Downtown Underground Presents: Welcome to the Machine
Schedule
Fri Sep 12 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS, United States, Kansas 66044 | Lawrence, KS
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Best known for their progressive and psychedelic rock style, Pink Floyd became a household name in the 1970s for their sweeping soundscapes and powerful themes of conflict, greed, and disconnection. But before The Dark Side of the Moon, the band dealt with these themes personally as the members felt the pressure of growing success and its impact on their singer-songwriter and co-founder, Syd Barrett. As he slipped further into addiction and mental illness, the band was forced to part ways with him and reckon with his absence. Pink Floyd struggled to find their voice under the shadow of Barrett’s departure and the cold indifference of the music industry, but their best would be yet to come as they poured their grief into their love letter to Syd and a middle finger to the industry fat-cats: Wish You Were Here. Released on September 12, 1975, the album received heavy criticism for its matter-of-fact approach to its concepts and heavy use of synthesizer; it’s now considered by many to be among the greatest rock albums of all time.WELCOME TO THE MACHINE is inspired by the band’s journey towards Wish You Were Here. This production follows a group of friends experiencing the cost of getting lost in your dreams, and the helplessness of saving someone from themselves. Featuring a live performance of the album underscored with dance and theatre – as well as scenic, lighting, and costume elements influenced by Pink Floyd’s experimental visual style – join us on the 50th anniversary of the album’s release as we explore greed, love, loss, and what’s left when the music stops.
The Cast
DIAMOND: Calvin Belton
LEGEND: Evie MacFarland
MOON: Nox Angelone
STRANGER: David Nichols
MARTYR: Laura Rollins
The Band
Music Director/Band Leader: Kirsten Paludan
Keyboard Jamie Bone
Electric Guitar: Mike Cibura
Electric Guitar: Mike Alexander
Vocals & Drums: Benjamin Rosenthal
Bass: Jim Piller
The Creatives
Concept, Playwright & Design: Lexey Jost
Director/Choreographer: Justin Harbaugh
Co-Choreographer: Maya Tillman-Rayton
Script Consultant: Brandon Jensen
Costumer: Maya Sabatini
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Where is it happening?
940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS, United States, Kansas 66044Event Location & Nearby Stays:
