[NoHo Arts District, CA] – The Whitefire Theatre will open its 41st season with SOLOFEST 2023. SOLOFEST, a celebration of the solo journey, 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 2023, hosted by Bryan Rasmussen and Victoria Watson Winkler, associate produced by Rachael Stein, runs January 12 through March 19.
Whitefire Theatre Solofest 2023 January shows include:
January 12 at 8:00 pm
A new rock musical written and performed by April Wish about what happens to Wendy Darling from Peter Pan when she chooses to grow up and reclaim her magic – a transcendent look at one of the world’s most famous, yet least examined characters. Ages 12+. SOLD OUT!
January 13 at 8:00 pm
DOWN THE HATCH: TALE OF A SWORD SWALLOWER
Written, directed and performed by Cyrus Pynn. Sword Swallowing is the most dangerous and is just one of the various feats you shall see performed featuring a bladed weapon of some sort, with some rarely ever witnessed live onstage. Ages 10+.
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January 14 at 8:00 pm
A solo comedy show about a friendship, suicide, hope and a talking dog written and performed by Jeannette Rizzo, about her early life in rural Florida, where she struggled to overcome the shocking suicide of her beloved friend, Katie, a popular high school student with a seemingly bright future ahead of her. Ages 16+.
January 15 at 2:00 pm
TWELVE O’CLOCK TALES WITH AVA GARDNER World Premiere
Written by performer Allesandra Assaf and Michael Lorre, directed by Michael A. Sheppard. On the set of the 1974 blockbuster disaster film, Earthquake, Oscar nominated screen siren Ava Gardner is focusing on her first big budget starring role in over a decade. Tucked away in her dressing room bungalow, the “queen of the scandal sheets” does battle with her past. But only a fool would bet against Ava. Ages 15+.
January 15 at 7:00 pm
“Trust me, I’m from Essex”, performed by Lindsay Lucas-Bartlett, directed by Lindsay Perry with music by Aaron Wilson, is about growing up in notorious Essex, England. From going to an all-girls Catholic school, rejecting the “typical blonde” Essex girl stereotype, wreckage at home, and finally realizing the dream of living in LA; fun-filled with laughter, singing, dancing, and downright drama. Ages 16+.
January 19 at 8:00 pm
In one-man courtroom comedy, written and performed by Howard Smith, we witness attorney Smith practice in the Courtroom of life and argue to a jury of his peers – the audience –that happiness is overrated. If you keep your expectations low, you will never be disappointed. Ages 18+
January 21 at 8:00 pm
Written and performed by George Steeves, directed by Megan Ford-Miller. An atypical romantic comedy, that explores all of the awkward firsts that come with dating, sex and love from a late bloomer’s perspective. Being on the autism spectrum is challenging enough, now add dating to the mix. There’s quite a learning curve. Ages 15+.
January 22 at 2:00 pm
TWELVE O’CLOCK TALES WITH AVA GARDNER World Premiere
For show description see January 15 at 2:00 pm
January 22 at 7:00 pm
Written and performed by Mary Kennedy (Shameless, Hulu, CONAN) and directed by Charlene Ward, this comedic ride through 80s nostalgia to present day chaos is about Mary’s journey being a roadie for her mother’s wedding band, having the real-life Kennedys as her cousins, navigating motherhood and ultimately menopause. Toured to Sold-Out crowds. Ages 16+.
January 26 at 8:00 pm
Written and performed by transgender artist Rebecca McGlynn, directed by Heather Dowling and produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson, “Asexuality!” is an autobiographical musical comedy about Rebecca’s pre-transition life. It won Top of the Fringe (Best Overall), Fringe First (Best World Premiere), and the Encore Producers’ Award at the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Ages 14+.
January 27 at 8:00 pm
KEEPER
Written and performed by Michelle Murphy, directed by Juliette Jeffers. Get on the bus—we’re going to summer camp! In a simpler time of trust-falls and visits to the medical tent, some wounds are too deep for a camp nurse to heal. Michelle Murphy embodies her younger selves, through rejection, self-worth & survival, and reveals why she is, in fact, a keeper. Ages 18+.
January 28 at 8:00 pm
TRAGIC MAGIC – A STORY OF RECOVERY
Written and performed by Sigute Miller, developed and directed by Beth Bornstein Dunnington. Riveting saga of tragedy, transformation, and recovery. Facing the dragon of addiction early with harrowing blackouts, endangering her daughter, me too shame, to transforming in India, Sigute weaves her redemptive journey with raw honesty and humor. Ages 16+.
January 29 at 2:00 pm
TWELVE O’CLOCK TALES WITH AVA GARDNER World Premiere
For show description see January 15 at 2:00 pm
January 30 at 7:00 pm
GUARDIAN ANGELS World Premiere
Written and performed by Brian Delate, directed by Deb Hiett, reveals the story of how the angels in our life and beyond can guide or direct us — in particular, a single event (a dream) that transformed Brian Delate’s life in 1973. Some believed he had a close encounter. Some thought he was visited from the Beyond. Which was it? Ages 14+.
Tickets:
General Admission Tickets for live shows are $25.00 each, unless otherwise noted.
More Info:
For information, tickets, parking tips and current Covid policy please visit whitefiretheatre.com or call 818-687-8559.
Location:
The Whitefire Theatre is located at 13500 Ventura Boulevard (at Sunnyslope Avenue), Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
Programs subject to change.
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