A seemingly unstoppable force, political anger rages through social media and digital news channels, engulfing both parties in its destructive path. America must urgently address this issue, for as each day passes, the fabric of American democracy weakens under the strain.
The internet has inadvertently spawned a crisis that threatens to tear American society apart: political anger.
By ChatGPT | May 2024
As the flames of division spread, bringing us further and further apart, American's ability to empathize with those on the other side of the issues diminishes, leaving Americans trapped in individual echo chambers that only amplify differences.
While it may be tempting to fight anger with anger, doing so only adds fuel to the flames of division. We must seek solutions that challenge our assumptions and encourage open-mindedness.
Enter Mike Reid, an individual determined to address political anger through a live performance featuring his own tap dancing.
Are you a discerning critic with a passion for the arts and a desire to make a difference in today's polarized political landscape?
To attend an exclusive early performance for critics only, you must donate between $1 and $500,000. If you feel that the show does not exceed your expectations, you may request a refund.
Attention Critics: A Word of Caution
As we prepare to embark on the journey to create a groundbreaking theatrical performance that addresses political anger and fosters unity, we are about to reveal some key details in our quest to recruit a talented team. If you are a critic who wishes to maintain the element of surprise when attending the show, we kindly advise you to stop reading now.
Please, dear critics, with urgency we must warn you: Do not keep reading further.
Do not keep reading unless, of course, you would like to get paid to help create this show. Then, yes, definitely keep reading.
However, if you want to be a critic, now is the time to click away!
Last warning: Critics, do not keep scrolling. Do not do it!
Ok. To all the critics who want the show spoiled for them and to all the people who want to help create this show, prepare for a whirlwind of excitement as we unveil the first surprise of our groundbreaking theatrical performance.
The moment you step into the theater lobby, we'll kindly ask you to disconnect from the digital world by putting away your cell phones and other digital devices for the duration of the show.
But wait, that's just the start. As you leave your devices behind, you'll be transported into a mesmerizing fusion of the past and further past. Welcome to our 1920s speakeasy with a 1990s twist.
That's right – we've combined the charm of a Prohibition-era speakeasy with the nostalgic vibes of the 1990s. This captivating pre-show environment is designed to engage our Generation Z audience members and let them experience the magic of the '90s.
Here you are, and the show hasn't even begun. You're now in a 1990s speakeasy, where you'll be offered complimentary cocktails or, for those who prefer, cannabis-infused beverages.
Prepare to lose yourself in the atmosphere as you sip your drink and groove to the iconic tunes from the '90s, all set against the backdrop of a vintage 1920s speakeasy.
We will serve our alcoholic cocktails in clear glasses, showcasing their vibrant colors and intricate garnishes. Our cannabis-infused cocktails will be served in colorful glassware, ensuring they're distinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts.
By offering these enticing libations, we're setting the stage for a truly extraordinary evening, all before the main show has even begun. Raise your glass and toast to the journey that awaits you.
And get ready for an electrifying experience, because we have a few tricks up our sleeve.
Now, everyone knows that theater tech can either make or break a live stage performance. Therefore, before Mike Reid makes an appearance on stage, the audience will be treated to a light show.
This dazzling display will serve as a testament to the astounding combination of sound, lighting, theater setup, and the incredible teamwork behind the production. It's definitely a bold move to have the theater techies steal the spotlight, but Mike Reid is all about pushing boundaries and challenging expectations.
As the music blasts, prepare to be swept away by a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns as the lights dance in perfect harmony, creating a visual symphony that captivates the audience.
The beams of light shoot across the stage, crisscrossing and intertwining like expert dancers, leaving trails of vibrant hues in their wake. Each carefully choreographed movement is in sync with the rhythm, beats, and melodies of the music, making it feel as if the lights themselves are alive and part of the performance.
This dazzling visual symphony leaves the audience spellbound, their senses stimulated by the breathtaking fusion of light and music. It's a feast for the eyes and ears, a testament to the power of creative collaboration, and an unforgettable experience that will remain etched in the minds of those who bear witness to this extraordinary spectacle.
As we reach the 2 minutes and 30 seconds mark, the pulsating music begins to fade, and a giant screen dramatically descends into place, instantly capturing the audience's attention.
In the 1990s, Spice Girls concerts were thrilling events, bursting with excitement, girl power, and unforgettable pop anthems.
Unfortunately, Generation Z missed out on these iconic performances, but Mike Reid is determined to change that.
But how on Earth are we going to do that?
Well, first the following words appear slowly on the screen, line after line, recreating for Generation Z who never experienced firsthand the slow pace of digital technology in the 1990s.
Dear Generation Z,
In the 90’s there were no iPhones.
