Based on mutual respect, the ensemble cast threads together obvious and often overlooked aspects of show biz success.
Together with longtime friend Paul Lauden and others, Juggernaut Producer Jake O’Flaherty continues with big-selling shows at Whitefire Theatre on Ventura Blvd. Random Acts of Theatre –Whitefire’s current fare running with three others– assembles crackerjack personnel and elements throughout its one show of 8 short comedies with 30 actors, 6 videos, 4 writers and 5 directors. Other theatres offer similar formats though they do not pack customers into seats night after night, performance after performance like the Whitefire.
There is supreme loyalty to Jake and theatre owner Bryan Rasmussen which means every show has a wonderful turnout of family, friends, great comedy and showbiz associates. You can catch them all in the lobby during intermissions over drinks and snacks, socializing and singing the praises of all the fabulously creative people they have been watching. Some nights feature a pizza-centered banquet on stage after the show. At last Wednesday’s opening the after party treated all to food and drink plus vodka/fruit Skinny Chillers made by Slim Freezers.
Writer/director/producer/actor Paul Lauden. Deep trust, long history and liking between him and the theatre paved the way for Paul to assemble the show. His Arrogant Bastard brew videos –take offs on The World’s Most Interesting Man commercials– peppered the evening along with clips from his other works News 1/Zantraxanoid and Mr. Velcro.
These actors, 30 of them, have more talent than I could ever fit in one small article. But, if you go to Whitefire.com website, you will able to get to explore info on all the talented people that are Random Acts of Theatre.
A quick shout for the six directors and producers gives a taste of the level at which Whitefire creates content and performance. Nicole Burch wrote and performs in three Random Acts pieces: Smart Girls Finish Last, Fat Girl in My Head and Are They or Aren’t They. Mark Fink who has written and produced shows for every major network directed Unfiltered. Paul Lauden is a writer of short comedy Unfiltered plus writer/director of Obviously Obvious and Look After You. Jessica Lynn Johnson (Best National Solo Artist award ) displays her talent as a director in the Random Acts’ Unmotivational Speakerpiece. NYC AADA graduate Ralph Odierna produced Sony Classic’s The Last Supper along with writing/directing two Random Acts’ pieces titled Love or Money and Spa Day.
Random Acts opened April 6 and can be seen Wednesdays at 8pm through May 4, 2016 at the Whitefire Theatre 13500 Ventura Blvd with tickets available at Brownpapertickets.com.
Check Whitefire Theatre.com for additional shows or to book the space call 818-990-2324.