Reimagining the Life of Hunter S. Thompson: The Journey Behind an Unofficial Musical Tribute
From Dream to Reality: Crafting a Gonzo Portrait
Joe Iconis, renowned for his work on “Be More Chill,” had long envisioned a theatrical homage to the legendary journalist Hunter S. Thompson. For over twenty years, he imagined bringing Thompson’s chaotic spirit to life on stage. This vision took a significant step forward in April when Iconis visited Thompson’s Colorado retreat, a place still inhabited by the writer’s widow, Anita Thompson. The cabin remains remarkably preserved, echoing Thompson’s eccentric personality and life.
Inside, the space is a testament to Thompson’s unique worldview: towering stacks of unread books, masks of his ideological adversary Richard Nixon adorning the walls, and the family’s peacocks wandering freely. A handwritten note on the fridge, reading “Never call 911. Never. This means you. HST,” encapsulates his rebellious attitude. Iconis recalls that stepping into the cabin was akin to entering a scene from his own script-an immersive experience that deeply resonated with him.
Premiere and Development of the Musical
After debuting at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse in 2023, the musical-an energetic and unconventional biographical piece-has returned for a run at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, scheduled through July 13. The production features original music and lyrics by Iconis, with a book co-created by him and Gregory S. Moss. Notably, the show was developed without official rights to Thompson’s works, as its deliberately cumbersome title suggests. However, the visit to Owl Farm and the support from Anita and others familiar with Thompson’s life provided a sort of spiritual endorsement, if not a legal one.
George Salazar, who portrays attorney and activist Oscar “Zeta” Acosta, emphasizes the importance of capturing Thompson’s authentic voice. “Despite not being able to use his actual writings, Joe managed to channel Hunter’s essence,” Salazar explains. “Thompson’s work often appeared chaotic, but it was driven by profound purpose and passion-something the musical reflects.”
Legal Challenges and Creative Constraints
Originally commissioned in 2008 by La Jolla to explore Thompson’s life through musical theater, Iconis spent years developing the project under the assumption that securing rights would eventually be straightforward. However, by 2016, the Thompson estate clarified that licensing costs were prohibitive, forcing Iconis to omit direct quotations and specific references to Thompson’s published works, including “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Hell’s Angels.”
This restriction compelled Iconis to focus on depicting Thompson’s life through broad, researched portrayals rather than direct excerpts. “It was intimidating,” he admits, “but it pushed me to craft every line with deliberate intent, ensuring each word served a specific purpose.”
Authentic Inspiration Through Personal Encounters
During a subsequent trip to Aspen, Iconis and his cast were invited by Anita to visit Owl Farm-a gesture that added a new layer of authenticity to their work. The invitation was met with cautious optimism; Iconis understood Anita’s concern that the show might reduce Thompson to a caricature of drug-fueled chaos, neglecting his intellectual depth. Was it worth risking her scrutiny?
Despite initial reservations, the visit proved invaluable. Videos captured during the trip show Iconis playing Thompson’s piano, inspired by a young girl’s suggestion, while the cast performs the show’s energetic finale, “Kaboom.” In a heartfelt moment, Anita presented Iconis with a necklace featuring Thompson’s iconic gonzo fist emblem, expressing her appreciation for the effort to honor her husband’s legacy.
Gathering Stories and Honoring the Spirit
Beyond the visit, members of the cast sought insights from local experts, including DJ Watkins, an Aspen-based art dealer and Thompson historian. Conversations over drinks at J-Bar, Thompson’s favorite watering hole, allowed the cast to gather personal anecdotes, enriching their understanding of the writer’s complex personality. Actor Jason SweetTooth Williams notes that these interactions transformed their portrayal from mere performance to a genuine embodiment of Thompson’s essence.
Following the premiere, Anita expressed her approval, gifting Iconis a bouquet of towering peacock feathers-symbols of Thompson’s flamboyant persona. In correspondence with The Washington Post, she acknowledged the musical’s respectful homage, emphasizing that Thompson would likely appreciate the talented artists dedicated to celebrating his extraordinary life. She also remarked that the musical’s reliance on Iconis’s original words might be what makes it successful, despite its unofficial status.
Refining the Artistic Vision
In response to feedback, Iconis incorporated details from the visit into the script. For instance, a line describing the scenic beauty of Owl Farm-“The mountains look like waves to me, just slow moving”-was inspired by Anita’s own words. Similarly, a scene where Thompson’s son mentions Anita preparing grapefruit was added after Iconis observed her doing so during the visit.
While critics like Naveen Kumar of The Washington Post praised the musical’s energetic score, he also noted its ambitious scope, suggesting it might be challenging to sustain a comprehensive narrative. Despite this, Iconis, a Tony nominee, remains hopeful that the show could find a broader audience, possibly on Broadway. Yet, for him, the true achievement lies in the genuine connection with those who knew Thompson personally.
“If the people who actually knew Hunter feel that we’ve captured his spirit,” Iconis reflects, “then everything else is secondary.”
Upcoming Performances and Contact Information
Experience “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical” at Signature Theatre, located at 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. The show runs until July 13, with ticket prices ranging from $47 to $112. For more details, visit sigtheatre.org.
