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Bug

Renegade Theatre Experiment

September 11-September 26, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.3 Stars): Add Review/Comment

From the brilliant mind of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright, Tracy Letts, comes this gritty, psychological drama. Set in a seedy Oklahoma City motel room, the play centers on the meeting between Agnes, a divorced waitress with a fondness for cocaine and isolation, and Peter, a soft-spoken Gulf War drifter introduced to her by her lesbian friend, R.C. Agnes stays at a hotel in hopes of avoiding her physically abusive ex-husband, Jerry, who was just released from prison. At first, she lets Peter sleep platonically on her floor, but not long after she promotes him to the bed. Matters become more complicated as Jerry eagerly returns to the woman he loves to beat her up, expecting to resume their relationship. On top of that, there's a hidden bug infestation problem that has both Agnes and Peter dealing with scathing welts and festering sores - which has Peter believing this is the result of experiments conducted on him during his stay at an army hospital. Their fears soon escalate to paranoia, conspiracy theories and twisted psychological motives.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $13-$20

  Info Phone: 408-351-4440

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  September 11-September 26, 2009

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm

• Venue Info

  Historic Hoover Theater

  1635 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

  Full map and directions

• Parking Info

  The primary parking lot for the Historic Hoover Theater is located on the Southeast side of campus at Park Avenue and Sandringham Way. Alternate parking may be found at the lot located on the Southwest side of campus on Naglee Avenue. Parking is free.

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: Bug
    "Bugged"
    Review posted by: Nonymoose from San Jose, CA, Sep 15, 2009
    

    Was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this production. The acting was very good, all of the characters very believable, the set design captured the sleazey 1/2 star motel quite well. We in... Expand

    Was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this production. The acting was very good, all of the characters very believable, the set design captured the sleazey 1/2 star motel quite well. We in the audience were like "flys" on the wall watching the drama unfold. Quite unsettling, in an enjoyable way. Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Itching to see :Bugs"
    Review posted by: Michael G. Barnaba from On The Alameda, San Jose CA, Sep 14, 2009
    

    Sex, nudity, violence, drugs, profanity and paranoia all rolled up into one evening's performance is quite a big bang for one's buck. I thoroughly enjoyed the play from beginning to end. I highly... Expand

    Sex, nudity, violence, drugs, profanity and paranoia all rolled up into one evening's performance is quite a big bang for one's buck. I thoroughly enjoyed the play from beginning to end. I highly recommend it for anyone not shy to mature content and who can resist the urge to scratch themselves during the last thirty minutes of the show. The set is very believable. I've seen motel rooms like that in Texas. Lighting , acoustics and the performers are wonderful at transporting the audience out of their reality and into the world of bugs. I dare you to spray on some insect repellent and go experience "Bugs". Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Bug-A Brilliant Show"
    Review posted by: crash45 from san jose, Ca USA, Sep 14, 2009
    

    A fantastic production of an incredibly written play from Tracy Letts. All the performances are fantastic, (even if less stellar then those in the fantastic film adaptation), and the minimalist... Expand

    A fantastic production of an incredibly written play from Tracy Letts. All the performances are fantastic, (even if less stellar then those in the fantastic film adaptation), and the minimalist production value works perfectly. If your a fan of Letts, the film, or RTE, go! Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Tracking a Bug from Truckee to San Jose"
    Review posted by: Linda Macomber (blog.lindamacomber.com) from Truckee, Ca., Sep 16, 2009
    

    Nestled into a comfortable seat in the Historic Hoover Theatre, waiting for Renegade Theatre Experiment’s rendition of the psychological drama, Bug, I wondered if I had made a mistake in driving 200+... Expand

    Nestled into a comfortable seat in the Historic Hoover Theatre, waiting for Renegade Theatre Experiment’s rendition of the psychological drama, Bug, I wondered if I had made a mistake in driving 200+ miles from Truckee for a “little dose” of culture. Not being a fan of subject matter illuminating paranoia, blood, and overused expletives, my mind wandered to the possibility of numbing my senses during intermission. But alas, I decided to set aside my biases, and open up my consciousness to the possibility of being entertained. Tony award winning playwright, Tracy Letts cleverly crafted words were brought to life by a cast of 5 with well rehearsed timing that artfully conveyed a believable story. The “blood thing” was rendered in good taste and after the 10th f—k word, well, you know… just loses its efficacy in comparison to the experience of a well produced play. I would highly recommend Bug and driving 400+ miles(rtrip) with 4-year-old twin boys in the backseat was worth the effort. Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Perhaps the best production I've seen at RTE"
    Review posted by: Matthew Simis from San Jose, CA, Sep 16, 2009
    

