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NOMINATED FOR 7 BROADWAY WORLD LOS ANGELES AWARDS
About Freud on Cocaine
An outrageous new comedy that uses Sigmund Freud’s own poetic words as documented in his book, “The Cocaine Papers." Jonathan Slavin stars in the title role as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, a respected doctor, a loving husband, a devoted father — and a drug addict.
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Documentation oF Freud's LONG EXPERIMENT WITH COCAINE
UBER COCA
Twenty-five pages long with seventy-eight footnotes, Freud documented his first time injecting liquid cocaine and touted cocaine as a panacea for pain, exhaustion, low spirits, depression, and morphine addiction.
PERSONAL USE
Freud used cocaine to overcome his depression and shyness while studying hysteria in Paris.
THE LOVE LETTERS WITH COCAINE
Freud slipped cocaine into the love letters he mailed to his finacée while keeping their engagement secret from his future mother-in-law.
COCAINE AS A TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION
Freud’s best friend, Dr. Ernst Von Fleischl-Marxow, was a notorious morphine and heroin addict. Freud treated his friend’s addiction with cocaine, thus unintentionally inventing “the speedball,"
THE STRANGE CASE OF EMMA ECKSTEIN
While treating patient Emma Eckstein for the “nasogenital” cause of her hysteria, Freud and another doctor cauterized Eckstein’s nose with a gram of cocaine, nearly killing her after three surgeries.
BIG PHARMA
Merck & Co. offered Freud free “product,” including their new cocaine alkaloid, in exchange for his continued research into its medical use. Freud was also approached by Parke-Davis, the American pharmaceutical company that sold cocaine in various forms, including cigarettes, powder, and even a cocaine mixture that could be injected directly into the user’s veins with the included needle.
A hysterical true story
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Cast
JONATHAN SLAVIN (SIGMUND FREUD)
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
SARA MARAFFINO (MARTHA FREUD)
Jonathan Slavin ( he, him, they, them) was born on a Marine base in North Carolina and grew up in Pennsylvania. After high school, he fled to New York and performed in “The Best of Schools” at Ubu Rep, Lincoln Center and then Broadway in Wendy Wasserstein’s “The Sisters Rosensweig”, to Dallas to do “Six Degrees of Separation”(a production
Jonathan Slavin ( he, him, they, them) was born on a Marine base in North Carolina and grew up in Pennsylvania. After high school, he fled to New York and performed in “The Best of Schools” at Ubu Rep, Lincoln Center and then Broadway in Wendy Wasserstein’s “The Sisters Rosensweig”, to Dallas to do “Six Degrees of Separation”(a production that was visited and subsequently cited by the Dallas Vice Squad), and finally to Los Angeles, to appear in the West Coast premiere of Larry Kramer’s “The Destiny of Me.” Recently, Jonathan appeared in the award winning Home Front at The Victory Theatre. Additional local theater credits include The Boomerang Effect at the Odyssey and then the Zephyr, and The Arrival at Sci-Fest. On television, Jonathan has appeared as a series regular on Dr. Ken, Better Off Ted, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Union Square, and voiced Ogo, a neurotic and slightly deranged robot, on the animated series Robot and Monster. He recurred on Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet, Speechless, Family Tools, and My Name is Earl, to name a few. Recent and/or notable guest stars include Grace and Frankie, Pam & Tommy, Station 19, Corporate, The Neighborhood, Grey’s Anatomy, Friends, and Major Crimes. Among his film credits are Starf*ckers, Marvelous and The Black Hole, Dirty Girl, Hard Pill, and A Cinderella Story. Slavin is an activist, dedicating much of his time to animal rights, and is a longtime vegan and animal rescuer. Proudly identifying as both queer and gay, he is equally committed to LGBT rights. He marched on Washington for the first time in October of 1987, began protesting with ACT UP(Aids Coalition to Unleash Power) in New York shortly afterwards, and has been ferociously screaming for equity, equality and inclusion ever since. He has thrice participated in AIDS/LifeCycle, a nearly 600 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising funds for HIV services provided by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, where he continues to volunteer his time to Lifeworks, the Center’s mentorship program.
