The Citizens Band: The Debt Rattle October 22, 2009

Set in the desperate world of marathon dancing The Debt Rattle finds The Citizens Band struggling to make sense of the post-crash social order. Fallen from grace, a disparate group of bankers, dust bowl nomads, Hooverville residents, down-on-their-luck showgirls, and American sweethearts take shelter from the economic storm in a marathon dance hall promising food, warmth, and prize money if they can outlast their competitors. Through their struggles, disappointments, and victories, they reacquaint themselves with basic human values. Filled with classic and original songs, from jug band to Depression-era ballads, agit- prop to swing and aerial arts, with dance and a sprinkling of The Citizens Band magic, The Debt Rattle looks to the past to understand the present and the promise of a better future.

This first staging of The Debt Rattle will feature the incredible talents of such dazzling Citizens as Chelsea Bacon, Ian Buchanan, Michael Cavadias, Adam Crystal, Karen Elson, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Rachelle Garniez, Mike Jackson, Greg Jarrett, Zoe Kravitz, Dave Lebleu, Mark McAdam, Amy Miles, Jon Natchez, Nina Persson, Rain Phoenix, and Ronin, with musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby (Spring Awakening) and special guest performers Justin Bond, Mr. Blue, and Jeff Palmiotti. Set design by Dino Siampos and Sam Wheeler.