Overview

The first play by the master of The Ridiculous is a collage epic, drawing on literary, film, and dramatic masterpieces as well as comic books, late-night TV, and advertising for its hilarious dialogue. Plots and genres collide as the Devil prosecutes a bet with God, tormenting the Magic Mandarin, who checks into the titular big hotel along with a suicidal Russian ballerina, fading screen star Norma Desmond (tormented in her turn by agent Elwynn Chamberpot), bad guy Drago Rubles, Mata Hari, and Svengali, among others. Even Santa Claus drops by, to be killed off along with the rest of the cast, most of which is revived in time to become unwilling dishwashers at the Firepit Restaurant. A classic of experimental theater, an enduring delight for all but the faint of heart.