Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (START) in association with Pacific Resident Theatre presents writer/performer Steve Spiro’s funny, refreshing and highly theatrical solo show, based on true events. A young Jewish boy in London transforms himself, through sheer force of will (and plenty of chutzpah) from bullied underdog to martial artist, boxer, community leader and animal rights activist. All proceeds from the production will benefit START Rescue as well as selected animal charities and anti-bullying groups. Sept. 20 – Oct. 28; Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046; $25; (323) 960-7788 or go to www.plays411.com/UKunderdog
UK Underdog
Reviews
I found myself constantly pulled into his many trials and tribulations as they were so emotionally charged and heartfelt, especially when he doubted his own ability to make choices in life to take him on another path to greater success. Fear and confusion are treacherous enemies that keep us from taking that first step into new opportunities, and Spiro expertly shares his insight into what it took, often even surprising himself, to find a better way to live his life successfully.
Steve Spiro gives a heartfelt and heartbreaking performance, and his story is one that will stay with me for a long time, for a myriad of reasons.
*On a side note, all proceeds from the production will benefit Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team, and other selected animal charities and anti-bullying groups, both causes near and dear to Steve Spiro's heart.
Not only will you be supporting a wonderful cause, START an animal rescue operation but you will be rewarded by eighty minutes of talent in motion. Steve Spiro narrates his life story in a way that will have you open mouthed at his versatility as he creates dozens of characters from his past, with only his voice, body language, facial expressions and attitude.
There are many reasons to see writer/performer Steve Spiro's entertaining and touching one man show, a powerful and emotional true story now playing at the Zephyr Theatre. Nicely shaped by director Ann Bronston, Spiro brings his childhood and subsequent years to life in a palpable way as he morphs from underdog to the inspirational person he is today. In a riveting performance, he convincingly lays bare how his life was formed by fortitude and self-regard.
Truth be told there really isn't all that much unusual about a teen male, or sometimes female, being bullied by some peers. That Steve Spiro chose to elevate his physical person to combat that bullying sends an excellent message. That a young man or woman may choose to go to Hollywood to pursue an acting career is anything but rare. But the overall quality of the performance and the very unique and powerful ending makes this one-man show one that deserves to be seen and enjoyed.
Spiro, a charismatic actor who switches from drama to comedy in a twinkling—and is an excellent mime to boot—delivers his autobiographical spiel in a dynamic, hard-driving way, catching the audience up in his spell in tour de force fashion... UK Underdog is a solo show with a lot of heart. It is not only entertaining but deeply moving, poignant and, above all, life-affirming.
I found myself constantly pulled into his many trials and tribulations as they were so emotionally charged and heartfelt, especially when he doubted his own ability to make choices in life to take him on another path to greater success. Fear and confusion are treacherous enemies that keep us from taking that first step into new opportunities, and Spiro expertly shares his insight into what it took, often even surprising himself, to find a better way to live his life successfully.
Steve Spiro gives a heartfelt and heartbreaking performance, and his story is one that will stay with me for a long time, for a myriad of reasons.
*On a side note, all proceeds from the production will benefit Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team, and other selected animal charities and anti-bullying groups, both causes near and dear to Steve Spiro's heart.
Not only will you be supporting a wonderful cause, START an animal rescue operation but you will be rewarded by eighty minutes of talent in motion. Steve Spiro narrates his life story in a way that will have you open mouthed at his versatility as he creates dozens of characters from his past, with only his voice, body language, facial expressions and attitude.
There are many reasons to see writer/performer Steve Spiro's entertaining and touching one man show, a powerful and emotional true story now playing at the Zephyr Theatre. Nicely shaped by director Ann Bronston, Spiro brings his childhood and subsequent years to life in a palpable way as he morphs from underdog to the inspirational person he is today. In a riveting performance, he convincingly lays bare how his life was formed by fortitude and self-regard.
Truth be told there really isn't all that much unusual about a teen male, or sometimes female, being bullied by some peers. That Steve Spiro chose to elevate his physical person to combat that bullying sends an excellent message. That a young man or woman may choose to go to Hollywood to pursue an acting career is anything but rare. But the overall quality of the performance and the very unique and powerful ending makes this one-man show one that deserves to be seen and enjoyed.
Spiro, a charismatic actor who switches from drama to comedy in a twinkling—and is an excellent mime to boot—delivers his autobiographical spiel in a dynamic, hard-driving way, catching the audience up in his spell in tour de force fashion... UK Underdog is a solo show with a lot of heart. It is not only entertaining but deeply moving, poignant and, above all, life-affirming.