Demonstrated to Death
| Convention skit | |
|---|---|
| Title | Demonstrated to Death |
| Fandom(s) | Starsky & Hutch |
| Author(s) | Paula Smith and Jody Lynn Nye |
| Troupe | various fans |
| Date(s) | 1983 |
| Location(s) | ZebraCon |
| Related articles on Fanlore. | |
Demonstrated to Death was a Starsky & Hutch-themed con skit written by Paula Smith and Jody Lynn Nye.
It was a takeoff on the zine Decorated for Death and encompassed references to fanon and fandom
The play was performed at ZebraCon in 1983.
The script was printed in Celebration (1985) and Play by Playbook: Collected ZebraCon Plays (1995).
Sample
from Play by Playbook: Collected ZebraCon Plays (1995)
from Play by Playbook: Collected ZebraCon Plays (1995)
1985
From Paula Smith:
...Roy Smith's "Brother Helped is a Strong City" was parodied in Sue Doughnym's "He Ain't Heavy, He's My City", and extrapolated into Jill Ripley's Decorated for Death (which Jody Lynn Nye and I parodied in "Demonstrated to Death") -- from Paula Smith in the program book for The Paul Muni Special</ref>
Author's Comments: 1995
From Paula Smith:
Jody Lynn Nye, now known for her Myth 101 series, has helped bring to fruition more than just the plays she co-wrote. She will do anything: sing, act, write songs and jokes, make costumes and props. A distinct threat. "Demonstrated to Death" had probably the most memorable costumes: Jody's skintight red bodysuit and my green Naugahyde tunic and braids. I found the material at an upholsterer's. Several people thought the jingle bells in Hutch's braids were a nice touch, too. [1]
Cast
- Other: Jody Lynn Nye
- Champion: Paula Smith
- Madam, Rospo: Pat Massie
- Selkirk: Lucy Cribb
- Brother Peter: April Valentine
Fan Comments
"Demonstrated to Death" - - What a pleasure to have this on paper so I can remember the whole delightful exhibition all the better. [2]
After all the awards and a short break, we were treated to a hilarious play starring Paula Smith. The play was DEMONSTRATED TO DEATH, a take-off of you know what. It was humorous, wry, a little salty, and enthusiastically acted out. Bravo to all involved. [3]
The program opened with a special Hollywood guest star appearance by...(no! not who you think)...Tyrone and Mr. Marlene. (You had to be there.) Then, Martha Bonds performed two lovely original songs to her guitar accompaniment. "Whisper My Name" was especially touching. Art Show and Huggy Awards were presented, and, then, the dramatic(?) presentation DEMONSTRATED TO DEATH was offered as appeasement to the fans for the condition of the previously mentioned salad (with the Secret Salad Dressing. Only the chef knows what goes in it, and he's not talking.)
DEMONSTRATED TO DEATH was a wonderful parody of a zine that sold for $115.00 buckaroos at the later auction. It was written by Paula Smith and Jody Nye, so blame them for it. There was singing. There was dancing. There was chair vaulting. There was shambling. There was even some acting. There were mutants who also doubled as owners and acolytes. This was a versatile cast, folks. There was one joke in particular that not even Milton Berle would steal. Truly great stuff! [4]
I was delighted to get to see "Demonstrated to Death," albeit on video. My felicitations to all who participated (LOVED the dancing mutant, also the Dog That Wouldn't Die), and sympathies for all who hurt themselves laughing. How about a Huggy Award next time for Best Dramatic Presentation? [5]
References
- ^ Play by Playbook: Collected ZebraCon Plays
- ^ from Who Do We Trust Times #1
- ^ from Between Friends #5
- ^ from Between Friends #5
- ^ from Between Friends #6