Tag Archives: Azo Safo

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: The Princess Strikes Back

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF24’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Victoria Montalbano

WHAT: The Princess Strikes Back: One Woman’s Search for the Space Cowboy of her Dreams 

WHERE: Asylum @ Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre, 5636 Melrose Av

WHY: Chicago-based Writer/Actor Victoria Montalbano opens the show dressed in a sexy Princess Leia outfit, making it clear that this show will have Star Wars references and that the heroine will be badass!  She cleverly incorporates Star Wars references into a very interesting and relatable life story filled with messy relationships, life lessons and ultimately a transformation that is so very satisfying to witness.  Montalbano does not shy away from the details, including her experiences with online dating – she once dated a C-3PO.  A majority of the audience members this particular evening happened to be women and we were smitten with her. Montalbano knows how to tell a good story. As one audience member accurately said after her show, she is charming! The show is funny and the writing  is crisp, detailed and exciting – EVEN if you have never watched Star Wars.  She’s a relatable performer who entertained and made us cheer for her the whole evening.  This show has one more performance and deserves a good, boisterous audience! 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10624

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: This Show is Surrounded By True Events

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF24’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Pamela Eberhardt

WHAT: This Show Is Surrounded By True Events

WHERE: The Broadwater Black Box, 6322 Santa Monica Bl

WHY: “This Show is Surrounded By True Events” is a two person play, written by Pamela Eberhardt. Penny, played by Eberhardt, is a guilt ridden jury foreman whose actions put Shiloh, played by Tyler Stilwill, on death row. Seventeen years after the trial, Penny questions the circumstantial evidence that put him behind bars and attempts to atone for her past mistakes by visiting Shiloh in jail. A majority of the play revolves around tense and emotional interactions between these two characters.  But the overarching question is how many innocent lives have been ruined by a flawed justice system?  And what are we going to do about it?  Eberhardt is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the subject.  She has been a life-long advocate of criminal justice reform and this play has a thoughtful and engaging way of creating dialogue around this hot button issue.  And there’s also the pop culture references that provide much needed levity for such a dark subject matter.  The mix of humor and drama with a call to action makes this a play that stay with you long after you’ve left the theater! 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10772

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Astrologically Screwed

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF24’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Pam Levin

WHAT: Astrologically Screwed

WHERE: Hudson Theatres (Hudson Backstage), 6539 Santa Monica Bl

WHY: Pam meets a world renowned astrologer who predicts several pivotal moments in her life, one of which is a negative event that will take place when she turns forty.  The negative event remains a mystery until her life falls apart on the same day as her fortieth birthday. The build-up to that moment includes several astrological predictions coming true – including in love and career. Pam is ultimately guided by the universe and her guardian angels to triumph.  There is a vividly heartbreaking scene involving a teddy bear. The show explores topics of faith and spirituality, love of family, guardian angels and the power of intuition in steering us toward the answers we seek.  Pam’s spirited and energetic performance is filled with hope and humor. Be sure to bring Kleenex! 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10974

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Where Y’all From?

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF24’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Yelba Zoe McCourt

WHAT: Where Y’all From?

WHERE: Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Avenue

WHY: This beautifully acted and cleverly written solo play by Yelba Zoe McCourt is a smart and grounded discussion on the topic of identity and the immigrant experience in America. The main story follows the life journey of “Zoe” who starts out as a passionate supporter of Walter Mondale, turned actress turned nurse – constantly facing scrutiny and questions about her race and the all too familiar question “where are you REALLY from”.  

When Zoe realizes she doesn’t know much about her background she unravels a family past that she has tried to bury in the past. There are moments of laughter as the fun and funny characters bring lighthearted energy at the beginning of the play, but a serious turn midpoint of the play and the reveal of her generational trauma pulls at your heart strings and brings not only tears but a deeper understanding toward the humans that suffer under our immigration policies.  This show is powerful and thoroughly engaging. 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/10865

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Take Me As I Am: A Joni Mitchell Tribute 

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF23’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Rainee Blake