SARA MARAFFINO (MARTHA FREUD)
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
SARA MARAFFINO (MARTHA FREUD)
Sara Maraffino (she, her) is a classically trained actor based in Los Angeles with roles spanning across stage, television, and screen. A graduate of The Groundlings, Circle in the Square Theatre School, and Shakespeare & Company, Sara brings uncompromising authenticity and honesty to the characters she plays. From Shakespeare to origina
Sara Maraffino (she, her) is a classically trained actor based in Los Angeles with roles spanning across stage, television, and screen. A graduate of The Groundlings, Circle in the Square Theatre School, and Shakespeare & Company, Sara brings uncompromising authenticity and honesty to the characters she plays. From Shakespeare to original new works, Sara’s credits include John Patrick Shanley's Italian American Reconciliation, David Mamet's Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Edward Allen Bakers' Doloresand Terence McNally's Frankie & Johnny at the Claire de Lune, and network favorites like “The Mentalist,” “Pretty Little Liars” This is the second Howard Skora production that she has had the pleasure of working on. In her spare time, Sara, a Reiki Master, enjoys working with animals and people to help release blockages, heal trauma and return to a state of balance.
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
Aaron LaPlante (he/him) is primarily a voice actor. Some notable credits include the voice of Spear, the caveman in Genndy Tartakovsky's PRIMAL, the Duke in Resident Evil Village, and the Gremilns in the Hotel Transylvania series of films.
AMY SMALLMAN-WINSTON (EMMA ECKSTEIN)
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)
Amy (she. her) was born and raised in Indiana. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her creative dreams. Soon after, she joined Academy Award-winner Bobby Moresco's Actor's Gym, where she has been an active member for over 20 years. Amy is also a proud alumnus of The Ground
Amy (she. her) was born and raised in Indiana. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her creative dreams. Soon after, she joined Academy Award-winner Bobby Moresco's Actor's Gym, where she has been an active member for over 20 years. Amy is also a proud alumnus of The Groundlings Theater, where she honed her improv and sketch comedy skills. Original theatrical works include her one-woman show Miss Congeniality, and Whores, co-written with Maggie Baird. Her theatre credits include the LA premieres of Blackout, Cheyenne, American Conspiracy, Stella’s Last JDate, Brushes, and Howard Skora's Gaslight House. In addition to being a mom, wife, and actor, Amy's other great passion is volunteering for dog rescues.
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
Barry Brisco (he/him) is from Plainfield, New Jersey, and has a B.A. in Theater Arts Management and AA in Speech Communication. Barry is an award-nominated SAG/AFTRA Actor.
A Writer, Director, and Producer.
Barry is so proud to have written, directed, and produced his award-winning play “Love is a Battlefield” at the 2023 Hollywood Fringe
Barry Brisco (he/him) is from Plainfield, New Jersey, and has a B.A. in Theater Arts Management and AA in Speech Communication. Barry is an award-nominated SAG/AFTRA Actor.
A Writer, Director, and Producer.
Barry is so proud to have written, directed, and produced his award-winning play “Love is a Battlefield” at the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival at the Limbic Art House in Hollywood, CA.
Barry attended the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in 2000 With Jordan Roth, Diane Paulus, Randy Weiner, and David Babani’s hit Off-Broadway show “The Donkey Show.”
David Babani saw Barry's talent, and together they created “The Fleetwood Coupe Deville Chat Show” for the 2001 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Barry Performed this one-man chat show with guest stars, Talk Show Host and SNL alumni Seth Myers and (Roger Rabbit) Charles Fleischer.
As a Professional Theater Actor. Barry has acted in Theatre for more than 35 years across the planet.
Barry performed the role of Benny in “Rent” at the Hudson Theatre.
Barry performed the role of Darren Lemon in “Take Me Out” at The Complex Theatre and Bernard in “Boys In The Band” at the Coast Theatre in West Hollywood.
