‘MLM Is for Murder’ debuts at Midland
Crazy fun, murder and multi-level marketing collide in an all-new play making its world debut at the Midland Center for the Arts.
After scouring various rabbit holes on the internet about multi-level marketing (MLM) strategies and listening to hours of true-crime podcasts, Washington DC-area playwright John Bavoso came up with the idea for a new room. Bavoso quickly became fascinated by the experiences of individuals who were part of MLM companies such as Avon, Amway and Tupperware.
“One of the interesting things for me was that both of these communities were mostly online and really female-dominated,” Bavoso said.
In 2017, he wrote the first draft of “MLM Is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle Is Killing Us)”. The dark comedy follows two women who were once classmates but have gone on different paths in life. One is a stay-at-home mom who gets involved in an MLM business. Upon discovering that she is part of a pyramid scheme, she commits a series of murders that attract the attention of her former classmate, who is the creator of a true crime podcast. The piece includes themes about the strain of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the constant need to succeed.
“They both succeed at the same time, but it comes at a price,” Bavoso said.
Bavoso held an initial script reading outside of Washington, D.C., just before the pandemic began in 2020, which was eventually followed by another reading in St. Petersburg, Florida, and a workshop. in Charleston, South Carolina. He then submitted the play to the American Association of Community Theater’s (AACT) NewPlayFest.
“MLM Is for Murder” was one of 320 pieces that went through a rigorous process. The panelists read the play several times before choosing it not only to be performed for the first time, but also to be published in an anthology by Dramatic Publishing.
Bavoso traveled to Midland in mid-January to meet the cast, director Chad William Baker and AACT playwright Kathy Pingel. During the three-day workshop, Bavoso admired how the cast members delved into their characters, asking thoughtful questions to better understand their motivation. Bavoso said he learned a lot about his own characters from talking with the actors. In turn, the actors’ interaction with Bavoso gives them a professional perspective of the play.
“I think they’re going to do a phenomenal job,” Bavoso said. “They really dug into the relationships. It’s really amazing to see him come to life on stage.
Bavoso wrote about six or seven plays, of which three or four were produced. He has also written 15 ten-minute plays which have been produced worldwide and published in various anthologies.
Despite his background as a playwright, Bavoso is humbled and amazed that his new play won AACT NewPlayFest and premiered at Midland. He hopes audiences enjoy the piece, share some laughs, and find something to talk about when it comes out.
“For me, that’s the mark of success: you leave the theater and you have a lot to say on the way back,” Bavoso said. “At least there’s something you can relate to.”
The “MLM Is for Murder” cast includes Dan Kettler, Rebecca Krohn, Aja Jade Philpot, Ashley Pott, Lindsay Van Arsdale and Stephanie Wimer.
“MLM Is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle Is Killing Us)” will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 25 and Saturday, February 26 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 27. brief discussion with members of the cast and creative team after each performance. Tickets start at $25.50 for adults, $19.50 for students and can be purchased at midlandcenter.org, by calling the box office at 989-631-8250 or in person at 1801 W. Saint Andrews Road, Midland .