After a shitty year – losing both parents, then his home in the Woolsey fire – one man attempts to rise from the ashes and celebrate LIFE in a new way.
Imagine if a raging fire was outside your door, about to burn your home to the ground. You have only minutes to grab a few items and get out before everything goes up in smoke. What would you take? What would you leave behind? What do you treasure the most?
This one-person-show is a comic reexamination of what’s really important in life. It’s about holding onto humor, hope, and trusting that something bigger is at play, even in the midst of tragedy.
The subject matter can be heavy, diving into depression, Alzheimer’s, living “in the middle of the sandwich” (an expression for a middle-aged parent with their own child and taking care of an elder parent at the same time) and being directly in the path of the most devastating wild fire to hit L.A. in the last twenty years.
We know this may sound depressing. (This is a very tough elevator pitch.) But we promise Birthday is a celebration of life…and might even have you dancing on the way out.
25% of Birthday show ticket sales go to California Fire Foundation, which offer scholarships to children of fallen firefighters, and provide aid to victims of fire or other natural disasters.
A heartfelt look into a deeply personal story of loss, growth, and celebration. Michael's story was funny, captivating, and heartwarming. An absolutely wonderful way to spend an evening!
A deeply personal journey of loss and wonder that will make you laugh and cry, sometimes even at the same time. Michael David chronicles his healing and growth in anecdotal lessons and insight in a way that is entertaining and heartfelt. Don’t miss
What would you take with you if you had only minutes to gather your belongings in a fire? What Michael was able to grab in seconds fit into a small blue bin.
What he was able to share with the audience was from a very small bin, he could somehow move the audience using humor and impeccable timing, the most meaningful, painful, exhilarating experiences from childhood to his adult life. He showed us his resentments, gratitude, moods, surprises and heart wrenching final words from his parents all wrapped up in the package of a birthday celebration (or non celebration).
His delivery was captivating, not a moment was lost without nervous laughter, actual laughter, tears and introspection.
A blue bin filled with treasured rich memories of family and a full circle moment that includes, a fire, a whale and zanax.
Very funny yet moving celebration of personal growth and survival. Michael somehow emerges undefeated from life's family traumas with humor and an elevating spiritual perspective.
I LOVED this show and feel like I just witnessed the birth of a star in such a special, moving, intimate performance bursting with humor and heart! Michael shares a refreshingly honest, raw portrait of his life in an organic and beautiful way. Rooted in themes of loss and depression, he seamlessly weaves together different eras from his challenging personal journey and makes the characters along the way come alive. But most importantly Michael comes alive as his wit transforms tragedy into love, triumph and hope. There’s nothing better than laughing uncontrollably off your seat and moments later sobbing like a deep wound was just cut open; that type of catharsis was brilliantly achieved here. What a talented voice to emerge in a brave one-man show — can’t wait to see more from Michael David Ker. Bravo “Birthday”!
Although I have been to many plays and performance art, I have never been to a one person show. The thought of being in a small room with a stranger, possibly sharing uncomfortable stories freaked me out. David’s performance was real, smart, funny, touching, all around enjoyable. I wanted it to go on for another hour.
If Woody Allen had a laid back hippie love child, he would be Michal Ker. He suffers a catastrophic year of loss but Michael finds as much wit as he does sorrow in coming to terms with challenges of being a grown up child and homeowner. A heartfelt and humorous tale that moves at a brisk pace.
Not many people can turn depression, death and wildfires into something hilarious, but Michael David Ker somehow manages to do so. The show is totally honest and heartfelt and has you laughing out loud and crying all at the same time. Nothing flashy here, just raw, real and beautiful story telling by the witty and lovable Michael David Ker.
Michael is a charming storyteller! A wonderful mix of honesty, humor, and insight mixed into the raw recounting of some of the harshest tragedies that could befall a person, losing parents and losing a home... all in one year! Birthday is a celebration of life and death and connecting to the tether of sanity that guides us through all of it with humor and grace.
Michael’s sense of humor kept a smile on my face even as he faced some of the harshest aspects that reality has to offer. His stories were moving, his presence captivating, and his insight generous. I felt inspired and grateful to have been able to experience the intimacy of what he was presenting us. A gift indeed!
Great show! Intimate and deeply personal, funny, sad and filled with wonderful and captivating stories. All the makings of great storytelling. Think David Sedaris. Go with your friends and be moved.
It was a very warm and deep story told by Michael, who was brave enough to share his story with us in order to get motivated and inspired. Life is a journey and there is a stronger power and beauty around us if we pay attention, so I think Michael brought it to me and made me think. From the very first appearance I loved the way he was open and positive, I wanted to listen and listen to him. Great Job!
