In case you weren’t aware, the WestCo Café will play host to another original theater piece produced through Second Stage this upcoming weekend. “Beauty Pageant Massacre,” directed by Coz Deicke ’13 and written by Louise Schwarz, is a dark comedy thriller about six beauty pageant contestants attempting to prove their worth while competing for the Miss Middletown (yes, our Middletown) title that they would kill for. The Argus recently caught up with Deicke to hear the inside scoop on the show and to find out what audiences can expect this post-Halloween weekend.
The Argus: Tell us a little about the show. What exactly is a “Beauty Pageant Massacre?”
Coz Deicke: We’ve been referring to “Beauty Pageant Massacre” as a spoof of pageants and a very over-the-top kind of show. There are six contestants all vying for the title of Miss Middletown with the flamboyant host Blade Empire and the creepy stagehand Orpah. These different personalities come together in comedic and, at some points, horrific ways.
A: This is an original play, right? What was your relationship with the writer during the process? Did things change as you went along or did it stay fairly true to the original script?
CD: It is an original play! Louise Schwarz, the writer, wrote the play for a production at the theater camp I used to go to. I saw the play and have always really liked it. Louise and her team adapted the play for a Wesleyan performance. I would say that the major plotline stayed the same but some dialogue and naming [were] changed and some amazing original songs were added.
A: Did Hurricane Sandy cause any problems or delays in the production?
CD: Sandy did cause a bit of difficulty. We missed our final Monday meeting with Second Stage and we were only able to have a short (and way too early in the morning) rehearsal on Monday. Thankfully we didn’t lose power, and everything successfully came together!
A: How have you enjoyed directing a show at Wesleyan? Would you do it again in the future?
CD: I really enjoy directing. I have acted since I was very young, and I always saw theater through that lens. But when I came to Wesleyan and saw that there were so many great opportunities for student directing I knew it was something that I would want to try. And going forward, I see it being a great passion of mine. Getting to put a vision on a stage and collaborate with actors and bring many different elements together is an amazing process. I plan on directing more and will hopefully have something in the works for next semester!
A: What’s the main reason everyone on campus should come see the show this weekend over everything else?
CD: The main reason would have to be that the show is hysterical. But I think “Beauty Pageant Massacre” has something for everyone. Comedy, mystery, horror, well-dressed ladies, song, dance, and a completely crazy and ridiculous pageant.
“Beauty Pageant Massacre” runs Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 p.m. in the WestCo Café. Catch it while you can!