If you think the art world is full of egos, scandals, and ridiculous schemes — you’re right. And now, you can watch it all unravel (with jazz hands) at the world premiere of Dead Artist’s Make More Money — or simply DAMMM: The Musical — opening September 26 at the La Misión Performing Arts Center (LMPAC).
Created by Baja resident Scott Haynes, this original production isn’t just theater, it’s a tongue-in-cheek dive into the chaotic world of contemporary art. Imagine the art market in the ‘80s, where a painting wasn’t worth much until the artist stopped breathing. Add toe-tapping songs, a crew of absurd characters, and a little tequila-soaked scheming, and you’ve got a show that’s exactly as unhinged as the real art scene.
The story drops us in Los Angeles, 1981 — neon suits, booming galleries, and everyone chasing the next Warhol. Dealers want fortune, artists want fame, collectors want bragging rights. The catch? Value skyrockets when an artist dies. Cue the hustlers, hangers-on, and over-the-top plots to cash in. This is not your average Broadway tear-jerker.
At the center of it all is EiD, a mysterious portrait painter in disguise — hoodie, shades, and all. Played by Matthew Noakes, EiD paints while he sings, hiding a past and a talent that just won’t stay buried. His sidekick Sancho, brought to life by Enrique Geronimo, is a dance instructor by day and a hustler by night. Think charm, chaos, and a little too much cologne. Together, they tumble through schemes outrageous enough to make even Picasso raise an eyebrow.
If you’re lucky, you might crack EiD’s true identity before the final curtain. The creators promise it’s hiding in plain sight, tucked into lyrics, glances, and that classic theater “ah-ha!” moment.
The soundtrack alone is worth the ticket — with cheeky numbers like “I Smell a Rat,” “It Has to Pass the Smell Test,” and “Drinking with a Purpose.” If you’re not humming on your way out, you probably fell asleep (which, frankly, seems impossible).
One of the quirks that makes DAMMM unique is the cast itself. Fifteen actors, each with speaking, singing, and dancing roles. Some are seasoned vets — like Danny Ingersol as A. Wormhole, a boozy insurance investigator who deserves his own spin-off. Others are first-timers stepping on stage for the first time, including performers over 60. According to director David Cattanio, this blend created unexpected chemistry: “Every cast member has lines, sings, and dances… the mix creates something truly special.”
Behind the humor, DAMMM marks a milestone for the La Misión Performing Arts Center. It’s the first original production staged at the venue, and it highlights LMPAC’s mission to bring innovative, cross-border theater to Baja California. And yes, whispers of future Spanish-language productions are already floating around.
Scott Haynes, the show’s creator, summed it up perfectly: “We wanted to create a world where the art world’s absurdities are on full display… and have fun doing it.” Mission accomplished.
The run kicks off September 26 at the La Misión Performing Arts Theater, Km 56.5 on the free road. Matinee shows run from 2–4 PM: September 26, 27, 28, October 2, 3, and 4. The cast will then head south for a final performance at the Gertrude Pearlman Theater in Punta Banda on October 10.
Tickets for the La Misión shows are available now on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/DAMMM-tickets. For the Punta Banda finale, tickets are only through the Gertrude Pearlman Theater box office. Pro tip: don’t wait — sell-out buzz is already circling.
So, if you’re looking for a fall season outing that’s equal parts art, comedy, and chaos — DAMMM is the show to see. Just don’t be surprised if you leave wondering if maybe… dead artists really do make more money.
