SPARKED: THE VANISHING AT BUZZARD POINT

Oct 22 - Nov 15, 2026
  • Created by Rorschach Theatre
TICKETS
DIGITAL PROGRAM

Two lovers disappear amidst a once-in-a-lifetime storm. A neighborhood unravels as residents try to explain the unexplainable. Step inside an electrifying new immersive story inspired by true events of 1933.

SPARKED: The Vanishing at Buzzard Point invites audiences into the Five Dead Horses Tavern, a bar outside of time. The bar’s regulars lead guests on an exploration through space and time, weaving in and out of four different locations at The Stacks while the stories of one unimaginable occurrence unfold through audio, video, visual installations and performances.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE: 

Audiences will walk between four performance spaces – they are all within 200 feet of each other and each space is ADA accessible. There will be chairs in each space. All the performance locations are unfinished future retail spaces and do not have AC or Heat. We will also be walking outside between scenes. We suggest you dress in layers, depending on the weather.

Expect bright and flashing lights including an extended sequence of strobe lights. There are also rooms that are very dimly lit. Guides will be with your group and help you navigate these rooms. The action will unfold up close for an intimate experience—but don’t worry, you’ll stay a spectator. The audience is never part of the performance.

“Kit Marlowe flies, with scenes intercutting each other with such facility that they conjure up images of a circus act, with high-wire acrobats.”

DC Theatre Scene

concept and story by

Jenny McConnell Frederick

written by

Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker, with contributions from Erik Harrison, Andrew Quilpa, and the Company

Directed By

Elizabeth Ung
Esteban Marmolejo-Suarez
Jenny McConnell Frederick
Randy Baker

FEATURING

Abel Haddish
Irene Hamilton
Erik Harrison
Andrew Quilpa
Robert Bowen Smith

"THE REGULARS"

Alexys Adams
Ayanna Fowler
Aja Goode
Mollie Greenberg
Erik Harrison
Brooke Kemph
Charlotte Kim
Drew Okoye

Designers

Scenic Designer Brandon Roak
Scenic Designer Margarita Syrocheva
Scenic Creative Consultant Sarah Beth Hall
Lighting Designer Dean Leong
Lighting Designer Ben Harvey
Costume Designer Jessica Utz
Sound Designer Kristina Manente
Assistant Sound Designer Sora Reyes
Video Creative Consultant Kylos Brannon
Props Designer Roo Sultan
Intimacy Choreographer Lorraine Ressegger
Video Designer Andres Poch
Dance Choreographer Robert Bowen Smith

STAFF

Stage Manager Josh Diewald
Stage Manager Madeline Mustin
Technical Director Sean Flaherty
Production Associate Sophia Menconi

PRODUCERS

Randy Baker
Jenny McConnell Frederick

MEDIA

photos by DJ Corey Photography

PRESS

What sparked Rorschach Theatre’s ‘SPARKED’ at Buzzard Point?

Chad Kinsman
DC THEATRE SCENE
READ
“Kit Marlowe flies, with scenes intercutting each other with such facility that they conjure up images of a circus act, with high-wire acrobats… Segaller is fabulous in the title role: his Marlowe is a man who is constantly giving the whole world a sloppy wet kiss. He may affect cynicism, and he may be cruel, but Segaller’s Marlowe is at all times a huge engine of life, joy and laughter, and there is not a moment in which it seems less than authentic. Indeed, his performance makes me remember the young Tim Curry, playing Mozart in Amadeus thirty years ago. It is that good… The rest of the cast measures up to this incredible work.”
DC Theatre Scene
"Grimm is working with meaty material here, and the twisting, delving plot is one of Kit Marlowe’s greatest strengths. We’re immediately embroiled in the intrigue of Marlowe’s underground world, and the work has plenty of swashbuckling action, horrifying torture, and yes, unapologetic male nudity, to hold our attention, even when it’s running a little long. Grimm smartly sets up Marlowe to be an embodiment of many of his famous characters, from Faust to Tamburlaine, and the story has some credible surprises up its sleeve to boot."
DCist