[NoHo Arts District, CA] – The Whitefire Theatre will open its 42nd season with SOLOFEST 2024 from January 11 through March 16.
A celebration of the solo journey, SOLOFEST has been recognized as the largest solo festival on the West Coast. This year’s festival program offers premieres and audience favorites live on stage, with some shows available with a stream-on-demand option. SOLOFEST 2024 is hosted by Bryan Rasmussen and Rachael Stein, runs January 11 through March 16.
SOLOFEST January shows include:
Thursday, January 11th at 8:00 pm
HOLY SHITAKE: A Wok Star is Born
Filled with pathos and humor, “Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born” written by Katie Chin, directed by Fran de Leon, chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s journey as a Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis in the 1970s where she was raised by her remarkable mother, seamstress turned restauranteur, Leeann Chin. Ages 16+. SOLD OUT!
Friday, January 12th at 8:00 pm
TWO ELIZAS
Created and performed by Jenny Mercein, directed by Lori Elizabeth Parquet and Ryder Thorton, explores the true story of Eliza Mercein Barry and her landmark 1847 U.S. Supreme Court case which established a woman’s right to retain custody of her child. In an emotionally gripping intergenerational reflection on resilience and women’s rights, Jenny mirrors her ancestor with her own trials and tribulations to motherhood. Ages 14+.
Saturday, January 13th at 8:00 pm
Live stream also available
177 LOVERS AND COUNTING: My Life as a Sex Researcher
177 Lovers and Counting: My Life as a Sex Researcher chronicles the personal and professional sexual explorations of American Anthropologist, Dr. Leanna Wolfe. She reflects on coming of age in the thick of the Feminist and Sexual Revolutions and
ultimately studying sexual practices worldwide. Ages 16+.
Sunday, January 14th at 7:00 pm
NEWLYWED WIDOW
World premiere solo play about the trauma of an abusive childhood triggering a young girl’s psychic abilities only to reveal her own future as a Newlywed Widow. Written and performed by author Beverly Short, is based on her best-selling book by the same name. From page to stage, the book comes to life in a solo performance that will change your outlook on life, love, and what lies beyond. Ages 18+
Wednesday, January 17th at 8:00 pm
THE CASE AGAINST HAPPINESS
In this one-man show, attorney Howard Smith practices in the Courtroom of life and argues to a jury of his peers – the audience – proving though his birth, childhood, parents, relationships or lack thereof, being Jewish, the soup of the day, college, law school, retirement, living in Florida, marriage, divorce, law enforcement and the importance of early cancer screening – that happiness is overrated. Ages 18+
Thursday, January 18th at 8:00 pm
SUPERNOVA A Mental Health Musical Comedy
SUPERNOVA is about a girl who belongs to a family of superheroes; however, she is the only one without any powers leaving her feeling unworthy and unable to make a difference in the world. A viral pandemic is spreading the globe causing people to lose their will to live and “self-destruct”. Contributors to the show’s development include Jessica Lynn Johnson (Soaring Solo LLC), musician, producer, author and Tedx speaker, Drew Lawrence, and vital comedic punch ups by renowned female comic Lisa Sundstedt. Ages 13+
Friday, January 19th at 8:00 pm
THE MOST RECORDED MUSICIAN IN THE WORLD
Violinist Darius Campo presents his successful Vegas one-man show, The Most Recorded Musician In The World and performs music live to some of the blockbuster films he has recorded on. He has performed on over 2,000 movies, 10,000 songs and thousands of tv shows and commercials. Las Vegas Show Reviews: “Amazing experience, amazing man and amazing talent. It was an honor and pleasure to see his experience”/“The best of all shows”/“Great Show”/“Darius had humor and mesmerizing music”/“Innovative and entertaining”/“Loved it”/“Good for all family members and easy to recommend to anyone.” Family show.
Saturday, January 20th at 8:00 pm
SEARCHING FOR MY FATHER
Searching For My Father is Glen S. Jimenez’s personal journey after the tragic loss of his father at the young age of 10 and growing up, searching through the life lessons from his short time with his father; where the learning and discovering of his father’s personality was forever ingrained within him. Ages 10+
Sunday, January 21st at 7:00 PM
GUT
GUT is a historical performance piece set in WWII, which centers around the life and heroic experiences of Irena Gut Opdyke, based on her autobiography entitled “In My Hands.” This uplifting 50-minute solo performance in poetry and prose was adapted by and stars Janet Rodgers and is directed by Dan Ruth. Ages 15+
Thursday, January 25th at 8:00 pm
TALES OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD: THIS SH*T JUST GOT REAL
TALES OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD: THIS SH*T JUST GOT REAL is Pam Levin’s brutally funny critically acclaimed comedy about the fear of becoming a parent, and why she seriously considered just settling for a dog. This outrageous love story is the first in this relatable & touching award-winning trilogy. Ages 15+
Friday, January 26th at 8:00 pm
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HELL
This solo show is Adam Spink’s personal story of protecting a daughter, losing faith, and navigating family conflict that combines storytelling and history to explore how our beliefs came to be and how they impact our world – but in a (mostly) funny way. Ages 12+
Saturday, January 27th at 8:00 pm
LEMUR MOM One Mother’s Adventures in Autism
Megan has the distinct feeling that she’s not the right mom. As she navigates the treacherous world of support groups, child psychologists, family dynamics, and play-dates — trying to help her son communicate — she makes bad choices, wrong turns, and powerful discoveries along the way. Written and performed by Megan Dolan. Ages 14+
Sunday, January 28th at 7:00 pm
FIBONACCI ASCENDING
Telly Daw talks fast and thinks faster to succeed on the bleeding edge of photonics in Fibonacci Ascending by Shawn Overton. Precision and chaos dominate a relentless 10-year journey to prove her reach can exceed her grasp. Starring Sylvia Loehndorf. Directed by Jeni Jones. Ages 13+
Tickets:
General Admission Tickets for live shows are $25.00 each, unless otherwise noted.
Buy tickets at whitefiretheatre.com
More Information:
For information about SOLOFEST 2024, including the February and March shows, to buy tickets or for parking tips please visit whitefiretheatre.com or call 818-687-8559.
Where:
The Whitefire Theatre is located at 13500 Ventura Boulevard (at Sunnyslope Avenue), Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
Programs subject to change.