A new comedy, “MPAT’s Burt Thunders Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales!”, is set to make its world premiere as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. The production follows the story of a fading local celebrity, Burt Thunders, who attempts to raise one million dollars to save all whales for all time.
The production serves as a fundraiser for marine conservation, with all proceeds benefiting The Bay Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the protection and restoration of Santa Monica Bay.
Creative Vision and Production
Written and executive produced by Sam Keeney, the play explores how far an individual would go to make the world a better place. Keeney, a Los Angeles-based writer and member of the film production company “Some Dude Productions,” noted that seeing director Evan Spreen’s “Unsweet Perdition” at the Hollywood Fringe Festival motivated him to bring this work to the stage.
The show is presented by Fables and Rumors Productions, an LA-based theatre company that prioritizes the power of storytelling to connect communities and culture. Director Evan Spreen, an award-winning LGBTQ director and member of the DGA, HWA, and SFWA, brings international experience from New Mexico, Poland, and Japan to the project.
Performance Schedule and Logistics
The production will preview on Saturday, June 6th, with official runs scheduled from June 14th to June 25th. The show has a runtime of 90 minutes and will hold five performances at the Zephyr Theatre, located at 7456 Melrose Avenue.
Tickets are available for $20 through the Hollywood Fringe website. The creative team includes a wide array of specialists, including sound designer Ian Sutherland, lighting designer Zachary Seaton Lewis, and scenic designer Dominique Jakowec.
The cast features Eric Schinzer, Taína Estévez, Marcus Escobar, Lisa Eve, Naomi Melville, Amelia Mackey, Shelby Ryan Lee, and Brandon Whipple. Many of the team members are Fringe veterans with previous credits in projects such as “Where Within” and “The Show of Many Things.”
Given the production’s charitable focus, the success of the run could result in a meaningful financial contribution to the restoration of Santa Monica Bay. The experience may also establish a further presence for Fables and Rumors Productions within the Los Angeles theatre community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the play be performed?
The play will be performed at the Zephyr Theatre, located at 7456 Melrose Avenue.
How much do tickets cost and where can they be purchased?
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via the Hollywood Fringe website.
Which organization receives the proceeds from the show?
All proceeds go towards The Bay Foundation, which focuses on restoring and protecting Santa Monica Bay.
How do you feel about the intersection of comedy and environmental fundraising in local theatre?
