The Kreep

Brazillia R. Kreep
The Kreep character

Brazillia R. Kreep - The Kreep
First appearance October 31, 2007
Created by R. O'Donnell
Voiced by R. O'Donnell
Information
Nickname(s) The Kreep
Gender Male
Occupation Poet & Illustrator
Relatives Sarah Elizabeth Kreep
Brazillia William Kreep
Parthenia Goste (a ghost)
Nationality UK
Website The Kreep

Brazillia R. Kreep (a.k.a. The Kreep) is a Gothic poet and illustrator in the tradition of Edward Gorey, and is the nom de plume of writer R. O’Donnell.[1]

Premise and background

Static Multimedia

The Kreep first appeared on Halloween, 2007 as a weekly column published by webzine Static Multimedia. The column, under the banner of Kreep's Korner, reviewed classic and contemporary horror films in rhyme which were also linked to a weekly podcast on iTunes, voiced by creator O'Donnell and engineered by Eric Hoffhines.[2] Formatted to resemble a penned letter to its readers, Kreep’s Korner included historical facts and an original poem about the film with the reoccurring sign-off of "In Eternity".

Blogging and poetry

In 2008, O'Donnell began blogging regularly under "The Kreep" banner. Gothic poems in verse dubbed "Kreeplets" appeared almost daily, illustrated with original art, and covered a variety of macabre topics such as vampires, ghouls, and goblins. Other topics outside the sphere of horror included homelessness, love, war, and poverty. Additional blogs began reposting The Kreep such as In Shadows, Dirty Wings, and Gothican on a regular basis. [3]

Also in 2008, The Kreep was featured on the NeverEndingWonder Halloween Radio's Voices of Halloween - a series of Halloween memories, greetings and station IDs by some of the most infamous names in the horror business. Along with Forrest J. Ackerman (editor Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine), Vic Mizzy (composer The Addams Family, The Night Walker), and David Hedison (1958, actor, The Fly), The Kreep offered anecdotes about his meetings with Vincent Price and how Freddy Krueger actor Robert Englund celebrated Halloween.[4]

Kreepmas and Jack Frost Day

The Kreep also celebrates several faux holidays such as Kreepmas and Jack Frost Day, which are celebrated yearly in poems and original art.[5]

Kreepmas combines Halloween and Christmas, and is celebrated October 1 through December 31. Jack Frost Day is celebrated through the month of December and was originally conceived as a way for O'Donnell, due to a separation, to celebrate the holidays with his three children.[1]

Poetry Readings

Poetry Scream

O'Donnell went on to create and host (as The Kreep) the Poetry Scream on July 30. 2010 at the Boiler Room located in the heart of Port Townsend, Washington.[6] Dressed in steampunk garb, Brazillia R. Kreep reads from his book of Kreeplets, which concern the sinister escapades of doomed Children. Now an ongoing event, the Poetry Scream features five poets on stage at selected venues throughout the country.

Stage plays, cabarets, and musical comedies

Black Pearl Cabaret, Port Townsend, Wash.

The Kreep is playwright in residence of the Black Pearl Cabaret, a professional troupe of actors, variety artists, and musicians. They perform only original works of a Gothic, humorous and macabre nature. Originally located in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, WA., they are a traveling variety theatre.

An Evening With The Kreep

An Evening With The Kreep is a 60 minute theatrical with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the Black Pearl Cabaret on October 25–27, at the Undertown, located in the heart of the Victorian Seaport of Port Townsend, Washington. The "Kreep" show features poetry and song and summons a variety of haunting characters from the Kreep’s darkest dreams.[7] Characters included The Kreep performed by R O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Alanna Dailey, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, Ms. Autumn performed by Holly Stone-Cabe, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave. Songs included Welcome To My Lighthouse, See Me, Wish Myself, I'm Lamenting, and Halloween. The production was directed by Amanda Steurer.

Kreepmas

Kreepmas is a Gothic, macabre twist on the Charles Dickens’ classic “Christmas Carol" with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the Black Pearl Cabaret on December 20–23, 2012 at the Undertown in Port Townsend, WA. Characters included The Kreep performed by R O'Donnell, Albert T. Krumb performed by Jason "Ares" Altamirano, Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave, Thaddeus Plum performed by Joey Ripely, Matilda Pift performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn and the two-headed Twipple Twins, Twinkle & Dinkle, performed by Cassella-blackburn and Ripley.[8] Cellist arrangements by Aidan McClave, costumes designed by O'Donnell and built by Mara Palmen, Stage Managed and Asst'd Directed by DJ Adams with songs that included Kreepmas Celebration, Drink Up For Kreepmas, I'm the Ghost of Been There Done That, The Bells, Why Not For Me, and We Wish You a Merry Kreepmas. The production was produced and directed by O'Donnell.