Birthday is captivating and engaging from start to finish. Starting with waking up to the Woolsey Fire in Malibu and being evacuated from his home on a moments notice, he is somehow able to bring a comedic lightness to an otherwise devastating situation. Michael brings you in to his world of loss, love and celebration in his own heartfelt and comedic way that leaves you both laughing and crying. Each vignette or story threads together a beautiful picture; one of gratitude, awe, mystery, and love.
A heartfelt look into a deeply personal story of loss, growth, and celebration. Michael's story was funny, captivating, and heartwarming. An absolutely wonderful way to spend an evening!
A deeply personal journey of loss and wonder that will make you laugh and cry, sometimes even at the same time. Michael David chronicles his healing and growth in anecdotal lessons and insight in a way that is entertaining and heartfelt. Don’t miss
What would you take with you if you had only minutes to gather your belongings in a fire? What Michael was able to grab in seconds fit into a small blue bin.
What he was able to share with the audience was from a very small bin, he could somehow move the audience using humor and impeccable timing, the most meaningful, painful, exhilarating experiences from childhood to his adult life. He showed us his resentments, gratitude, moods, surprises and heart wrenching final words from his parents all wrapped up in the package of a birthday celebration (or non celebration).
His delivery was captivating, not a moment was lost without nervous laughter, actual laughter, tears and introspection.
A blue bin filled with treasured rich memories of family and a full circle moment that includes, a fire, a whale and zanax.
Very funny yet moving celebration of personal growth and survival. Michael somehow emerges undefeated from life's family traumas with humor and an elevating spiritual perspective.
I LOVED this show and feel like I just witnessed the birth of a star in such a special, moving, intimate performance bursting with humor and heart! Michael shares a refreshingly honest, raw portrait of his life in an organic and beautiful way. Rooted in themes of loss and depression, he seamlessly weaves together different eras from his challenging personal journey and makes the characters along the way come alive. But most importantly Michael comes alive as his wit transforms tragedy into love, triumph and hope. There’s nothing better than laughing uncontrollably off your seat and moments later sobbing like a deep wound was just cut open; that type of catharsis was brilliantly achieved here. What a talented voice to emerge in a brave one-man show — can’t wait to see more from Michael David Ker. Bravo “Birthday”!
Although I have been to many plays and performance art, I have never been to a one person show. The thought of being in a small room with a stranger, possibly sharing uncomfortable stories freaked me out. David’s performance was real, smart, funny, touching, all around enjoyable. I wanted it to go on for another hour.
If Woody Allen had a laid back hippie love child, he would be Michal Ker. He suffers a catastrophic year of loss but Michael finds as much wit as he does sorrow in coming to terms with challenges of being a grown up child and homeowner. A heartfelt and humorous tale that moves at a brisk pace.
Not many people can turn depression, death and wildfires into something hilarious, but Michael David Ker somehow manages to do so. The show is totally honest and heartfelt and has you laughing out loud and crying all at the same time. Nothing flashy here, just raw, real and beautiful story telling by the witty and lovable Michael David Ker.
Michael is a charming storyteller! A wonderful mix of honesty, humor, and insight mixed into the raw recounting of some of the harshest tragedies that could befall a person, losing parents and losing a home... all in one year! Birthday is a celebration of life and death and connecting to the tether of sanity that guides us through all of it with humor and grace.
Michael’s sense of humor kept a smile on my face even as he faced some of the harshest aspects that reality has to offer. His stories were moving, his presence captivating, and his insight generous. I felt inspired and grateful to have been able to experience the intimacy of what he was presenting us. A gift indeed!
Great show! Intimate and deeply personal, funny, sad and filled with wonderful and captivating stories. All the makings of great storytelling. Think David Sedaris. Go with your friends and be moved.
It was a very warm and deep story told by Michael, who was brave enough to share his story with us in order to get motivated and inspired. Life is a journey and there is a stronger power and beauty around us if we pay attention, so I think Michael brought it to me and made me think. From the very first appearance I loved the way he was open and positive, I wanted to listen and listen to him. Great Job!
Birthday is captivating and engaging from start to finish. Starting with waking up to the Woolsey Fire in Malibu and being evacuated from his home on a moments notice, he is somehow able to bring a comedic lightness to an otherwise devastating situation. Michael brings you in to his world of loss, love and celebration in his own heartfelt and comedic way that leaves you both laughing and crying. Each vignette or story threads together a beautiful picture; one of gratitude, awe, mystery, and love.
