THEATRE REVIEW
George Christie in Outlaw at Whitefire Theatre (Photo – Clago Productions).
As have most Americans, I have heard the legends and controversy surrounding the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (started in 1948 in Fontana) for my whole life, usually catching the reports and videos of the annual rally in Sturgis, South Dakota (which just ended on August 12) – will there be violence, or will a good time be had by all with music, drinking, and riding?
By Carol Edger Germain
The Angels have always stirred attention and controversy – are they just petty criminals and drug dealers, or do they balance their wild behavior with charitable work and community good will?
George Christie spent over 35 years with the Angels, rising to the top in Los Angeles, starting the Ventura club, and eventually leading the West Coast. Christie is now retired and has collaborated on a book about his life which he is now presenting as a one-man show accompanied by photos starting in his childhood up through various trials, triumphs, and tragedies, and also accompanied by music from various times that really ties the package together and gives a sense of the timeline.
He has quite a diverse history, growing up as the son of poor Greek immigrants, holding a Top Security clearance with the Department of Defense, riding high as a leader of the most infamous outlaw motorcycle club in the world, gaining status as a spokesperson and rubbing elbows with celebrities, to enduring solitary confinement in a Federal prison. George’s story at this stage of his life is one of redemption, going from top dog with money to spare to rock bottom, facing prosecution, rejection, and assassination attempts. He has survived, grown, and is focused on the current good in his life, including his wife, who attended the performance I saw. I would not say that he is at peace with his past, though, as it was obvious that his last tumultuous years with the group and the subsequent bad blood between him and them still burden him.
George Christie in Outlaw (Photo – Clago Productions).
I felt it was obvious that Christie still had an axe to grind with the club, and I felt that contributed to my one criticism of the show, i.e., that it went 30 minutes beyond it’s advertised 90 minute running time. It needs to be tightened up and stick within that time frame for maximum impact. Overall, I recommend it, and as always, recommend the Whitefire Theatre, a friendly, comfortable, easily accessible small theater with an excellent history of satisfying productions.
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