“A Conversation With Co-Director Tom DeTrinis, "Psycho Beach Party," Matrix Theatre, by James Scarborough.”

“Psycho Beach Party,” brought to life by Co-Director Tom DeTrinis, blends camp, satire, and psychological intrigue. The play’s fusion of 1960s surf culture and Hitchcockian suspense serves as both a nostalgic homage and a sharp critique of the period’s societal norms. DeTrinis captures the chaotic energy and multifaceted personalities of the protagonist, Chicklet Forrest, whose multiple alter egos navigate a roller coaster of absurdity and profundity. The play weaves comic elements with darker themes, such as identity fragmentation and societal repression, all of which resonate with us amid ongoing cultural dialogues about mental health and gender fluidity. DeTrinis nicely manages the play’s complex tonal shifts. The Matrix Theatre’s intimate setting plants us into this vibrant, multifaceted world, where beach blankets and psychological thrillers collide in a spectacularly entertaining fashion. This production affirms the enduring relevance of camp as a vehicle for social commentary and theatrical innovation.

JS: How did you balance the play’s campy humor and psychological depth?

TD: Hmmm, well, first and thankfully, all of the actors we cast can tap into that depth easily. Also, everyone in the room kept asking the question why? Why are they doing this and why are they moving and reacting this way? I think keeping that question in our minds while living in a high camp world always creates some rich, (semi) grounded magic.

JS: What were some of the challenges you faced in directing a play with such a diverse array of characters and personalities?

TD: Tracking the character arcs that we created and also turning the dial up and down at points for each person and where that person was at emotionally in the show. It was also a challenge not to just keep adding bits on bits on bits on bits! And laughing!

JS: How do you interpret the play’s commentary on identity and societal norms, particularly in the context of today’s cultural climate?

TD: I love how Charles plays with the stereotypes these characters are born out of and I think we did a great job of making them even more insane with all of our collective modern cultural filters. I see them paralleling to today, to 1987 when it was written, and to the 1960s when the play takes place.

JS: Discuss the collaborative process with your co-director, Ryan Bergmann. How did your combined vision shape the production?

TD: We have worked on a lot of different kinds of productions and have the same sense of humor and taste, so it was easy to sit down, go through the play and shoot off ideas and thoughts. And then add on top of what the other one brought in! Also, we both enjoy giving each other shit so it always keeps things interesting! Hahahaha!

JS: What specific elements of 1960s surf culture and Hitchcockian suspense did you emphasize in your direction?

TD: The lighting I think helps keep that suspense going - thanks to Buck! And the sound - thanks to Slim! - help keep us in that surf culture. I mean even the set and the costumes really take us there (Yuri and Nicole, and Alexis respectively). The design team really hit this show out of the park, and I am so grateful for everyone’s hard work and vision. Leaning on these elements helped emphasize it a lot, I think.

JS: How did you guide the actors in navigating the rapid tonal shifts and multifaceted roles within the play?

TD: With one word…CRISP!

JS: How do you think “Psycho Beach Party” challenges or reinforces contemporary views on mental health and gender fluidity?

TD: I think it does a bit of both because it points out the stereotypes, but also makes fun of them and blows them out of the water. I think how we cast the play takes it to the next level and hopefully by making people laugh, we also make people think.

JS: How did the intimate setting of the Matrix Theatre influence your directorial choices and the audience’s experience?

TD: The stage there is VERY wide and everyone is SO close, so we wanted to utilize the WHOLE room in order to feel like you are at that beach party with everyone. I hope you all feel like you are in the middle of it all.

JS: What do you want audiences to take away from this production, both in terms of entertainment and thematic resonance?

TD: I really just want people to have a good time. It is ROUGH in these streets and I think we all want the audience to escape for an hour 30 and just watch some dumb idiots be stupid on stage. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be more than that.

JS: How does this production align with or diverge from your previous directorial works?

TD: Oh I always love funny and stupid and ridiculous. So this fell RIGHT IN LINE. Hahahah!

The play opens at 7pm on Friday, June 21. Performances are 7pm, Thursdays – Sundays through July 7 (no performance on Thursday, July 4; added performance on Monday, July 1). Tickets are $45 (Seniors: $35). The Matrix Theatre is located at 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90046. For more information, click here.