In the 90’s there was no Spotify.
We just listened to the radio.
Whatever song that came on.
And everyone loved the Spice Girls.
Sporty
Baby
Scary
Ginger
Posh
We wish we could take you back in time.
But sadly, we do not have a time machine. :(
And then suddenly, as if by magic, at the 1:18-minute mark of the song, the entire atmosphere shifts, and out of nowhere, five dancers suddenly burst onto the stage, and it's Sporty, Baby, Scary, Ginger, and Posh.
The lighting change dramatically, the music cranks up in volume, and the energy level rockets from an 8 to a 500+ in a blink.
The dancers, expertly lip-syncing to the Spice Girls' irresistible tunes, create a stunning illusion that makes you feel like you're actually there, in the presence of the iconic girl group. The stage comes alive with dazzling colors, breathtaking choreography, and that unforgettable '90s vibe.
You came to see Mike Reid take the stage, expecting him to make a fool of himself, but instead, you find yourself immersed in a Spice Girls concert, not even five minutes into the show. The audience is swept up in the excitement and nostalgia, singing along to the infectious pop anthems, and dancing in their seats.
The music, the dancing, and the visual extravaganza all come together to transport the audience back to the '90s, giving Gen Z a taste of what they missed and allowing those who experienced it first-hand to relive the nostalgia. This spectacular tribute to the Spice Girls is more than just a performance – it's an interactive history lesson, an homage to the '90s, and a celebration of the power of pop culture to unite generations.
Just as quickly as it began, the music fades, the dancers vanish, and the atmosphere shifts so suddenly that you're left wondering if the entire Spice Girls concert you just experienced was a dream.
Then, the screen lowers once again, and a bizarre AI-infused video interpretation of the beginning of Meat Loaf's "You Took The Words" starts to play.
This peculiar visual presentation is meant to confuse the audience and reset their expectations after being swept up in the Spice Girls concert. The video showcases an array of images and scenes that are both captivating and disorienting, effectively taking the audience's minds off the previous performance.
As the video plays, the audience becomes increasingly intrigued and bewildered, drawn into the strange world unfolding before their eyes. Their expectations are thrown off balance, making it impossible to predict what will come next in this thrilling rollercoaster of a show.
This moment of disorientation serves to keep the audience on their toes, ensuring that they remain fully engaged and eager to discover what other surprises and twists lie in store.
And then, at the 49-second mark, just when you think you've got a grip on the show's trajectory, the music shifts dramatically, and to everyone's astonishment, Meat Loaf bursts onto the stage!
Holy smokes. YOU'RE INSIDE A MEAT LOAF CONCERT.
You can't believe your eyes as the actor, skillfully lip-syncing to Meat Loaf's powerful vocals, takes center stage, embodying the larger-than-life persona of the rock icon.
The energy in the room is electrifying as the audience is swept up in the music and the uncanny performance.
With every soaring note and intense lyric, you're drawn deeper into the world of Meat Loaf, as if you were actually there in one of his unforgettable concerts.
AGAIN, this production defies expectations and delivers another mind-blowing experience, proving that this show is truly an unstoppable force. The audience, still reeling from the earlier Spice Girls spectacle, is now fully immersed in the world of Meat Loaf, singing along and rocking out to the timeless anthems that defined a generation.
And then, just when you think you're getting comfortable with the whole Meat Loaf concert thing, with the live actor and backup singers rocking the stage, Mike Reid throws in another twist.
This time, he seamlessly weaves political commentary into the mix, taking the show to a whole new level of depth and intrigue.
At various slower moments in the song, the screen springs to life, projecting uncomfortable political commentary that creates a striking double entendre with the lyrics, "You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth."
Critics sit open-mouthed, as they watch mean tweets and biting commentary flash across the giant screen, adding another layer of meaning and complexity to the performance.
This unexpected fusion of Meat Loaf's powerhouse anthem and thought-provoking political statements catches the audience off guard, as they find themselves simultaneously immersed in a live Meat Loaf concert and witnessing a provocative exploration of the contemporary political climate.
As the Meat Loaf concert reaches its exhilarating climax, the music gradually fades, and the screen disappears. Suddenly, everything goes black, and an eerie silence descends upon the theater. The audience, still buzzing from the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences they've just been through, sits in anticipation, wondering what will happen next.
Then, the lights slowly come up, revealing Mike Reid sitting there, all alone, on a simple stool in the middle of the stage.
The stark contrast between the high-energy performances and this quiet, intimate moment is both striking and poignant, immediately capturing the audience's attention and drawing them into this new, more introspective phase of the show.
