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Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
When the creators of the Hunter S. Thompson musical finally visited his estate
As the creative force behind 'The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical,' Joe Iconis had been dreaming up the gonzo journalist's living room for the better part of two decades when he ventured to Colorado this past April and stepped foot in his cabin. Still inhabited by Thompson's widow, Anita, the home was in many ways exactly as the idiosyncratic author left it when he took his own life there in February 2005 at age 67. Stacks of books Thompson intended to read were seemingly left untouched. Masks of Richard M. Nixon, Thompson's self-declared nemesis, were hanging on the walls. The family's peacocks still roamed the space. Taped to the fridge, a note in Thompson's handwriting read, 'Never call 911. Never. This means you. HST.' 'To walk into the actual room was like nothing I have ever, ever experienced,' Iconis recalls. 'It felt like I was walking into my own script.' After premiering at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse in 2023, the bonkers biomusical is back for a production at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, that runs through July 13. Featuring music and lyrics by 'Be More Chill' composer Iconis and a book co-written by Iconis and Gregory S. Moss, the show was penned without the rights to any of Thompson's works (as its purposely cumbersome title indicates). But with that trip to Thompson's Owl Farm estate, and the blessing of Anita and others in nearby Aspen who knew the renegade writer, 'The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical' suddenly became spiritually — if not legally — authorized. 'It speaks volumes of Joe as a composer and a writer that he was forbidden from using any of Hunter's actual writings but he found Hunter's voice, and folks who knew him feel like it did,' says George Salazar, who plays attorney and activist Oscar 'Zeta' Acosta in the musical. 'That is also what Hunter's writing was all about. It read chaotic, but there was deep intention and passion and purpose behind all of it.' Commissioned in 2008 by La Jolla to pen a musical based on Thompson's life, Iconis spent years writing the show under the assumption that a financier would inevitably materialize with the money to secure the necessary rights. But around 2016, Iconis says, the Thompson estate made it clear that such clearance was out of the show's price range. That meant Iconis had to excise any excerpts from Thompson's writing and all references to events only documented in his books, including 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'Hell's Angels.' What Iconis could do, however, was depict the widely reported details of Thompson's life and conduct his own research. 'It was really scary,' Iconis says. 'But the amazing thing was that it forced me to not be able to use his language as a crutch. It forced me to actually get to the heart of everything I was trying to say at every single moment and have the word choices be 100 percent intentional.' Thus Iconis embarked on a years-long quest to evoke Thompson from afar. But when Iconis and his cast traveled to Aspen to perform songs from the show at Wheeler Opera House, Anita extended an invitation for the musical's entire traveling party — more than a dozen actors and other collaborators — to visit Owl Farm. It was an invitation Iconis accepted with trepidation. Anita, he understood, was concerned that the show would depict her late husband as a drug-crazed caricature and lose sight of his transcendence on the page. Was it worth opening up this unabashedly unlicensed endeavor to such scrutiny? 'For the life of the development of the show, I had never spoken to anyone directly connected with Hunter,' Iconis says. 'I didn't want anyone saying to me, 'Hunter would never do that.' And then the bigger part of it, really, was I didn't want anyone who knew him or who was associated with him to tell me that they hated it.' A pair of videos filmed during the visit capture Anita's approval. The first one — filmed after a young girl staying at Owl Farm suggested that Iconis play Thompson's piano — shows the composer tapping the keys to the show's rousing finale, 'Kaboom,' while his cast sings along. In the second, an emotional Anita subsequently gifts Iconis a necklace adorned with Thompson's gonzo fist emblem. 'Thank you,' she says, 'for keeping Hunter's spirit alive in such a beautiful way.' And Anita was far from the only person who knew Thompson to lend her expertise. Salazar and Jason SweetTooth Williams, the actor who plays illustrator Ralph Steadman in the show, both picked the brain of DJ Watkins, an Aspen art dealer and documentarian well versed in Thompson's story. Grabbing drinks at J-Bar, Thompson's longtime watering hole of choice, the cast struck up conversations with other folks who relayed their Thompson tales. 'It made it so much more real,' Williams says. 'Suddenly we weren't playing at something. Now, we're getting a chance to become something that we've actually experienced.' When the concert arrived, Iconis still wondered how Anita would perceive numbers highlighting the less-flattering aspects of Thompson's chaotic life. But after the show, she gifted him a bouquet of six-feet-tall peacock feathers, which he still has in his home. In an email to The Washington Post, Anita pushed back against a song that depicts Thompson as an absentee father but expressed overarching admiration for the cast and creative team. 'I'm sure Hunter would love the fact that such talented artists performers have devoted a part of their life to celebrating his extraordinary legacy,' she wrote. 'I just love the cast of the musical for using their talent and energy to celebrate a beautiful unique important American writer, whose work is relevant and helps readers understand this crazy world we live in 2025.' Asked about the musical remaining 'unauthorized,' she added: 'It appears that being required to use [Iconis's] words is what makes the musical a success.' (The executor of Thompson's literary estate did not respond to requests for comment.) Iconis subsequently tweaked the script to include details from the visit. A line in which Thompson marvels at the beauty that surrounds Owl Farm — 'The mountains look like waves to me, just slow moving' — was uttered by Anita. After Anita cut up grapefruits for her guests, Iconis added a line in which Thompson's son mentions her doing just that. In a mixed review, Washington Post theater critic Naveen Kumar praised Iconis's 'propulsive and occasionally catchy' score but critiqued the show's cradle-to-grave ambition. Although Iconis, a 2019 Tony nominee for 'Be More Chill,' hopes the musical has a future beyond its Signature run — perhaps on Broadway — the Aspen experience already marked a culmination of sorts for his journey into Thompson's headspace. 'For the actual human beings who knew that guy to like what we're doing, and feel like it accurately represents him?' Iconis says. 'F--- everything else.' Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Dates: Through July 13. Prices: $47-$112.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
US advances in CONCACAF Gold Cup but still a work in progress and inconsistent under Pochettino
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The United States is moving to the knockout rounds at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, like it always does. Yet two wins in two matches have been far from consistent and still raise questions about the young squad coach Mauricio Pochettino is guiding into the quarterfinals. Advertisement The Americans advanced out of Group D with a match still to play with Thursday night's 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia thanks to defender Chris Richards' left-footed goal off a free kick from Sebastian Berhalter. 'We need to be calm,' Pochettino said. 'This is the second victory in a row in the competition. We still need to be improve. The competition is going to be tougher.' Richards' goal was the lone moment of finesse from a U.S. attack that scored five goals against Trinidad and Tobago, and then looked mostly stagnant and stifled by Saudi Arabia on a steamy night in Texas. There were a couple of glaring defensive lapses, as well. Richards had to track back to save the U.S. from an early deficit when a mistake by Alex Freeman nearly surrendered a goal in the first half. Advertisement The Americans' two wins in the tournament so far have come against a Trinidad and Tobago team ranked No. 100 in the world, and No. 58 Saudi Arabia. They will end Group D play Sunday against No. 83 Haiti in Arlington, Texas. Pochettino dismissed the low ranking for Saudi Arabia, noting its first-round victory over eventual champion Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. 'It wasn't an easy game. They are very competitive,' Pochettino said. 'They have quality.' The U.S. will have to navigate a tournament that will only get tougher with a roster Pochettino stitched together with many of the usual stars and starters sitting out for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup. Advertisement Missing the tournament for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest. And forward Haji Wright did not suit up for the match against Saudi Arabia because team officials said he has an 'issue' with his left Achilles tendon. The team did not elaborate. Richards, who scored his second career goal for the Americans, said he sees a roster that is growing as it navigates the Gold Cup in its last competitive matches before the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada. 'We're on to the next round. More than anything, we sent a statement to the rest of CONCACAF we're not taking anyone lightly,' Richards said. 'The Gold Cup is a lot longer than anything we've played in so far, but CONCACAF teams might not have as much quality, but they definitely have fight.' ___ AP soccer: Jim Vertuno, The Associated Press
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
US advances in CONCACAF Gold Cup but still a work in progress and inconsistent under Pochettino
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The United States is moving to the knockout rounds at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, like it always does. Yet two wins in two matches have been far from consistent and still raise questions about the young squad coach Mauricio Pochettino is guiding into the quarterfinals. The Americans advanced out of Group D with a match still to play with Thursday night's 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia thanks to defender Chris Richards' left-footed goal off a free kick from Sebastian Berhalter. 'We need to be calm,' Pochettino said. 'This is the second victory in a row in the competition. We still need to be improve. The competition is going to be tougher.' Richards' goal was the lone moment of finesse from a U.S. attack that scored five goals against Trinidad and Tobago, and then looked mostly stagnant and stifled by Saudi Arabia on a steamy night in Texas. There were a couple of glaring defensive lapses, as well. Richards had to track back to save the U.S. from an early deficit when a mistake by Alex Freeman nearly surrendered a goal in the first half. The Americans' two wins in the tournament so far have come against a Trinidad and Tobago team ranked No. 100 in the world, and No. 58 Saudi Arabia. They will end Group D play Sunday against No. 83 Haiti in Arlington, Texas. Pochettino dismissed the low ranking for Saudi Arabia, noting its first-round victory over eventual champion Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. 'It wasn't an easy game. They are very competitive,' Pochettino said. 'They have quality.' The U.S. will have to navigate a tournament that will only get tougher with a roster Pochettino stitched together with many of the usual stars and starters sitting out for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup. Missing the tournament for the U.S. are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest. And forward Haji Wright did not suit up for the match against Saudi Arabia because team officials said he has an 'issue' with his left Achilles tendon. The team did not elaborate. Richards, who scored his second career goal for the Americans, said he sees a roster that is growing as it navigates the Gold Cup in its last competitive matches before the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada. 'We're on to the next round. More than anything, we sent a statement to the rest of CONCACAF we're not taking anyone lightly,' Richards said. 'The Gold Cup is a lot longer than anything we've played in so far, but CONCACAF teams might not have as much quality, but they definitely have fight.' ___ AP soccer:
The Guardian
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Chris Richards fires USA over Saudi Arabia into Gold Cup quarter-finals
Defender Chris Richards scored with a flick of the ball off a second-half free kick to lift the United States to a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, sending the Americans on to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals. Richards tracked the ball as it flew into the box on a curving free kick from Sebastian Berhalter in the 62nd minute to tap the ball with his left foot past Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aquidi. The win and the 1-1 draw between Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti in Group D's other match Thursday in Houston, clinched a knockout berth for the Americans, who improved to 42 wins, one loss and five draws in group play. The US have won their group in 16 of 17 Gold Cups, and close Group D play on Sunday against Haiti at Arlington, Texas. US coach Mauricio Pochettino stuck with the same lineup that produced a 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, the first time he made no changes in consecutive matches since taking over the program last October. But playing against No 58 Saudi Arabia, the 16th-ranked Americans showed little of the attack firepower they displayed against the No 100 Soca Warriors. The match saw few real chances on goal by either team. The Americans had just one shot in the first half. Richards' speed to track back to cover for Alex Freeman's mistake and block a shot kept Saudi Arabia from a 1-0 lead. Matt Freese got his second consecutive start in goal for the US and third in four matches as he appears to have displaced Matt Turner. The Gold Cup represents the last competitive test for the Americans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As co-host with Mexico and Canada, the US are an automatic qualifier for the World Cup. The Americans limped into the Gold Cup on a four-match losing streak that included a 4-0 rout by Switzerland in their final tune-up. And with many of the top players either sitting out this tournament for personal reasons, injuries or playing in the Club World Cup, Pochettino selected a roster full of relatively untested and unproven players. Missing the tournament for the US are regulars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun and Sergiño Dest,
CBS News
9 hours ago
- CBS News
Five suspects charged in 2024 double homicide at Arlington short-term rental near AT&T Stadium, police say
Five suspects have been charged with capital murder in connection with a double homicide that occurred in November 2024 at a short-term rental near AT&T Stadium in Arlington. According to police, the apartment at Stadium 700 Apartments — in the 600 block of Slaughter Street — had been booked to celebrate the birthday of one of the teen victims, who was fatally shot just hours before he would have turned 20. Suspects arrested in North Texas The five arrested include: Chrisaveon Whitted, 18 Eddie Walker Jr., 19 Demarian Owens, 21 All three were arrested Wednesday by the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force and Arlington police SWAT. They were transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. Shannon Steele, 20 Steele was already in custody at the Dallas County Jail on an unrelated charge. Diamond Curttie, 26 Curttie was arrested on Thursday by Dallas police. Victims identified by authorities Jaqual Dayton Allen, 19, of Irving, was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexis Tyler, 18, of Mesquite, died later at the hospital. At the time of the shooting, police said they believed the suspects knew the victims. Both were shot multiple times in the living room, and investigators recovered several shell casings at the scene. Witnesses saw suspects flee "This wasn't just one person firing one shot and running out of there," Arlington police spokesperson Tim Ciesco in November 2024. "This was somebody that absolutely intended to kill and harm people. So yeah, certainly we want to do anything we can to try to identify this person or people and get them into custody." Witnesses reported seeing a group of people flee the apartment and drive away shortly after the shooting. Community reacts to violence A longtime complex resident described the area as typically safe and quiet. "It's always been a comfortable environment, it's always been a safe environment, and it's always been a calm, steady pace as far as people," resident Luis Noyola said last November. "They're always nice, friendly. It's just seemingly random, out of the blue for such a horrific event to happen." More details expected Friday Arlington police said they plan to issue a formal news release Friday with additional details.