Kreepshow

Kreepshow is a 60 minute Gothic musical comedy cabaret with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep. It opened for an open-ended run on March 29, 2013 at the historic Manresa Castle in Port Townsend, WA.[9] Characters include The Kreep performed by R O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave. Songs include Welcome to My Castle, See Me, How I Miss the Circus, I'm Lamenting, and Kreepy Things. The production is produced and directed by O’Donnell, costumes and props by Lynne Cassella-blackburn, and stage managed by DJ Adams.

Steve Treacy, contributing theatre critic to the Port Townsend Leader wrote of the troupe’s skills that, “Overall the group’s singing and dancing numbers, including “I’m Lamenting” and “Creepy Things,” round out one’s “good to be alive” evening.” He went on to praise The Kreep, saying, “His writing, directing, acting and warbling abilities conspire to make him a quadruple threat. Even his spoken poems, especially “Little Annie Orkle,” are sparkling (no mean feat for that musty old art form).”[10]

In a “Best Local Theater of 2013” article published in the PT Leader Arts Section, "Kreepshow," a Gothic comedy cabaret conjuring some spiritual denizens of our Victorian seaport,”[11] was listed as one of the favorite locally written plays penned by Brazillia R. Kreep. Other nods included one of the standout acting performances by R O’Donnell as The Kreep, as well as outstanding achievements in directing and choreography (O’Donnell) and costuming (Lynne Casella.)[11]

St. John's Conservatory Theater, Ogdensburg, N.Y.

The Kreep is playwright in residence of the St. John's Conservatory Theater. JCT is a troupe of actors, variety artists, and musicians. It is JCT’s vision to create educational, inspirational, and professional opportunities for local artists of all ages while presenting original works that are based on folklore, literature, and fairy-tales.

Alice Isn't All There

Alice Isn't All There is a musical comedy adaptation on the Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland" with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 2014 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. Direction was by R O'Donnell, Musical Direction and Vocal Arrangements were by Angela Conzone Dwyer with Orchestrations by Pat Duffy. Original Alice costumes where created by Ann Losurdo, set and Props were hand-made by fine artist Stephen Chambers. The cast consisted of Allexa Hooper as Alice Brimble, Hailey Weber as Alice Liddle, Paige Merz as the Cheshire Cat, Sloane Ryan as Boo Hoo and the Caterpillar, Steve Summers as Itsy Bitsy, Deanna Bellinger as the Dormouse, Bill LaMere as the Jack Rabbit, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Queen of Hearts and Mrs. Zizzlebot, Christopher Dwyer as Tweedledee and Mr. Zizzlebot, Ryan Woodard as Tweedledum, Joel Burke as The Narrator, and R O’Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Derk Powers, The Knave of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter. Other production team included Michael O’Donnell (Executive Producer), Christopher Dwyer (Technical Director), Alynia Hermaine Rule (Stage Manager), and Dominic Solis (Production Coordinator). The story of Alice is told by the Bells & Wheezle Circus Company, a European-style commedia dell’arte and runs 90 minutes with all original songs.[12] A contemporary Alice finds herself in Wonderland haunted by the Victorian Alice while interacting with all the usual classic characters.[13][14][15] Original songs included The Bells & Wheezle Circus, Tic Toc, Wish Myself, We're All Mad Here, Not For Me, The Oswegatchie, All Haill the Queen/Off with His Head, and many reflections.

Alice Isn't All There was remounted and presented by St. John's Conservatory Theater on June 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, and 19, 2016 with an extended book, music, and lyrics accredited to playwright and composer Brazillia R. Kreep (a.k.a. Richard O'Donnell). The sets and props were re-designed by fine artist Stephen Chambers and principal cast costumes re-designed by Karen Fischbeck and built in Ogdensburg, New York and the Prague, Czech Republic.[16]

The story of Alice Isn't All There concerns a steampunk-style Bells & Wheezle Circus Company, who set up their tent alongside the St. Lawrence River. There, under the big top, they perform their version of the famous story Alice In Wonderland. After plucking their contemporary Alice (played by Elizabeth Peo) from the audience, she finds herself in a Wonderland of trouble, haunted by the original Victorian Alice (played by Hailey Weber) while interacting with all the classic characters.