    In my fouth year as a season subscriber, Bug is among the best productions I've ever seen at RTE. The quality of the acting is very good (I had no idea Sean could be so frightening) and the extra... Expand

    In my fouth year as a season subscriber, Bug is among the best productions I've ever seen at RTE. The quality of the acting is very good (I had no idea Sean could be so frightening) and the extra investment in sets and costumes is paying off. Great job everyone! I'm looking forward to "The Shape of Things". Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "The Renegades BRAVELY tackle Bug"
    Review posted by: Jacqui H.F. from Alameda, Ca. , Sep 21, 2009
    

    I've been passionately moved by theater to tears, laughter, etc., but I have never had as visceral of a response as I did to this show. I was white knuckled, clinching my teeth, and scratching myself... Expand

    I've been passionately moved by theater to tears, laughter, etc., but I have never had as visceral of a response as I did to this show. I was white knuckled, clinching my teeth, and scratching myself by the end of the night. Did I enjoy this play? Absolutely not! Was this play powerful and executed well? Absoutely YES! Tracy Letts paints a painfully acurate portrait of Paranoid Schizophrenia as such, this play is an exercise in intellectual endurance, for lack of a different way to put it. The Renegades handled this material with such abandon, bravery, soul, and insight that I found myself mentally trapped in this seedy little hotel room that serves as the bleak backdrop for the story. The direction was specific and brave as were the performances, particularly Sean Murphy who shined as the abusive ex-husband of the main character. It as a well executed piece of theater that will provide hours of philosophical fodder. Well Done Renegades! Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Get Bugged!"
    Review posted by: Mountain Mama from Los Gatos, CA, Sep 18, 2009
    

    As a 'seasoned' RTE member (we've been attending their shows since season 1)this was definitely one of the best shows so far. RTE never fails to surprise me with the talent and set designs. Our... Expand

    As a 'seasoned' RTE member (we've been attending their shows since season 1)this was definitely one of the best shows so far. RTE never fails to surprise me with the talent and set designs. Our attention was never lost even tho there were no set changes and a small cast to carry the play. Jerry Goss, played by Sean Murphy, was amazingly convincing as the abusive x-husband, x-con. I would definitely recommend you take the time and see this play. You'll be "itching" to see more:) Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Free Bugs! Free Beer!"
    Review posted by: Kereli from San Jose, Sep 23, 2009
    

    Bug was itch-errific! I think what I liked most was the attention to detail. The first thing I noticed was Agnes White’s torn cut-offs with the pocket liner sticking out from under the denim. For me,... Expand

    Bug was itch-errific! I think what I liked most was the attention to detail. The first thing I noticed was Agnes White’s torn cut-offs with the pocket liner sticking out from under the denim. For me, nuances like these spoke to a well thought-out production, and to the dark humorous vein that runs through the show. I’d also like to mention the lovely complimentary beer and wine reception in the Hoover Theatre courtyard 30 minutes prior to the show and at intermission. It gives patrons a moment to relax, read the program or meet up with friends. What a classy introduction to a theatre I’ve never been to before! Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Quality Show from a Good Company"
    Review posted by: Matt from Millbrae, CA, Sep 26, 2009
    

    Bug is a well-acted show that fortunately gets away from the more middle-of-the-road fare that sometimes plagues theatre and goes for the more extreme. (Foul language, blood, nudity. Hooray!) The... Expand

    Bug is a well-acted show that fortunately gets away from the more middle-of-the-road fare that sometimes plagues theatre and goes for the more extreme. (Foul language, blood, nudity. Hooray!) The whole cast does quality work, and good tension is provided by Sean Murphy and John V. The set design and special effects add wonderfully to the show. The intensity isn't as amped up as it could be in some parts, but that's no reason to stay away. See it! Collapse

  • Event Name: Bug
    "Got Bugged"
    Review posted by: cleece2001 from San Jose, CA, Sep 27, 2009
    

    Creepy and thought provoking. Set design, sound, lighting and acting quickly took me away to that sleazy little motel in Oklahoma. It was a great way to spend a Thursday night.

    Creepy and thought provoking. Set design, sound, lighting and acting quickly took me away to that sleazy little motel in Oklahoma. It was a great way to spend a Thursday night.

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