Buffalo Rising readers are invited to an exclusive event at Torn Space on Saturday, February 16, 2019 to check out the first, original stage adaptation of the classic film “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie” by John Cassavetes, adapted by Torn Space Theater. Admission is $40 and includes a pre-show reception with an introduction by director Dan Shanahan, and complimentary refreshments at the historic Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle located at 612 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY. Click here to reserve your spot. Space is extremely limited.
When John Cassavetes makes a gangster movie, you can be sure only that it will be like no other. A filmmaker of vaunting, demanding individuality, Cassavetes is like a jazz soloist, an improviser who tears off on wild riffs from a basic, familiar melody.” – TIME MAGAZINE on the 1976 John Cassavetes movie.
Trailer for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (John Cassavetes, 1976). It is shown as part of the John Cassavetes retrospective at the Filmmuseum Amsterdam in the fall of 2009.
“The Killing of a Chinese Bookie”
A World Premiere Stage Adaptation of the Film Classic
Written by John Cassavetes, Directed by Dan Shanahan
February 15 – March 10, 2019
612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo, NY 14212.
‘Bookie’ takes place in the gritty city underbelly where gambling and a burlesque club occupy the mind and time of leading character Cosmo Vittelli. He owns the burlesque club and harbors a gambling addiction that threatens to overtake his freedom, his livelihood, and his life. When he finds himself over $100,000 in the hole, the mobster casino management offers him a way to relieve his debts in the form of a nearly impossible murder of a rival gangster. In the hands of the mob, what starts as an offer quickly becomes compulsory, and Cosmo must navigate the criminal world while maintaining the chummy disposition of a host of a house of pleasure.
EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFER: Tickets $20 each until 11.59pm ET 1/31.
Tickets will be $30 (General) and $20 (Student) after that time.
Note: the Early Bird Offer is not valid for 2/28 performance.
Click here for more ticket information.
Buffalo Rising Night: February 16, 2019, Tickets are $40 and include pre-show reception and conversation with director Dan Shanahan. Don’t miss this opportunity join other Buffalo Rising readers and experience this original adaptation, premiering in Buffalo, NY! Tickets available here.