WHAT: Take Me As I Am: A Joni Mitchell Tribute

WHERE: Three Clubs, 1123 N. Vine St

WHY: What an amazing tribute to one of the most beloved artists of all time.  Every single audience member either grew up on Joni Mitchell’s music or was inspired by her art in some way.  The stage itself is intimate with a microphone, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and Joni’s famous dulcimer. When Rainee Blake walks on stage, barefooted and with the signature blonde hair and bangs, we immediately step back in time to a bygone era.  Rainee fully transforms into Joni Mitchell – with a fantastic Canadian accent to boot! The music, voice and expert handling of the instruments, was awe-inspiring and brought tears to my eyes. If you grew up on Joni’s music or if you like beautiful, heartfelt singing, this is the show for you. 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9822

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Who Am I? A Human Revolution 

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF23’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Helema Maggiore 

WHAT: Who Am I? A Human Revolution 

WHERE: Zephyr Theatre , 7456 Melrose Avenue

WHY: Singer/songwriter Helema Maggiore tells the harrowing story of addiction and recovery through music and storytelling. From the moment we are introduced to Helema as a child, we learn two things: she loves music and she adores her musician father who ultimately succumbs to drug addiction.  This not only drastically impacts Helema, who vows never to touch alcohol or drugs, but it also foreshadows some of Helema’s struggles as she grows into adulthood. This show is a testament to the human will to survive when life is seemingly hopeless, and the power of love, family and spirituality to bring us back to ourselves.  Helema’s voice and her music are remarkable and a highlight of this powerful play. 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9553

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: Sister From Another Planet

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , , ,

by Azo Safo

Quick peeks at #HFF23’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Nancy Beverly

WHAT: Sister From Another Planet

WHERE: Zephyr Theatre , 7456 Melrose Avenue

WHY: This show is a combination of humor, wit and charm.  At its core, it is about self-discovery.  What starts as a love for books and a series of nudges from the universe leads Nancy Beverly on a personal journey toward finding her true identity.  Is Nancy a boy or a girl?  It’s a question she is asked as a child and it’s one that stays with her until a spiritual awakening brings her to the answers she seeks. Every moment of this solo play is a precious, well crafted masterpiece, which is not surprising because Nancy Beverly is an accomplished writer.  But, there’s also the added layer of warmth and vulnerability in her performance that adds so much heart to the piece. The tone of the play is lighthearted and sweet and the performance is thoroughly engaging. 

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9695

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe!”

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: I Heart Maroc

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , ,

by Constance Strickland

Quick peeks at #HFF21’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Azo Safo

WHAT: I Heart Maroc

WHERE: The Broadwater Black Box 6322 Santa Monica Blvd (+ Live-Stream)

WHY: Because Azo Safo was a magical sight to behold onstage. Because each time Azo moved her body through space we were swept away to Morocco. Because each time Azo turns in the air like a magician I literally begin to see Khajida’s face, the way she tips her head when she speaks. Because I heard her mother’s voice and found deep laughter (as I know a few Armenian mothers in Glendale!).

Because I, too, fell in love with Mohammed, the villagers (even Sidi), I found I was not quite ready to yet leave these characters, either. Because onstage I saw a whole woman who had connected the dots of her life and was able to find delight and satisfaction, understand the pain, and reckon with the future. Because I Heart Maroc was a beautiful gift to – or perhaps for – the spirit. Because when Azo swallows a tear, no words are needed. We the audience completely understand and honor the story, her story she shared with us.

HOW: Catch a “Best of the Brodwater” Encore Performance September 5! https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7091

Click Here to Find More Hollywood Fringe Encores

#FringeFemmes Check-Ins: I Heart Maroc

Fringe Festival, playwriting, , , , ,

by Heather Dowling

Quick peeks at #HFF21’s “Women on the Fringe” by Fringe Femmes who are behind the scenes this year. Click Here for all Check-Ins

Fringe Femmes

WHO: Azo Safo

WHAT: I Heart Maroc

WHERE: The Broadwater Black Box 6322 Santa Monica Blvd (+ Live-Stream)

WHY: In this lively solo show, Azo invites us on a vivid, funny and incredibly empathetic journey to Morocco. We get to witness Azo unraveling her life’s purpose, “changing the world one bitlma at a time,” as a Peace Corps volunteer. She has to learn the language, negotiate the currency, survive a Moroccan wedding – and somehow avoid the donkey poop. Will this young, well-meaning Armenian-American find her purpose and save humanity, or will she honor her mother’s wishes and end up married to an Armenian dentist? It’s an ending you will definitely want to discover yourself!

HOW: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7091

Click Here to Find More “Women on the Fringe”