SOLOFEST at the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks is an experience. If you have never seen any of its performances there during its 3 week run of talent, please do not miss it next time.
The annual SOLOFEST is a celebration of an individual’s solo journey often presented with humor and angst. Having the pleasure to be thrown into Lisa David’s world aptly named Dating in LA with No Nipples, I was stunned that this was a true tale. However, this is what is at the heart of a performer’s solo journey during this great festival. Ms. David’s world of hideous lies, transgressions, and breast cancer, was almost too much to comprehend in one sitting. Knowing it was all true made it more interesting and palatable. Watching her perform alone on stage in a nightmarish, yet victorious life in a little over 2 hours is incredible. She is obviously talented, energetic, optimistic, and a beacon for other’s who will crumble and melt away with their own personal hardships.
I didn’t know what to expect. I thought the title, Dating in LA with No Nipples, was catchy and funny. Yes it is a funny, and very raw and unnerving to share this subject matter with an audience. To witness Lisa’s rewarding transformation and bravery is a gift. Being the sole performer, with minimal props, adds to the bitter truth of an ex-husband who was less than honest and had an interest in little children and transvestites. No judgement here on the transvestites, but definitely strong judgement on the former. Throw into the mix her double mastectomy around the same time as this discovery of betrayal. How she handles this after 10 years of marriage is remarkable. Even more remarkable is her voice affectations representing all the people in her life. Let’s not forget her dating frenzy of at least 70 men over a two year period. She needs to discover if experiencing all those ‘losers’ was fulfilling her need to be strong or feminine, or both. This show is packed with a lot of guts. Lisa is applauded for her courage to perform this truthful tale on stage, raw, real, honest, and painful.
The Whitefire is a wonderful theater. It has always led the way in talent and entertainment. This is no exception. The staging is simple, a box type chair and a hanging screen in the background that depicts a person or scene pertinent to Lisa’s dialogue. She keeps the audience interested with her voices, facial expressions, and movements. This might be the responsibility of the wonderful direction by Bryan Rasmussen. He certainly knows how to take a sparse stage with a single performer and turn it into an entertaining and interesting experience. The only recommendation would be to see this production in a more compact version. Audiences are wise, they understand innuendos, and do not need every example of dating nightmares; a few humorous examples go a long way. Still, this one person show was quite compelling to watch. My favorite line is still, ‘You know you’ve hit rock bottom when cancer is just the icing on the cake”.
This show is scheduled to return to the Whitefire Theater in October. Please come see Lisa in the performance of her career. As noted, it is craftily directed by Bryan Rasmussen. Keep an eye on other productions he directs as well.The Whitefire Theater, 13500 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 91423. (818) 990 2324- whitefiretheater.com.