Jack Holden of ‘Kenrex’ Off-Broadway Discusses His Theater Rituals
Jack Holden, the award-winning actor and co-creator of the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play Kenrex, is captivating audiences with his one-man performance that explores a chilling true crime story from small-town America. The play, which opened recently at the Lucille Lortel Theatre after a successful run in London, dives into the mysterious 1981 murder of Kenneth Rex McElroy, a notorious bully who terrorized the town of Skidmore, Missouri. Despite dozens of witnesses to his murder, no one has ever been convicted for the crime.
- Kenrex explores themes of justice, morality, and community accountability through the lens of a true crime story.
- Jack Holden plays all 35 characters in the play, using distinct physical and vocal cues to differentiate them.
- The production draws inspiration from popular true crime podcasts like Serial and S-Town, blending storytelling formats.
- Holden’s pre-show rituals include classic theater superstitions and knocking on wood for good luck.
- The actor finds relaxation in New York City by exploring spas and saunas during his downtime.
Bringing True Crime to the Stage
“We were both true crime fanatics, really,” Holden shared, speaking about his collaboration with co-writer and director Ed Stambollouian. The pair, inspired by the golden age of true crime podcasts like Serial and S-Town, sought to bring the genre to life in a theatrical format. Their search for an untapped story led them to the chilling tale of McElroy, a man accused of numerous crimes, including arson and statutory rape, yet who consistently evaded justice. His reign of terror ended when fed-up locals took the law into their own hands, shooting him in broad daylight.
“The question of justice and wrong and right is intrinsically woven through the whole story,” says Holden, who is 36. “At the end of the play, we had to decide how much to get into the weeds of justice and injustice versus letting the story speak for itself. I think we found a good balance.”
A One-Man Show with 35 Characters
One of the most striking aspects of Kenrex is that Holden plays all 35 characters in the production. This includes McElroy himself, his wife, various townspeople, legal professionals, and others involved in the story. Distinguishing between such a wide cast of characters without costume changes was no small feat.
“The only way we could be really clear with our storytelling was if everyone knew exactly who I was at any one moment,” Holden explained. “It all comes down to very, very clear physical gestures and vocal qualities.” His commitment to authenticity was tested in front of an American audience, where, to his relief, he “nailed the delivery,” as one audience member described.
Podcast Inspiration and Storytelling
The play’s structure is heavily influenced by the narrative style of true crime podcasts. “Just like a true crime podcast, you get primary sources, storytelling, and interviews with people who were there,” Holden said. The actor and writer aimed to replicate the immersive experience of hearing a podcast but added the challenge of visualizing all the characters through one performer. “If one person could do all the voices, that could work,” he noted.
Holden credits Serial Season 1, S-Town, and Criminal as major inspirations. “What’s really good about Criminal is that it distills big, complex, mysterious cases into really efficient storytelling in usually under an hour. It’s really inspiring stuff.”
Rituals and Relaxation
While Holden is not typically superstitious, his pre-show routine tells a different story. “When I’m running a show, my superstition level goes through the roof,” he admitted. “I do a lot of knocking on wood and all the classic theater superstitions: not saying the name of the Scottish Play and avoiding whistling in the theater.”
Post-show, Holden enjoys soaking in the vibrant energy of New York City. “It’s still such a fun novelty coming out of the theater and being in the heart of New York,” he said. To unwind after an intense performance, Holden often turns to reality TV or light reading. “I like this show we’ve got in the U.K. called LOL: Last One Laughing. It’s a bunch of comedians just trying to make each other laugh.”
Stage Door Reactions
One of Holden’s most memorable encounters happened outside the theater when he met a man from Skidmore, the town where McElroy’s murder occurred. “He said he knew all the characters from the story. That was quite scary,” Holden said. Despite pointing out a few dramatic licenses taken in the storytelling, the man offered a glowing endorsement, saying the play captured the story better than previous depictions in articles and documentaries.
What This Means for You
Kenrex is more than just an engaging evening at the theater; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of morality, community, and justice. The play invites audiences to wrestle with complex ethical questions while immersing them in a gripping true crime narrative. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a true crime aficionado, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in New York City, this production offers a rare opportunity to see a one-of-a-kind performance.
FAQ
- What is Kenrex about?
- Kenrex tells the story of Kenneth Rex McElroy, a notorious bully from Skidmore, Missouri, who was murdered in 1981 under mysterious circumstances. The play explores themes of justice and morality.
- Who is Jack Holden?
- Jack Holden is an award-winning actor and playwright. He is the co-creator and sole performer in Kenrex, where he portrays 35 different characters.
- What inspired the structure of the play?
- Kenrex draws inspiration from true crime podcasts like Serial and Criminal, adopting a storytelling format that combines interviews, primary sources, and narrative elements.
- Where can I watch Kenrex?
- The play is currently running at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City, following its successful debut in London.
- What are Jack Holden’s pre-show rituals?
- Holden practices classic theater superstitions, such as knocking on wood and avoiding saying the name of Shakespeare’s Scottish play in the theater.
