(OUTview NW) RE-view: an International Scandal turns into an AMAZING threesome in Bad Apples at ACT!

Chadwick, Taylor and Hagreen shine! (Jeff Carpenter)

by MK Scott

Back in 2004, America was stunned at the actions of the guards of Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad, and it was clear that this wasn't your grand-daddies war.

The images of the prisoners in shocking poses along with images of the 3 guards tells one story. In the new rock-musical, Bad Apples,  by Jim Leonard and music and lyrics by Beth Thornley and Rob Cairns,  currently at ACT Theatre (co-presented by Circle X in LA and our very own Artswest in West Seattle} is something different and very reminiscent from last fall's "American Idiot" at Artswest.

Innocent Fun or killing time?   (Jeff Carpentet)

"Apples" tells the true story suffering through war that nobody wants and are killing the time with some self-made drama to kill the pain.

War and circumstance sets the stage when Pvt. Lindsay Skinner (genuine, Kate Morgan Chadwick), an MP, Sgt. Chuck Shepard (incredible, Carlton Byrd), the guard in charge of that section of the prison, and Lt. Margaret Scott (mesmerizing,  Keiko Green),form a bi-sexual triangle and that leads to the night of the horrific photographs plus both of the girls end up pregnant by sleazy Shepard. Skinner and Scott have their own relationship with jealousy and betrayal. 

Other worthy performances goes to the always FAB Frederick Hagreen as Cunny with incredible solos and our forever gorgeous Fave, Jordon Iosua Taylor in several roles.

Speaking of Taylor (once again in military fatigues), it was an incredible performance when he came out with a British accent to explain that the Iraq conflict  created ISIS, as he sounded just like the man in the Isis videos.  Taylor even sang and has an incredible voice.

The Music is great and has kind of an Alice in Chains vibe. 

It was great that director John Langs was able to put together this New musical as he did last year with Act 3 of Mr. Burns. 

At first,  you think that everyone has an agenda, then it becomes clear that everyone is also a victim of circumstance.

a Strong Ensemble!  (Jeff Carpenter)

"Bad Apples" from ACT, ArtsWest and Circle X Theatre Co. perform at ACT through September 25th. For tickets click HERE.