Is it Charlie Sheen x 4? In the talky Hurlyburly at Big Idea Theatre, four drug-fueled, misogynistic bachelors endlessly ponder their existential angst, which for actor Kirk Blackinton is quite a stretch. “I’m a square who has never done any drugs at all, and I’m also a very happy person,” says Blackinton, who stars as Eddie, a Hollywood casting director. “Eddie is basically a cokehead who is taking drugs to cope with the dichotomy of his life, and can’t reconcile who he is and what he does. It’s one of the biggest acting challenges I’ve ever had.” Blackinton, who got into acting as a teen and holds a bachelor’s in theater from UC San Diego, came to Sacramento six years ago with wife and fellow actor Shannon Mahoney. In 2008, they took over the helm at Big Idea, which a lot of people thought “was nuts,” says Blackinton, who serves as artistic director. (Mahoney is managing director.) “But it’s been wildly entertaining—a heck of a ride.” Hurlyburly promises to be, too. Written by David Rabe and directed by Katie Chapman, the play runs through June 11 at 1616 Del Paso Blvd. in Sacramento. For tickets and more information, visit bigideatheatre.com or call (916) 960-3036.