Other cast members included Angelina Schembry as Jacky Rabbit, Shelly Murdock as the Cheshire Cat, Richard O’Donnell as the Mad Hatter, Christopher Rodriguez as the Dormouse, Christopher Dwyer as Tweedledee, Ryan Woodard as Tweedledum, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Queen of Hearts, and Grace Brunet as the Knave of Hearts. The Bells & Wheezle Circus clowns include Richard O’Donnell as Belvedere Brumbleton, Christopher Dwyer as Mr. Zizzlebot, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Mrs. Zizzlebot, Myah Myers as Boo Hoo, Brandon Bogart as Itsy Bitsy, Jillian LeBel as Marbles, Grant Brunet as Zigzag, Macy Murdock as Razzmatazz, Samantha Mooney as Razzle Dazzle, Madison Miller as Hob Nob, Jennifer Ann as Flip Flop, Meghan Gardner as Topsy Turvey, and Emma Murray as Teeny Weeny.[17]

Songs included The Bells & Wheezle Circus, I'm a Zizzlebot, I'm Late, Tic Toc, Wish Myself, We're All Mad Here, Not For Me, All Hail the Queen/Off with His Head, and Many Reflections.

Principal creative staff included executive producer and director R. O’Donnell, choreographer/musical director Angela Conzone Dwyer, arrangements/orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, Scenic and Prop Designer Stephen Chambers, Costumer Karen Fischbeck, Make-up Artist Harlee Downey, Technical Director and Production Coordinator Christopher Dwyer, sound technicians Andrew Smith, and assistant director Samantha Mooney, assistant technical director Ryan Woodard, lighting operator Cody George, assistant costumer Ann Losurdo, costume assistant Hannah Gardner, assistant set dresser Pat Kelly, Prop Master Katelin Gardner, house manager Sheila LaMere, and general manager Bill LaMere.[18]

A Kreepy Christmas Carol

A Kreepy Christmas Carol is a musical comedy adaptation on the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol" with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on December 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. Direction was by R O'Donnell, Musical Direction by Angela Conzone Dwyer with arrangements by Ryan C. McNally, technical direction by Christopher Dwyer.[19] Original costumes and makeup were created by Ann Losurdo and Maggie Gebo, set and props were hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers. The cast (in order of appearance) Sloane Ryan as Nipper, Makayla Lovely as Abby, Hailey Weber as Letty, Jillian LeBel as Gusie, Elizabeth Bascom as Trudy, Cole Siebels as Cager, Anton Skamperle as Ollie, Dee Bellinger as Tiny Tina, Christopher Dwyer as Bob Cratchit, R O’Donnell as Scrooge, Brad Mintener as Jacob Marley, Rebecca Bascom as the Ghost of Been There Done That, Ryan Woodard as Fezziwig, Angela Conzone Dwyer as the Ghost of Christmas Presents, and a surprise guest each night as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Original songs included Kreepy Overture, Counting Silver, So Happy Happy, To Be A Zombie, Ghost of Been There Done That, Heed Our Warning, I Hear The Bells A Ringing, and Wish.

Kreepy Hallow

Kreepy Hallow is a musical comedy adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with book, music, and lyrics by Brazillia R. Kreep a.k.a. R. O’Donnell. It was presented by the St. John's Conservatory Theatre on October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at the St. John's Parish House in the city of Ogdensburg, NY. Direction was by R. O'Donnell, Musical Direction and Choreography by Angela Conzone Dwyer with Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ryan C. McNally, and Technical Direction and Production coordination by Christopher Dwyer. Original Costumes and Makeup Design were created by Karen Fischbeck Carmany with additional costumes made by Ann Losurdo with Set and Props hand-crafted by fine artist Stephen Chambers. Kreepy Hallow stars Hailey Weber as Parthenia Goste, Dee Bellinger as Etta Hobbs, Jillian LeBel as Alia Hobbs, Grace Brunet as Abitha Hobbs, R. O’Donnell as narrator Brazillia R. Kreep, Angela Conzone Dwyer as Ichaboda Krane, Cole Siebels as Thaddeus Frye, Myah Myers as Felicity Caldwell, Christopher Rodriguez as Abner Frye, Haley Dawley as Mercy Faith, Grace Wills as Oheo Seneca, Meghan Gardner as Chasity Smyth, Emma Murray as Charity Smyth, Christopher Dwyer as Bartholomeus Van tassel, Shelly Murdock as Electra Van Brunt, and Ryan Woodard as the Town Crier.[20][21]

Story synopsis: Kreepy Hallow is set in the 1860’s along the St. Lawrence River, when the first appointed female teacher, Miss Ichaboda Krane, takes over the ghostly schoolroom built on-top of a sacred Iroquois burial ground. With a classroom filled with eclectic children, her “eye” on Bartholomeus Van Tassel, a few unexpected guests, and a jealous local woman Electra Van Brunt watching her every move, Miss Ichaboda Krane’s Halloween celebration turns into a most haunting affair. Narrated by Brazillia R. Kreep, Kreepy Hallow tells the tale of Ichaboda Krane’s encounter with all things that go bump in the night as the dreadful Headless Horseman rides again.[22]

Original songs included Halloween, Welcome to my Lighthouse, See Me, Kreepy Hallow, Proper Peace of Mind, Ballad of the Headless Horseman, I’m Lamenting, Ode to Wealth, and A Horseman. Additional period music included Shall We Gather at the River by Robert Lowry, Battle Hymn of the Republic, lyrics by Julia Ward Howe, music by William Steffe, and The Funeral March of a Marionette (Marche funèbre d'une marionnette) by Charles Gounod.

