Get ready to be captivated by a story that’s as chilling as it is thought-provoking—because when justice is served in broad daylight, but no one dares to speak up, what does that say about us? The critically acclaimed one-person play Kenrex, co-written and performed by Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden, is making its way from sold-out London stages to New York’s Lucille Lortel Theatre for an 11-week Off-Broadway run. But here’s where it gets controversial: this true-crime thriller is based on the 1981 murder of Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious bully who terrorized the small town of Skidmore, Missouri, for decades. Despite being gunned down in front of a crowd, no one called for help, and the case remains unsolved. Is this a tale of vigilante justice or a haunting reflection of silence in the face of evil?
Previews begin on April 15, with opening night set for April 26. Co-written and directed by Ed Stambollouian, Kenrex dives deep into the complexities of a crime that shocked the nation. Holden and Stambollouian note, ‘At its core, this is a deeply American story,’ and they’re eager to bring it to U.S. audiences. But this is the part most people miss: the play isn’t just about the murder—it’s about the collective conscience of a community and the lines we’re willing to cross. Does silence make us accomplices?
Produced by Aria Entertainment, Seaview, and TRW Production, the show features a live original score by John Patrick Elliott, immersive set and costume design by Anisha Fields, and lighting by Joshua Pharo. The London run earned rave reviews, with The Sunday Times hailing it as a ‘masterclass in acting and storytelling’ and The Guardian praising Holden’s ‘astonishing performance’ in portraying multiple characters.
Holden’s no stranger to acclaim—his debut play Cruise, a musical exploration of Soho during the 1980s AIDS crisis, was nominated for an Olivier Award. He’s also adapting Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty for the stage this fall. With TV credits like Ten Percent (Amazon) and Marriage (BBC One), Holden’s versatility shines both on stage and screen.
Kenrex isn’t just a play; it’s a mirror held up to society, asking uncomfortable questions about morality, justice, and complicity. Do you think the townspeople were justified in their silence? Or does this story leave you questioning the boundaries of right and wrong? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
