Two of the world's prolific modern artists, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat joined forces in the mid-1980s and formed a most unusual and unexpected creative and personal bond.
This play focuses on the period of time when these polar-opposite personalities first met in 1984. Warhol was struggling to maintain his level of fame, while Basquiat was just starting to taste his superstardom. How they balanced distinctive celebrity, branding and personas for an artistic collaboration is the subject of this heady drama.
Stars Paul Bettany (Warhol) and Jeremy Pope (J-M Basquiat) are extremely convincing and dynamic. They each ooze the distinctive quirks of the artists they portray from Warhol's social awkwardness to Basquiat's street cred. The audience feels like a fly on the wall eavesdropping on their conversations as the artists openly express their feelings to each other about art and life.
The stage design and DJ music successfully add to the authentic 80s atmosphere. It all adds up to a very enjoyable time at the theatre for art lovers of all levels. This trip to Broadway is highly recommended. My friend and I had such a good time! Since they just extended showtime to February 1st, it's not too late to check it out for yourself.