This is a unique and exciting moment in the show, as so much has already transpired:
(1) Critics have arrived;
(2) their cell phones were taken;
(3) they enjoyed free alcohol or cannabis-infused cocktails;
(4) they witnessed the most spectacular light show of their lives; (5) they experienced a surprise Spice Girls concert;
(6) they attended a surprise Meat Loaf concert interwoven with political commentary.
Yet, there's one key element still missing from the evening: Mike Reid's tap dancing.
Therefore, this moment, this moment immediately before the tap dancing, presents Mike Reid with a unique opportunity, one that is fresh, ripe, and delicious with potential.
And what's more, with this being live theater, Mike Reid has the freedom, opportunity and obligation to evolve his commentary in each performance, ensuring that each show remains fresh, dynamic, and wholly unpredictable, night after night.
But ultimately, the moment arrives.
Sooner or later, Mike Reid has to stop talking and start dancing.
The anticipation in the theater is palpable, as the audience leans in, eager to witness the culmination of this unforgettable journey.
With a deep breath and a nod to the audience, Mike Reid rises from the stool.
And one can't help but wonder: Does Mike Reid know something the rest of us don't?
Would he have promised a tap dance performance just to embarrass himself?
These questions swirl in the minds of the captivated audience.
And now that we consider it, Mike Reid's recent absence raises some intriguing questions. Over the past several months, he has been unusually quiet, which is quite out of character, very unusual actually now that we really think about it.
Could it be possible that Mike Reid has dedicated himself entirely to learning the art of tap dance during this time?
What if Mike Reid, day after day, has been honing his tap dancing skills in secret, tirelessly practicing, and refining his technique?
What if Mike Reid has been tapping away in a secluded studio, sweat dripping down his brow, driven by the singular goal of mastering this captivating dance form?
Picture the countless hours spent studying under the guidance of skilled master tappers, re-watching videos of legendary dancers, and pushing his body to its limits in pursuit of perfection.
All of this effort, determination, and passion channeled into the pursuit of tap dance mastery.
All this effort, just to prove the critics wrong?
But whether Mike Reid's tap performance ends up being a flip or a flop, a tip or a tap, one thing is certain: the audience will undoubtedly have a strong opinion about it.
As the music fades and the audience rises to their feet—either in cheers or boos, the energy in the room is palpable. And Mike Reid returns to his position on the stool. He announces that he'd like to share one more story, a personal tale that some people might have heard, but perhaps others haven't.
The mood in the room shifts as Mike Reid begins to recount an awkward romantic moment from his past, a time when he made a rather unfortunate choice. He takes the audience back to his college days, setting the scene for an intimate encounter.
As the anticipation builds, he reveals the critical misstep: deciding to play the band Chicago as the soundtrack to this romantic rendezvous.
The show takes another unexpected turn as the music starts playing softly in the background, perfectly timed with Mike Reid's storytelling. The giant screen descends from the ceiling once again, this time featuring a count-up clock that begins ticking away the seconds—1 second, 5 seconds, 20 seconds...
As Mike Reid continues to describe the story of selecting the wrong music for that fateful romantic encounter, the audience is fully immersed in the experience. The song plays in sync with the count-up clock on the screen, allowing everyone to witness firsthand just how wrong this song choice was at various moments—45 seconds in, 1:15, and so on.
The audience can't help but cringe and laugh as they share in Mike Reid's embarrassment, feeling the awkwardness of the situation grow with each passing second on the clock.
But wait. That's not all. Just when you think you've seen it all, two dancers appear on stage, along with a simple set that features college-style dorm furniture, recreating a dorm room.
As the Chicago music continues to play, the dancers launch into an interpretive partner dance, embodying the awkwardness and emotion of that fateful encounter.
So now, not only are you watching the countdown clock and listening to Mike Reid's story, but you're also witnessing the scene being recreated before your eyes by these incredibly skilled interpretive dancers and the realistic set.
And once again, you're SHOCKED.
The combination of Mike Reid's storytelling, the count-up clock, the music, and now the interpretive dance create a mesmerizing spectacle that draws the audience in even further.
Just when you think it's all over, the music fades after three Chicago songs, and you're convinced that there can't possibly be any more surprises.
But Mike Reid has one more announcement up his sleeve, something that has never been shared before: Not only did he accidentally play Chicago, but it was actually worse.
Because after all the Chicago songs, the very next thing, the next thing alphabetically, in his iTunes was...
The audience tenses, holding their breath as another song starts playing, and Mike Reid continues, "Well, it was... Chicago the Musical..." And it's at this moment that both Mike Reid and the music reveal that suddenly you're inside Chicago The Musical.
The stage transforms once more, the lights flashing, and a group of dancers appear, dressed in full Chicago The Musical attire.
