Village Idiom’s debut, the play-within-a-play love letter to musical theatre, wows audiences at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and earns critical praise and extension.
LOS ANGELES – “[title of show] speaks to every young professional trying to realize a dream while also struggling to maintain the balance of being a responsible adult…and it’s funny as hell!” said director Corey Lynn Howe.
It was for those reasons that the show received a Tony Award nomination in 2009 and why the folks at Village Idiom Productions thought it would fit right in with the spirit of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
They were right.
[title of show] was one of the most talked about productions at this year’s Fringe, playing to sellout crowds, earning rave critical reviews and getting nominated in the “Best in Musicals and Operas” category. As such, [title of show] will take the stage for two more performances on July 14 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 5 p.m. at Theatre Asylum.
Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation on what they should write. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about…what to write about! They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show] — taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the [title of show] — follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.
“It’s an adventure; four friends, stuck on their own respective versions of a creative plateau, looking to take that much desired step up, find their momentum and eventual success simply by telling their own story,” Howe said. “It’s a beautiful telling of how we make our own happiness and success in life, all the while, battling to overcome self-doubt as the biggest and most consistent antagonist.”
Because of the nature of the material and Howe’s vision, Theatre Unleashed was eager to help co-produce this run for the Fringe.
“We couldn’t be happier to support this new company, founded by one of our own members,” said Carlos Martinez, TU’s artistic director. “We knew they had something special in this production and they delivered.”
Calendar Listing Request:
[title of show]
Directed by Corey Lynn Howe
Book written by Hunter Bell
Music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen
Produced by Village Idiom Productions and Theatre Unleashed
SYNOPSIS:
Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation on what they should write. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about…what to write about! They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show] — taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the [title of show] — follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.
DATES AND TIMES:
July 14, 7 p.m.
July 21, 5 p.m.
LOCATION:
Theatre Asylum
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
TICKET PRICES:
$12 for general admission
*Other discounts available; see website for more details
INFORMATION:
www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1180
PRESS CONTACT:
Jim Martyka
(818) 497-3701