This is being reposted here because apparently the Fresno Famous site is blocked to IPs outside of the US.
A couple of Asians noodling tales
or how I was forced back onto the stage with threats of dog-napping
Pho For The Soul opens at the Broken Leg Stage on May 6 and runs through May 15. It features 2 (yep, you read that right… TWO) theatrical storytelling shows in one evening. Namely, “Tales Of Laos” and “Lies My Father Told Me”. What a deal, eh?
The former by KP Phagnasay is a brand new solo performance being developed for touring. “There are these folktales that both delighted and scared the crap out of me as a kid that I want to put on stage”, KP told me. The wild excitement in his eye made me say, “Cool! How can I help?” Of course I was thinking in terms of creative suggestions, marketing, etc
“I want you to put on your solo show that you did at the Rogue a few years ago.” he shot back with a sly grin. Crickets chirped in the background… further punctuating my silence and reticence.
You see, both KP and his wife, Brandy, have been egging me on (brow beating me is more to the point) for the last few months to get back into the game. Suffice to say, my reluctance only spurred them with renewed vigor. First were the offers to direct a project for their company, then came the bribes (scotch) followed later with threats (of kidnapping my dog).
None of it worked until KP came over one morning and told me about this project. I capitulated. ONE: Both shows would complement each other. TWO: Since it first ran at the Rogue (and though it did well) I’ve always thought it could still be retooled. THREE: Two words… mortgage payment.
So, yeah… I’ll be performing the improved and retooled “Lies My Father Told Me”… with my old college room-mate, Johnnie McCorvey who will be “sound-tracking” live on guitar.
The show runs at the 50 seat Broken Leg Stage, 1470 N. Van Ness… a quarter block up from Audie’s Olympic Tavern on May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, & 15. Tickets are $11. Advanced tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets for the Friday & Saturday shows. (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/108945) Thursday shows are Pay What You Want.. which doesn’t mean that it is free… but we’ll give you details when you turn up.
As an added bonus Suicide Lounge will be offering a “Pay What You Want After Party” in the same space after the performance of our show on the 2 Saturdays. You may want to check their site (or Facebook page) for details.
You’ll want to come to this… and bring friends. Hey, I may bomb in my half and attempt to save the show by doing it naked. Ya never know.