Other Theatre credits include
Paul in “Six Degrees of Separation”
The Wiz in “The Wiz”
Over the years, Barry was a regular performer in Anthony Wilkinsons “My Big Gay Italian Wedding with Nikki Blonsky and the legendary Lainie Kazan.
Barry has just completed an extensive tour with The Australian Sensation Puppetry of the Penis.
And most recently performed the role of Legendary Gay Rights icon and the reason we have Gay Pride, thrower of Stonewall Bricks "Ms. Marcia P. Johnson.”
Barry was the House Manager for the Actors Playhouse in NYC, and Barry was also the Technical Director for the “Nine o Clock Players” at the Assistants League Theater.
Los Angeles’s oldest Children's Theater.
Barry has performed and worked on hundreds of stages across the planet. With an extensive career in film and television and theater spanning over three decades.
Barry is most proud to have been a part of the film Dreamgirls, which led him from the lights of Broadway to the Sign on the Hill called Hollywood. Barry has appeared in several films and Television shows. Including "General Hospital" and "Ray Donovan," Barry can be seen in the final season of "Lucifer" on Netflix and most recently joined the Shondaland family as "Dr. Reid" on the hit television show "Station 19”.
Currently, Barry is a reoccurring guest star on Kerry Washington’s “Reasonable Doubt” as Pastor Thurston on Hulu and David Diggs and Raphael Casal’s “Blindspotting” on Starz as Dauntes (David Diggs’s father)
Barry is represented by Chris Giovanni, CGEM Talent. and DDO
Instagram/Facebook @barrybrisco
IMDB Barry Brisco
SIGUTE MILLER (EMMELINE BERNAYS)
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)
Sigute (she/her) is fresh off the tour of her one-woman show “Tragic Magic ~ A Story of Recovery,” which she wrote, performed, and produced. The show debuted at The Whitefire Theatre in March ‘22. She was invited back in ‘23, winning a “Best of the Fest” award.
The play had its premiere run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June ‘22,
Sigute (she/her) is fresh off the tour of her one-woman show “Tragic Magic ~ A Story of Recovery,” which she wrote, performed, and produced. The show debuted at The Whitefire Theatre in March ‘22. She was invited back in ‘23, winning a “Best of the Fest” award.
The play had its premiere run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June ‘22, winning a Hollywood Producers’ Encore Award. It was also selected for the world’s largest solo festival in New York, ‘United Solo,’ receiving an encore award. In her hometown Chicago, she performed to sold-out houses, graced with people she hadn’t seen in 40 years.
As a member of the Echo Theater Company in Los Angeles, she has been seen in “Anon,” “Better,” “The Suitcase,” and “Undivided Heart.” She performed at The Broadwater Theater in the comedy “Emergency Operation,” “We The People” (playing Dr. Christine Blasey Ford), and “What’s in Front of Us.” Her most cherished performance was at the Victory Theater in “The Guys” - a tribute to the New York City firemen of 911.
Sigute is also a competitive swimmer with US Masters and has won numerous medals in age group swimming, including the Senior Games. Staying close to her roots, She was the Western Regional Director of Lithuanian Scouts and has been camping and scouting for over 50 years. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA as well as a ›current member of the Actor’s Gym in Los Angeles, California.
Sigute is very grateful to be back at The Whitefire Theatre in Howard Skora’s new play with a fabulous cast!
Mitch Rosander (Narrator )
Natalie Nicole Dressel (Narrator for April 12 and April 19th shows)
Natalie Nicole Dressel (Narrator for April 12 and April 19th shows)
Mitch Rosander (he, him) is delighted to be making his acting debut at the Whitefire. Audiences familiar with Loft Ensemble will recognize Mitch from appearances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (McMurphy), Mud (The Hole Digger), and The Sound of Silence (Robert) to name a few. Mitch is a graduate of the Acting Conservatory at AMDA LA.
Mitch Rosander (he, him) is delighted to be making his acting debut at the Whitefire. Audiences familiar with Loft Ensemble will recognize Mitch from appearances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (McMurphy), Mud (The Hole Digger), and The Sound of Silence (Robert) to name a few. Mitch is a graduate of the Acting Conservatory at AMDA LA. He’d like to thank Howard Skora for the opportunity and Bryan Rasmussen for his constant support. Enjoy the show!
