Self-Acceptance and Stereotypes at Center of Kristina Haddad's New Comedic Play MISS ETHNIC NON-SPECIFIC

Actress/Writer Kristina Haddad searches for self-acceptance and fights stereotypes in her new comedic play, MISS ETHNIC NON-SPECIFIC. The multi-media production will premiere with six performances only, running August 25th through September 3rd at Shaking-the-Tree Theatre in Portland.

Based on her real-life, MISS ETHNIC NON-SPECIFIC explores Kristina's (Haddad) all-American identity crisis journey. This wild ride transports audiences from the small town Walnut County Talent show to the cut-throat streets of Hollywood Blvd as she searches for a sense of belonging. Along the way, Kristina confronts race, culture, misogyny, and the need to fit into the molds of others -- before shattering them into a million pieces.

Haddad adds, "As we navigate through a world that, in this moment in time has deeply rooted challenges, I feel this piece is more important than ever. Stereotypes abound and I want to punch through those labels. MISS ETHNIC NON-SPECIFIC is my contribution to that dialogue."

Directed by fellow actor Joseph Bertot and starring Haddad, the production also features Alexandra Blatt and Casey Pfeifer. Haddad's universal theme speaks to anyone who has looked in the mirror and tried to change their appearance, or tried as hard as they could to fit into a box, in order to feel welcomed.

Bertot shares, "The show touches on the immigrant experience and the stereotypes that persist in our culture at large. Through the lens of the show, I want to convey that love for this country isn't a birthright, it's a bond that comes from these constitutional rights: 'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' Mixing live performance, film and projection we are making the show an immersive, rich experience to more deeply convey this message."

The project first emerged last year as a wildly successful staged reading at Artist's Repertory Theatre for the Fertile Ground Festival. Blatt adds, "Content created and performed by women is currently more sought after than ever, and Kristina's voice is an essential addition to this movement. I'm thrilled to be a part of this show and support such a powerful story and person."

Now based in Portland, Haddad is an actor and acting coach with more than 25 years of experience in film, television, and theater. Her film credits include Adam Sandler's hilarious You Don't Mess with the Zohan, the rom-com A Big Love Story, the coming-of-age comedy Tracktown starring Rachel Dratch, and a long list of celebrated indie films. On the small screen, Haddad is a series regular on The Exceptionals; and appeared on Valley of the Dolls, as well as the popular TNT late-night show Conan. Haddad has performed in dozens of plays in Los Angeles, including the acclaimed AmerWrecka which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; and Mom directed by TV veteran Ellen Sandler. During the last several years she has performed her one-person environmentally themed show Save Sheldon! throughout the United States.

MISS ETHNIC NON-SPECIFIC
Date: August 25 - September 3, 2017; Fridays & Saturdays 8:00pm / Sundays 7:00pm
Location: Shaking-the-Tree Theatre (823 SE Grant St, Portland, OR)
Price: Adults: $20.00; Seniors/Students: $15.00
Tickets + Information visit: www.MissEthnicNonSpecific.com

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