INTERVIEW: CYNDY MARION

New York City’s White Horse Theater Company in association with 134 West will present the West Coast Premiere of Broken Story by playwright Cyndy A. Marion (You are Perfect at The Actors Company), directed by Tamara Ruppart (USC New Works Festival; Playwrights’ Arena New Pages Lab), at The Sherry Theater, November 4-27.

Broken Story was inspired by the murder of writer Susan Berman and her close relationship with serial killer Robert Durst. The play explores questions of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal juxtaposed against the personal journey of a young journalist whose obsession with getting the story has unexpected consequences.

In this Tin Pan L.A. interview Cyndy discusses their new play Broken Story, its inspiration, and how her play focuses on the victims rather than murderer.

How would you describe Broken Story in a nutshell?

A young journalist becomes obsessed with breaking the story of a Hollywood murder. 

How did the idea for your play come about . . .inspiration?

I was watching the documentary The Jinx: The Life & Death of Robert Durst on an airplane and was struck by the murder of Susan Berman. Wasn’t she supposed to be Durst’s best-friend? The allure of this mysterious Hollywood writer who was shot in the back of the head mafia style in her own home by what was likely a person she loved and trusted. I was transfixed. 

Why tell this story?

Because it’s intriguing. It raises questions about loyalty and morality and it’s downright terrifying to think you maybe can’t trust those closest to you. At the same time, it’s exciting and inviting and life-affirming. We learn more about ourselves through our obsessions. And, that’s Jess’ (the journalist pursuing the story) journey throughout the play. 

Tell us about the research process for this play.

It was extensive. I read several accounts of the murder, such as Murder in Beverly Hills by Cathy Scott and Berman’s own biographical Easy Street: The True Story of a Gangster’s Daughter as well as numerous sources that dealt with the life and murders of Bobby Durst. I also tracked down several of Susan Berman’s out of print novels including Driver, Give a Solder a Lift and Spiderweb which inspired the character of Darby, Jane’s best friend. 

How did the NYC world premiere help you shape the play?

I directed the World Premiere in New York, so I learned a lot about the play through both the rehearsal process and the performances. The biggest take-away is that this play is ultimately a personal interest story. It starts as a suspenseful murder-mystery and gradually transforms into one young woman’s personal journey/awakening. The NYC production allowed me to see where the script could make that journey clearer. 

Society is obsessed with the stories of murderers these days. Given that you’ve written two plays about murders, does this play satisfy that obsession? 

I’ve written two plays about murderers, yet my obsession was not with the murderers, but with the victims. In my first play You Are Perfect about Susan Atkins I was interested in how Susan was manipulated by Charles Manson and how she destroyed her own credibility in the process. With Durst and Berman, I was obsessed with the story of Berman, who was the victim of a brutal murder at the hand of likely her own best friend. What fascinated me, aside from the beauty and allure of these women, was the fact that they allowed themselves to be seduced so to speak by these awful men. And yes, the process of writing these plays and seeing them realized onstage does help to satisfy my obsession with these women through my own imagining of why they might have done what they did. 

What excites you most about this play?

The connection and interaction between Jess and Jane. There is a fun, playful, sexual tension in their relationship and it’s exciting to see that come to life onstage. I also love the original polaroid projection art by renowned polaroid artist Gail Thacker which appears in the production as a ghostly form/subconscious memory of an off-stage character. 

What can audiences expect from your play?

They can expect the unexpected. It’s not a who-done-it with a tidy reveal at the end. 

Any final thoughts about the show you’d like to share?

Really looking forward to seeing how an LA audience responds to the play. After all, it’s a Hollywood story! 

MORE INFORMATION

Previews
Friday, Nov. 4

Runs 
Sat, Nov 05 – Sun, Nov 27 
Fri, Sat 8pm 
Sun, 7pm 
Show Calendar

BUY TICKETS 
Special Preview with post-show reception $50; Regular price $25 

Student Discount $18 – use promo code 207(Valid ID required for entry)

Special Events 
Special Preview Friday, Nov. 4th at 8pm

Special Show Info 
Running time: 90 minutes. 
No Late Seating REGARDING COVID SAFETY AT THIS PRODUCTION: All audiences must wear a mask for the duration of the performance and while in the theater. Please note that all protocols are subject to change, based on guidance from governmental, health or union agencies at the time of any given performance. Thank you for respecting the health and well-being of our actors, staff, and audiences.

Website

The Sherry Theatre 
11052 Magnolia Boulevard  
North Hollywood, CA  91601 
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