Sparked The Vanishing At Buzzard Point
SPARKED: The Vanishing at Buzzard Point is an immersive theatrical mystery inspired by true events from 1933. During a once-in-a-lifetime storm, two lovers vanish, prompting a neighborhood to search for explanations as reality begins to come apart.
The experience begins at the Five Dead Horses Tavern, a bar outside of time. Its regulars guide audiences through four nearby locations at The Stacks, where performances, audio, video, and visual installations gradually reveal the story of the disappearance. The action takes place up close, but audience members remain spectators rather than participants.
When: October 22–November 15, 2026
Showtimes: October 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31; November 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Specific start times are not provided.
Venue: The Stacks at Buzzard Point, presented by Rorschach Theatre
Tickets: Price not available
Accessibility: The four performance spaces are within 200 feet of one another, and each is ADA accessible. Chairs are available in every space. Guides accompany groups and assist with navigating dimly lit rooms.
Environment and sensory information: The performance involves walking outdoors between scenes. The unfinished future retail spaces do not have heating or air conditioning, so layered clothing is recommended. Audiences should expect bright and flashing lights, including an extended strobe-light sequence, as well as rooms with very low lighting.
Audience experience: The performance unfolds in four locations and uses intimate, close-range staging. Audience members are never part of the performance.
Concept and story: Jenny McConnell Frederick
Writing: Jenny McConnell Frederick and Randy Baker, with contributions from Erik Harrison, Andrew Quilpa, and the company
Direction: Elizabeth Ung
Performers: Esteban Marmolejo-Suarez, Jenny McConnell Frederick, and Randy Baker
Featuring: Abel Haddish, Irene Hamilton, Erik Harrison, Andrew Quilpa, and Robert Bowen Smith
The Regulars: Alexys Adams, Ayanna Fowler, Aja Goode, Mollie Greenberg, Erik Harrison, Brooke Kemph, Charlotte Kim, and Drew Okoye
Design: Scenic design is by Brandon Roak and Margarita Syrocheva, with Sarah Beth Hall as scenic creative consultant. Lighting is by Dean Leong and Ben Harvey. Jessica Utz designed the costumes, Kristina Manente designed the sound with Sora Reyes as assistant sound designer, and Andres Poch designed the video. Additional creative team members include Kylos Brannon as video creative consultant, Roo Sultan as props designer, Lorraine Ressegger as intimacy choreographer, and Robert Bowen Smith as dance choreographer.
Production staff: Josh Diewald and Madeline Mustin are stage managers. Sean Flaherty is technical director, and Sophia Menconi is production associate.
Producers: Randy Baker and Jenny McConnell Frederick.