Natalie Nicole Dressel (Narrator for April 12 and April 19th shows)
Natalie Nicole Dressel (Narrator for April 12 and April 19th shows)
Natalie Nicole Dressel (Narrator for April 12 and April 19th shows)
Natalie Nicole Dressel (she/her/hers) is a transgender writer/actress currently living in North Hollywood, CA. In 2019 she attained her MFA in writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, and in 2013 she earned her BFA in Theater from Michigan State University. She is a graduate of the UCB LA improv program.
Her short play Now an
Natalie Nicole Dressel (she/her/hers) is a transgender writer/actress currently living in North Hollywood, CA. In 2019 she attained her MFA in writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, and in 2013 she earned her BFA in Theater from Michigan State University. She is a graduate of the UCB LA improv program.
Her short play Now and Never was adapted into a short film which won "BEST DARK FANTASY FILM" at Austin After Dark, and appeared in many other festivals here and abroad. She recently wrote and appeared in Raise Your Hand... From the DEAD!! at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
Production Team
Howard Skora (Playwright/Director)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Howard Skora (he, him) is a Los Angeles-based playwright, director, and screenwriter known for his comedic works: Freud on Cocaine, Gaslight House, Damaged Furniture, and Miserable with an Ocean View. With four world premieres at the Whitefire Theatre, Skora has established himself as a prolific creator in the LA theatrical scene.
Freud on Cocaine, his most recent work, is enjoying a second run in 2024 after selling out all shows during its 2023 run at The Whitefire Theatre, where it garnered seven Broadway World Los Angeles Award nominations.
His 2022 play, Gaslight House, which he also directed, received six Broadway World Los Angeles Award nominations, including Best Play, Best Direction, Best Ensemble Performance, and Best Performer (Alex Skuby), as well as numerous 5-star reviews, including Stage Raw saying, "Skora comes from a stand-up comedy background, and his mastery of humor shines in the show’s writing. Gaslight House appears to be a perfect example of his modus operandi; the witty banter and verbal comedy keep you laughing and enthralled throughout what very quickly becomes a jaw-droppingly outlandish series of plot twists. ...This play is absolutely unpredictable from start to finish, in the best way, and the audience is consistently kept in suspense of what’s actually real. ...Gaslight House is an unforgettable experience...this writer cannot recommend it enough."
His 2018 play, Damaged Furniture, directed by Jim Fall, ran for six months and was the top-rated original comedy in Los Angeles on Better-Lemons for its entire run, with a "100% sweet critic rating." Damaged Furniture later garnered an Ovation Nomination for Featured Actress in a Play for Jessica Pohly, as well as Best Play and Best Writer nominations at the 2019 Valley Theater Awards.
Skora's first play, Miserable With an Ocean View, directed by Jim Fall, had its world premiere in 2015, featured Oscar-Nominee Patty McCormack, and was named "Most Promising New Play" by Don Grigware in his annual Broadway World Eddon Awards. It ran for five sold-out months. The reviews called Skora “...brilliant,” and the play “clever…with hilarious one-liners." Miserable With an Ocean View garnered Best Play, Best Director, Best Lead Actor (Paul Elia), and Best Supporting Actor (Alex Skuby) nominations at the 2016 Valley Theater Awards.
Howie studied Screenwriting at UCLA Extension, where he received the prestigious Diane Thomas Screenwriting Award for his screenplay, “The Trainer.” He is also the 1st place winner of the 5th Annual Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition and used the $10,000 prize money to complete “Nick Name and The Normals," his first independent feature-length documentary, which premiered in London at The National Film Theatre. Skora develops most of his work with the members of The Actor's Gym, run by his longtime mentor, Oscar-winner Bobby Moresco. He is grateful to have a home to collaborate with the brilliant actors and other creative artists who have contributed their talents to his various productions. For more details on his other plays, go to HowardSkora.com (link below)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Mitch Rosander (he/him) is an LA based light and sound designer, actor, and director. Mitch is a long standing Board member of the Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood, as well as a resident light/sound technician here at the Whitefire Theatre. He would like to extend many thanks to the cast and crew, Bryan Rasmussen, and special thanks to Howard Skora for having him along on this wonderfully wild ride. Enjoy the show!