They begin to perform the Cell Block Tango, and the audience is once again blown away by the sheer audacity and brilliance of this latest twist.
As the performance unfolds on stage, the present-day Mike Reid remains, watching. The two interpretive dancers portraying Mike Reid and his college hookup are also present, and the characters from Chicago The Musical start interacting with them, creating a fascinating fusion of these two worlds.
The music continues to swell as the Mike Reid of today can't help but be swept up in the moment, joining in on the dance alongside the characters from Chicago and the interpretive dancers.
The stage becomes a whirlwind of movement and emotion, with the past and present blending seamlessly together.
The culmination of Act One is a breathtaking performance of Cell Block Tango, featuring not just the cast of Chicago, but also Mike Reid, along with the two dancers playing college Mike Reid and his college hookup.
The energy in the theater is palpable as the audience witnesses this extraordinary convergence of worlds, each performer adding their own unique flair to the iconic song and dance.
As the final notes ring out, the lights suddenly go dark, leaving the audience in stunned silence. And then, just as quickly, the intermission begins, allowing everyone a chance to catch their breath and process the incredible journey they've been taken on.
Intermission
Reset expectations by doing (almost) nothing.
As intermission commences, the theater staff strictly enforces the no cell phone policy, ensuring that audience members remain fully immersed in the unique experience of the show.
The lobby comes alive with chatter and excitement, as people discuss the unforgettable first act and speculate about what the second act might bring.
In the midst of this lively atmosphere, the generous offering of free alcoholic and cannabis-infused drinks continues. Attendees can choose from a variety of expertly crafted cocktails, all served in exquisite glassware that adds to the overall experience.
After such a daring Act 1, audience members are more than happy to indulge, further adding to the electric atmosphere.
Act 2:
Featuring guest performances and works-in-progress.
As the lights dim and the audience members take their seats for Act 2, there's a palpable sense of excitement and curiosity in the air. The second act diverges from the singular narrative of Act 1, instead presenting a series of experimental pieces that push the boundaries of traditional theater.
Each vignette showcases a unique concept, with themes ranging from political satire to surreal comedy, and even moving, emotional dramas. These experimental pieces serve as potential building blocks for future additions to Act 1 or even as inspiration for entirely new shows that may eventually stand on their own.
In one of the most daring experimental pieces of Act 2, the stage is set for a retelling of "The Election of 1800" from the hit musical Hamilton. However, this performance is infused with a contemporary twist, as the lyrics have been rewritten to reflect the current political issues.
As professional actors set the stage, real members of Congress join them onstage, adding their voices to the performance. The juxtaposition of historical figures with today's politicians creates a powerful visual that emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the election process and the importance of political engagement.
The Congress members passionately debate topics through rap, showcasing their own unique perspectives, and engaging in a spirited dialogue that captivates the audience.
The energy in the room is electric as the performers weave historical events with present-day concerns, demonstrating how the foundations of democracy continue to shape the United States' political landscape.
The audience is drawn into the performance, finding themselves actively engaged in the discussion and contemplating the future.
Mike Reid takes a step back in Act 2, allowing other talented performers to take the spotlight. The goal of this act is to inspire audience members to recognize the limitless possibilities of live theater and encourage them to imagine how they, too, can contribute their own creative ideas to the world of political performance art.
As Act 2 unfolds, the audience is treated to an ever-changing landscape of artistic expression, with each piece challenging their preconceived notions of what a live political commercial can and should be.
The unconventional nature of the act leaves the audience invigorated and eager to discuss their favorite moments and how these experimental pieces might evolve into something even more extraordinary in the future.
By the end of the show, the audience is left with a deep appreciation for the power of live theater and its ability to foster creativity, challenge norms, and bring people together in a shared experience. They leave the theater inspired and motivated to explore their own artistic passions and, perhaps, even create shows that surpass Mike Reid's innovative vision.
Finance Director
Manage 100 donor relationships
Location flexible
$5,000/month + 10% of what you raise
The excitement surrounding this groundbreaking show is already palpable and only growing, and there's an undeniable sense of urgency to bring it to life. This innovative and immersive experience promises to be unlike anything ever seen before in the world of theater, and it's clear that audiences are eager to witness this remarkable fusion of music, dance, politics, and storytelling.
With its unique blend of humor, surprise, and thought-provoking content, this show has the potential to captivate and inspire a whole new generation of theatergoers. The time to act is now, as the desire to attend this one-of-a-kind performance is immense.
The sooner this theatrical gem can be realized, the sooner audiences will embark on an unforgettable journey that challenges their perceptions, entertains their senses, and leaves them with memories they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.