THE WHITE CITY:

an audible exhibition on h.h. holmes, murderer

Author: Rick Kinnebrew

Director
A Theater in the Dark
2023

In this audio excerpt, Hatch narrates as H. H. Holmes, his partner Ben, and Ben’s wife Anna take a ride on the original Ferris Wheel, at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1883.

Director’s Note

This project was launched as a live online audio broadcast, meaning an all-Chicago cast broadcast their voices remotely as we mixed in both live and pre-recorded sound, including original music by Nick Montopoli. It was later released as an streamable audio play online.

Rick approached me with this script and I was immediately delighted at its potential as an audio play potential. Featuring a sinister carnival barker named Hatch guiding us through the macabre horrors of H.H. Holmes, Chicago’s most infamous serial murderer, the project dives into the psychology of betrayal, family, and the misdeeds which led to Holmes’ capture.

In fall 2023, this project was later re-mounted as an in-person staged reading (complete with original sound) at Chicago’s famous Glessner House on Millionaire’s Row—near where much of The White City’s story takes place.

a murder in the court of xanadu

Director & Writer
A Theater in the Dark
2022

In this excerpt, narrator Marla conducts a fight between Ahmad, Kane’s right hand, and Jim-Gim, his favorite son.

Director’s Note:

a matter of red herrings

Author: Greg Garrison

Director
A Theater in the Dark
2022

In this excerpt, Detectives Steele and Watley nurse hangovers while betting on horses.

Director’s Note: