Joseph Cannon, left, as Richard Loeb and Justin Lawson Brooks as Nathan Leopold in “Thrill Me” at The Empty Space. Photo by Kayleigh Peaker

By Thomas G. Robinson, Marketing Director for The Empty Space Theatre

Relationships can be murder. “Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story” is a two-character musical drama by Stephen Dolginoff that recounts the chilling true story of the legendary duo who committed one of the most infamous and heinous crimes of the 20th century. Focusing on their obsessive relationship and utilizing Leopold’s 1958 parole hearing as a framework, “Thrill Me” reveals the series of events in 1924 Chicago that led about-to-be law students Leopold and Loeb to be forever remembered as “the thrill killers.”

Nathan Leopold was passionate about Richard Loeb, who was passionate about crime and excitement. They created a secret agreement to satisfy each other’s needs. Soon Richard convinced Nathan that they embodied Nietzsche’s idea of the “Superman” and were above society. Then he drew him into his plan to lure a young boy to his death just to prove they could get away with it. But soon their perfect crime unraveled due to a careless mistake. Or was it so careless?

“Our production of ‘Thrill Me’ is not your usual Broadway extravaganza fare. It is darker, and a little creepy,” said director Kimber Peaker-Lozano. “However, the music is beautiful and the story is fascinating, with a little twist at the end.”

Peaker-Lozano said she chose to direct “Thrill Me” at The Empty Space because the theater is edgy and willing to take risks. She also likes the uniqueness of the theater’s business model, which does not require admission but rather relies on donations.

“It is also unique in terms of the actual space of the theatre,” she said. “It is a three-quarter arena theatre, which is the only community theatre of this type in Bakersfield and makes for staging the show interesting.”

The play stars Justin Lawson Brooks (previously in “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” and “Bare: The Musical”) as Nathan Leopold and Joe Cannon (“How I Learned to Drive”) as Richard Loeb. The two actors have been in many productions around town and work wonderfully together. Vocal direction is by Michelle Weingarden.

The Empty Space Theatre is no stranger to producing plays that are deemed a little controversial, taking on subjects such as religion and homosexuality. Last season we produced “The Laramie Project” in addition to “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told” and “Bare: The Musical.”  “Thrill Me” will no doubt continue to push envelopes and offer Bakersfield another option for theatrical entertainment.

“Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story” is at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. There is no charge for admission, but we suggest a donation of $15. The Empty Space Theatre is located at 706 Oak Street and runs completely by volunteers. Please call 327-PLAY for more information or reservations.