[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Michael-Shaun Hennessey’s solo show Searching for Robert Hennessey (The Journey of a Thousand Fathers) at Whitefire Theatre Solofest 2026.
The solo show, Searching for Robert Hennessey (The Journey of a Thousand Fathers) begins with a single DNA swab. Written and performed by Michael-Shaun Hennessey, this solo show is such an emotional roller coaster ride. It gave the audience (and me) many, many moments of tears as well as laughter, ultimately ending with a very satisfying and triumphant twist.
We all want to know where we come from. It’s a deep and universal urge to find our place in the world and that starts with knowing who made us. The premise of the show is riveting enough, a man searching for his truth, looking for a father he never knew. But it is also filled with the details of decades of careful research, false leads, and dead ends. But it is the sheer force of Michael’s charm, wit, and perseverance that kept the audience on his side throughout the ups and downs of his incredible search. He is a born storyteller, and this story is as personal as they come. For him, as well as many of us in the audience.
Searching for Robert Hennessey is a witty, heartbreaking and ultimately hugely satisfying play beautifully acted with authenticity and heart.
As fantastical as this journey was, there were some dark elements that raised the stakes for the hero and his journey. I found that this show spoke to a number of issues that I won’t go into at the risk of revealing, by accident, any spoilers. Suffice it to say, like life itself, this show reveals itself like a well-written novel. It’s the kind of show where, at the end, you want to run up on stage and give Michael a big hug and say, “Well done.” Or was that just me?
And now a little bit about Michael. He is a playwright, actor, healer, producer, director, teacher, author, husband, and father of four fur babies. This information was lifted entirely from the show’s program. Why are his professions important? Because it speaks to his vast knowledge of storytelling. That and his immersive talent of telling his story as if somehow he was telling ours. Bravo, Michael.
I do want to give a shout-out to the fast-moving direction and the set, sound, and lighting design. Sometimes, simple is the best accompaniment to a wonderful story. I also want to mention the amazing Whitefire Theatre and its artistic director, Bryan Rasmussen, for bringing such great solo shows to the San Fernando Valley.
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