Honors

Coraline Handmade Box

In 2008, The Kreep received a Coraline handmade box numbered 46/50 assembled by the stop-motion animation team at Laika films, honoring their favorite bloggers.[23][24] Inside the box, numbered 46/50, are decorated secret compartments that contain relics from the film including a bat/dog model, a bat body mold, authentic skeleton key with secret password, and a wing skeleton prototype #3. An old envelop with a wax seal with inlaid black button (as used for the eyes of the witch) and a hand-typed note explained the curious gift: "We admire your dedication to The Kreep. Please keep up the super work. We'll be reading."

References

  1. 1 2 Elder, Rob (October 31, 2008). "'Kreep'ing Along Poetically". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  2. ↑ Elder, Rob (October 31, 2008). "'Kreep'ing Along Poetically". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  3. ↑ Blades, Razor (August 13, 2008). "The Kreep Kreeps-out iTunes". Dirty Wings. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  4. ↑ Widener, Lee (October 31, 2008). "The Voices of Halloween". Never Ending Wonder Halloween Radio. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  5. ↑ Elder, Rob (October 31, 2008). "Kreep'ing Along Poetically". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  6. ↑ Chew, Jeff (July 30, 2010). "Poetry Scream Event". Peninsula Daily News. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  7. ↑ Claflin, Megan (Oct 17, 2012). "Black Pearl Cabaret presents the Kreep". Port Townsend Leader. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
  8. ↑ Claflin, Megan (19 December 2012). "A Very Mery Kreepmas". Port Townsend Leader. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  9. ↑ Urbani de la Paz, Diane (March 29, 2013). "Cabaret brings 'Kreepshow' to Port Townsend stage". Peninsula Daily News.
  10. ↑ Treacy, Steve (May 29, 2013). "'Kreepshow': Macabre with a pinch of improvisation". Port Townsend Leader.
  11. 1 2 Treacy, Steve (December 24, 2013). "Best Local Theater of 2013". Port Townsend Leader, Arts Section.
  12. ↑ Now, North Country (September 11, 2014). "St. John's Conservatory Theater to perform 'Alice Isn't All There' starting Oct. 10 in Ogdensburg" (North Country Now). Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  13. ↑ Now, North Country (October 14, 2014). "Good turnout for opening of 'Alice Isn't There' in Ogdensburg" (North Country Now). Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  14. ↑ Observer, Daily Courier (October 18, 2014). "'Alice Isn't All There' opening a rousing success" (Daily Courier-Observer). Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  15. ↑ Daily Times, Watertown (October 18, 2014). "'Alice Isn't All There' opening a rousing success" (Watertown Daily News). Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  16. ↑ Reporter, Times Staff (June 4, 2016). "St. John's Conservatory Theater readies "Alice Isn't All There"" (Watertown Daily Times). Johnson Newspaper Corporation.
  17. ↑ Reporter, Staff (June 2, 2016). "'Alice Isn't All There' opening in Ogdensburg on Friday" (The Journal). Johnson Newspaper Corporation.
  18. ↑ Reporter, Staff (May 28, 2016). "St. John's Conservatory Theater to present "Alice Isn't All There " June 3 – 19" (North Country Now). North Country This Week.
  19. ↑ Purcell, Amanda (December 8, 2014). "A new adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' to bring laughs, holiday cheer" (Watertown Daily Times). Johnson Newspapers. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  20. ↑ Gardner, Andy (October 12, 2015). "Tickets on sale for 'Kreepy Hallow' musical comedy in Ogdensburg". North Country Now. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  21. ↑ Brock, Chris (August 29, 2015). ""Kreepy Hollow" coming to Ogdensburg for two weekends in October". Watertown Daily Times. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  22. ↑ Dodson, Randy (September 1, 2015). "St. John's Conservatory Theater Casts Kreepy Hallow, Just In Time For Halloween!". Fourth Coast Entertainment (Vol. 10, No. 2). Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  23. ↑ Aw, Jean (January 11, 2009). "Coraline Boxes - 50 More!". Not Cot. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  24. ↑ Struan, John (November 27, 2008). "Coraline Boxes". Super Punch. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
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