[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of David Pavao‘s Adventures In Caregiving, produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson, with writing mentor Terrie Silverman at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2024.
The Zephyr Teatre has been the go-to spot for solo shows this Hollywood Fringe. Adventures in Caregiving is yet another brilliant and inspiring show from a writer/actor whose story is heartrending and hilarious, deeply moving and poignant.
David Pavao has spent many years of his life caring for the ones he loved the most as he watched them become ill and sadly pass away. His mother, father and his aunt. All wonderful people who loved and supported him and what a gift he gave them to be by their side in their darkest hours. Not everyone would have done what David did. To say “I will be there” and not only to mean it but do it, giving up his life and career for years to help them is quite something. It’s a beautifully sad story, although David Pavao has a way to make it wonderfully funny as well as moving. All while he regales us with anecdotes and stirring characters from his difficult journey through the past few years.
It might seem a strange subject to write a show about, caregiving elderly dying family members. But, he so brilliantly navigates the unfolding of his life that I found myself literally holding my breath at times, so intent was I not to miss a moment of this wonderfully written and treasured story.
Solo shows must be made because the storyteller cannot imagine not making it. It must have a reason so compelling that there can be no other thought in the head of its creator than to will it into existence. Otherwise, it’s just a footnote, not a soliloquy. Adventures in Caregiving is a masterclass in solo work. From the very first breath onstage, David Povao captivates and woos his audience. But not with biting cleverness and sarcasm. With truth and heartbreak and lots and lots of love.
He’s a brilliant and accomplished actor and he weaves this tale beautifully, never letting up for a second. Never giving us a minute to feel distracted or confused. He is a wonderful wonderful performer with wit and verve and style. And you really need that to hold an audience for more than an hour, especially when you are sharing with them something so personal as this.
I absolutely loved Adventures in Caregiving, and judging by the uproar and the standing ovation, I was not alone.
The Fringe is perfect for solo shows, but not every solo show is as life-affirming as this one. Bravo, David and thank you. I lost both my parents to cancer too and I cannot tell you how much this show touched my heart and reminded me that even in death love survives, laughs a many are had and unforgettable memories are made.
David has one more performance on June 29 at 2.15pm at the Zephyr. I urge you to give yourself the gift of Adventures in Caregiving. Brilliant!
Where:
Zephyr Theatre
7456 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood.
When:
June 29 @ 2.15pm