A Hatful of Rain - Slaying Dragons Production of Anti-Drug Drama

A Hatful of Rain, the award-winning play about the devastation of opioid addiction on individuals and families, will be performed by the Slaying Dragons theatrical troupe on Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29, at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Drive, in St. Louis, 63105.

A Hatful of Rain by playwright Michael V. Gazzo is a medically and sociologically accurate account of the effects of morphine on an addict and his family. The blunt depiction of drug addiction in the play and in a subsequent film was a rarity for its time. The 1956 play and the 1957 movie each won multiple awards.

The Slaying Dragons production will be the first time that A Hatful of Rain is performed in St. Louis since 1956, when the play was staged at the former American Theatre downtown.

“Slaying Dragons’ production of A Hatful of Rain became imperative for us as opioid addiction has become an even greater source of devastation in greater St. Louis and across America,” said Helene Meyer, founder of Slaying Dragons and producer of this local stage drama.

“A Hatful of Rain must be seen to fully understand the horrifying impacts on our society from abuse of heroin, cocaine, prescription opioids and other dangerously addictive drugs,” said Meyer.

She added, “This production is for people or families impacted by opiate addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health issues and related challenges.”

“Understanding the issues presented in this drama can help individuals and families deal with addiction crises among people and loved ones, and encourage them to find help and build new lives.”

A Hatful of Rain dramatically presents the shattering effects of opioid addiction on all members of the Pope family. Set in New York City in the 1950’s, the playwright engages his audience in the emotional turmoil and practical fallout Johnny Pope’s addiction has on his wife, brother, and father as he struggles to hide his illness. The contrast of the vicious behavior against Johnny from the street drug pushers who strive to perpetuate his addiction creates an even greater dramatic effect on the audience.

The performance of A Hatful of Rain will be followed by an audience discussion with panel mental health professionals comprised of Dr. Naazia Azhar and Dr. Collins Lewis – both from Washington University in St. Louis – and others who have suffered the effects of terrifying addictions.

Playwright: Michael V. Gazzo

Directed by: Brad Slavik, former president of First Run Theater

Set and Tech Supervisor: Mark Choquette, Clayton Community Theater

Producer: Helene Meyer, founder and artistic director of Slaying Dragons

Cast John Pope, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Moore

Johnny Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael McClelland

Polo Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaVell Thompson

Celia Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patience Davis

Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drew Rydberg

Apples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angelo Blanchard

Chuch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Seidel

Tickets: On sale now through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a... Early-bird: $15.00 per person through September 15; $20.00 per person on Evenbrite after September 15 or at the door. For more information about the performance or Slaying Dragons, contact Helene Meyer at (314) 596-1219.

Slaying Dragons was founded by Helene Meyer in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to destroy the stigma of mental and emotional illness through theater. Its performances have dealt with clinical depression and anxiety, Alzheimer's Disease, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). See the website at www.slayingdragons.org.

“Opiate addiction is tearing at the very core of society today, especially among our youth. We must take notice and do all we can to bring an end to this growing epidemic. Join us in September at the theater and support us in our fight against the pain and loss of life this addiction creates.” – Helene Meyer, founder and artistic director.

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