THE SAD LIFE OF A HAPPY MAN - Zephyr Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
"The Sad Life of A Happy Man" written and performed by Christion Ty Edwards is a story of his life: a problem child, a clown at times and gifted too yet confused by the perplexity of life. The play is a 5-year work in progress. The questions throughout the show deeply explore his state of being. Who is he? What does it mean to serve a purpose? Does it mean more than being an artist?
The story boils down to what is this life all about. Who are we? Are we real or fake? What is our goal for the time being here? Do we have to learn to love others before we learn to love ourselves or is it possibly the other way around? If we are 'perfectly imperfect' how do we achieve the state of being successful, being special, and having confidence and strength to overcome depression, sadness, and even suicidal thoughts ...
A powerful, strong performance by Christion Ty Edwards is turned into the movement of making a difference in mental awareness, suicide prevention, and healing for all those struggling in silence. An alum of James Madison University's School Of Theatre And Dance, Ty is a physical theatre artist, mask and clown performer, and teaching artist. His powerful craft in movement and mime is strongly performed throughout the show, indicating his states of rebellion and fight within himself, his struggle in silence, and his constant living in survival mode.
Under the devoted direction of Heather Dowling, the striking production of "The Sad Life of A Happy Man" greatly expresses the life of an artist and what theatre art is all about. It deeply penetrates 'storytelling' within the walls of mime, movement, and spoken word.
Produced by Soaring Solo Studios in Los Angeles, CA, The World Premiere continues Sunday, June 11th at 1 pm and
Saturday, June 17th at 8:15 pm, at The Zephyr Theatre (7456 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, 90046) Run time is 75 minutes, Tickets are $15 and available at
https://bit.ly/SadLifeOfAHappyMan
MISSIONARY POSITIONS
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
If you want to go on a rollercoaster ride/show, go and see the incredible performance by Dan Prevette at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. What a ride right from the start. The emotional ups and downs are constant and presented with power and finesse. Performing to a full house, it seems as if Dan just lifts up his little finger and the audience is roaring in laughter. This 6'7" tall man seems to be loved by everyone. It is so much fun to see such energy in remarkably fast changes of words and emotions that keep everyone on their toes. He is a true powerhouse.
"Missionary Positions" is written and performed by Dan Prevette, directed by and developed with Jessica Lynn Johnson, and presented in association with the Zephyr Theatre.
In this autobiographical solo show, Dan's performance exuberated with true-to-life stories from which the multiple characters are developed and performed to their entirety. With such an extraordinary capacity of his vocal abilities, he knows how to hold an audience in the palm of his hand. Bravo!
Dan Prevette was born into a Christian family who totally devoted their services to God. As a member of a Pentecostal Church, he always believed his mission was to bring salvation to the lost.
Dan Prevette is a writer, performer, and has performed as a stand-up comic, live storyteller, and improviser. In this utterly laugh-out loud funny performance, with moments of desperation, Dan uses adult language and explores the experiences of adult issues; therefore, the show is not at all an "altar call" and is not recommended for younger audiences. Dan's performance is an absolute treasure, an experience you will never forget.
Director Jessica Lynn Johnson's guidance lifted the performance to its finest possibility. Her involvement in co-creating the show is visibly refined. As a
"Missionary Positions" continues at The Zephyr Theatre (7456 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323.469.9988) Friday June 16th, 7:15 PM and
Saturday June 24th, 3:45 PM. Tickets are: Regular $20, Fringe Participant: $10.
Purchase Tickets at: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9837?embed=false&performance_id=21951&tab=performance