. We give artists platforms to share their voices in our galleries, on our stages, or at our festivals, including Riverfest in July and the Big Eddy Film Festival held every September. DVAA funds Sullivan County creatives and cultural organizations through our role as the county’s Arts Council. We are committed to nurturing the arts community, fostering growth, and cultivating a vibrant regional artistic landscape.
SUPPORT
This production is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC.
DVAA’s programs are made possible thanks in part to the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the Sullivan County Legislature; the Nancy Stevenson Memorial Fund; the Fair Games Fund; the Heartland Embers Fund, our Business Sponsors; DVAA members; and individuals like you.
