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Celebrity designer Mat Sanders’ fabulously designed existence implodes spectacularly when sudden betrayal triggers a hysterical, one-man meltdown. Rugburn explores what happens when you’ve built a glittering life on a foundation of unresolved shame, and your perfectly upholstered defenses begin splitting at the seams. Hollywood gossip, popper-fueled confessions, and impeccably appointed interiors collide in this fast-paced, filthy, deliciously deranged neo-vaudevillian spectacle. From the highs of styling A-listers and hosting makeover TV to the lows of underground sleaze and spectacular self-destruction, watch Sanders shapeshift through the dazzling wreckage of his life as style spirals into chaos. Brace yourself for Rugburn.
Telly Kousakis (Director)
Aristotle Kousakis is a writer, director, and intimacy coordinator with credits including Glee, Scream Queens, and 9-1-1. A classically trained actor and lifelong industry insider, he brings a sharp eye for tone and structure to character-driven work. He is the grandson of legendary actor Telly Savalas.
Content Warning: Partial nudity, sexual content, adult themes, simulated drug use
Mathew Sanders is a Los Angeles–based performer, writer, and interior designer with a background in both classical theatre and television. He was a company member with the American Globe Theatre in New York, where he performed in a range of classical and contemporary works. His early theatre career included co-creating and performing in Sandy the Dandy and Charlie McGee, a darkly comic piece that premiered at the New York Fringe Festival and had a run at the Living Theatre.
Mathew later transitioned into design, building a career as a creative director, TV personality, and designer for high-profile clients including Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba, and Jimmy Kimmel. He has appeared on networks such as Bravo, OWN, and A&E, and continues to work at the intersection of design, storytelling, and media.
RUGBURN marks his return to performance — a solo show that blends dark comedy, personal narrative, and visual storytelling. The piece is directed by Aristotle Kousakis and choreographed by Nick Lanzisera, long-time creative collaborators. Together, the team brings a focused, design-conscious approach to a piece rooted in character, rhythm, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Awards and Reviews:
As a celebrated U.S. design personality, Mat’s work has been featured in Architecural Digest, Elle Decor, Vogue, and more.
New York Fringe Festival: Sandy the Dandy and Charlie McGee: A Case Study in Harsh Realities, a satirical fairy tale co-written and performed by Mat (Critic’s Pick: Time Out New York, AV Club, Broadway.com).
Seating begins 15 minutes before showtime, there is NO LATE SEATING. Seats are assigned on a first come first served basis, from the front of the theatre to the back. If you want to sit closer, be sure to arrive earlier.
Shows start no later than 10 MINUTES after the scheduled show time.