Bryan Rasmussen (Artistic Director of the Whitefire)
Mitch Rosander (Assistant Director/Stage Manager)
Bryan Rasmussen (Artistic Director of the Whitefire)
Bryan(he/him) is the recipient of the 2016 Valley Theatre Award for Artistic Director Achievement, is now in his 20th year as Producing Artistic Director of the Whitefire Theatre, celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Bryan is one of the most prolific theatre producers in Los Angeles. He has produced over 1000 solo shows and hundreds of regular plays, including numerous world premieres. Directing credits include the 35th-anniversary production of Sam Shepard's Buried Child, Billie!..backstage with Lady Day, Firehouse, The Bellflower Sessions, and Stella's Last JDate. He is currently developing theatre projects with Academy Award winner Bobby Moresco as well as launching multiple world premieres. He also produces the largest solo theatre festival on the West Coast called Solofest, where over 80 shows premiere in 90 days now in its 12th year. He also founded the famous Itchy Foot Cabaret in downtown LA in the 1980s as well as having been a member of the famed South Coast Repertory playing Young Scrooge for nine years, and when they won the Tony for Best Regional Theatre in 1985. Numerous film and TV credits as an actor include “24”, “Sons of Anarchy,” “The Mentalist,” and “American Horror Story” opposite Jessica Lange. He trained at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco after receiving his BA in theatre from Cal State Long Beach. Bryan is a proud member of the Actors Gym.
Michael Mullen (Costume Design)
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
Bryan Rasmussen (Artistic Director of the Whitefire)
Michael (he, him) is a costume designer, actor, and writer. Among his theatrical design credits are Dreamgirls, The Boy From Oz, Siamese Sex Show, Fugue, When Jazz Had The Blues, Burners, Cabaret, Year Of The Rooster, Fixed, Sweeney Todd, American Idiot, The Legend Of Georgia McBride, Pygmalion, and A Little Night Music. He has received several awards and nominations for his work both onstage and off from such organizations as Ovation, L.A. Drama Critics Circle, L.A. Weekly, N.A.A.C.P., Scenie, Stage Raw, Robby, Broadway World, Ticket Holder, Eddon, and Desert Theatre League. This is his second Howard Skora play, he did the modern costumes for Gaslight House and now he's thrilled to be costume designing Freud on Cocaine.
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
John Knowles (he/him) is a filmmaker, graphic artist, and caffeine enthusiast who enjoys making stoopid videos with his friends. His work includes the feature film Chastity Bites (2013), the short Fondue or Die in the compilation Grindsploitation 4: Meltsploitation (2018), and numerous videos of his cats during the pandemic (2020 - ). John is excited to be a small part of this amazing production, though he would like to remind his fellow Write Club member Howie that he “still has notes." Love to Lotti, Eartha Kitty, And Sebastian. This is his second Howard Skora production. John shot and edited all the mind-bending commercials in Gaslight House, and this time, he has given Freud on Cocaine its Tarantinoesque title card sequences.
Dusti Cunningham (Set Decor)
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
John Knowles (Video Production and Design)
Los Angeles-based photographer Dusti Cunningham (he, him) grew up in a very clean single-wide trailer home in rural Kansas. His family didn't own television, so they watched tornadoes. None of his dogs were named Toto. Dolly Parton and his mother were his heroes, both wore wigs. His inspirations are gypsies, pirates, circuses, 1970s glamour, and the National Enquirer. Dusti has worked on all of Howard Skora's plays. This is the 4th Howard Skora play Dusti has worked on. He designed the Clown for Miserable with the Ocean View, the infamous "Versace Recliner" for Damaged Furniture, the fabulous and bizarre furnishings in Gaslight House, and now he has decorated Dr. Freud's office.