United Solo, the largest festival dedicated to solo theatrical performances, has kicked off its 9th season featuring over 100 productions from six continents. Every night, the festival presents up to five different shows, including world premieres and encore performances, back by popular demand.
Here are eight shows to keep on your radar at this year's festival. United Solo 2018 began September 13 and continues through November 18.
A TRAIN
Back by popular demand and winner of the Best Production Award at United Solo 2017, A Train is the tale of one mother's journey through having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Written by Broadway veteran Anne Torsiglieri (Top Girls), the show includes verbatim interviews from her past, original songs, and moves between comedy and poignancy. The piece is directed by Risa Brainin; remaining performance is October 8 at 9 PM.
HOMEFUL
A new show from American-Korean playwright and actor Amy Mihyang Ginther, Homeful follows Amy across continents and borders, through meetings with new people and her exploration of diverse cultural norms. Amy dissects her identity as American, transracial adopted, and a woman of color, and examines the questions: "Where are you from?" and what is "home?" The play utilizes multimedia and music. Performances are October 18 and 20 at 9 PM.
GOOD STANDING
Just a week after marrying the love of his life, a gay man faces excommunication from the Mormon church. Written by Matthew Greene and starring Austin Archer, Good Standing is a play about faith and love. This will be the third time the show has been performed at United Solo, following a run in Salt Lake City. The piece is directed by Jerry Rapier; performance is November 4 at 2 PM.
LILLY
Lilly is the true story of how Lillian Colón became the very first Latina Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Performed by Colón herself, the show traces her roots in an orphanage in the Bronx to her roles in West Side Story at Lincoln Center, in three Puerto Rican Day Parades, and at the 61st Academy Awards. Through adversity and prejudice, Colón rose from humble beginnings to become an inspiration on the stage. Special encore performance: October 27 at 9 PM.
FRIDA KAHLO: LONG LIVE LIFE
Susan Rybin is Frida Kahlo in this intimate evening drawn from elements of the painter's real life. Set on Day of the Dead, Kahlo waits for dinner guests, and while she does so, speaks about her life, her passions, her relationships, and her homeland. A fictional amalgamation of different parts of the artist's life, the show is a celebration of her spirit and her enduring relevance. Remaining performance is October 6 at 9 PM.
THE AUSCHWITZ VOLUNTEER
This true historical play follows Polish army officer Witold Pilecki who volunteered for an undercover mission and barely survived almost three years of torture, brutality, disease, and starvation. Set in September 1940, the piece follows the unflinching bravery of a man who risked his life to smuggle intelligence to the Allied forces in World War II, and who rallied a resistance organization among captives. Performed and directed by Marek Probosz and narrated by Terry Tegnazian, The Auschwitz Volunteer has been adapted by Terry Tegnazian and Debra Gendel. Performance is November 11 at 7:30 PM.
LAST DANCE
A love letter to dance, Last Dance celebrates historic dancers from different eras and their influences. Written and performed by Aaron cash with music by Andrew Furze, the show examines the legacies of Gunter Von Pantzappfel, Garcia Arranjuez, and others. Performance is September 30 at 6 PM.
The show may have completed its United Solo run but be sure to be on the lookout for future performances...
BIGFOOT STOLE MY WIFE
Inspired by a short story by Robert Carlson, Bigfoot Stole My Wife is a look at writer and performer's Alan Altschuler's life, particularly his relationships with women. Using Carlson's story as the basis of his self-discovery, the show follows his journey to becoming his own man and understanding his own history. Andrew Borthwick-Leslie directs.
