Celebrity Therapist's World Premiere Play BECOMING HUMAN to Open at The McCadden Theatre

Dr. Nicki J. Monti did not have a good childhood. A narcissistic and demanding mother, a checked-out dad, and a series of crappy relationships. What better fodder for a future therapist? After decades of mommy-drama, up and coming California therapist Nicki Joy finds herself back on the couch begging for shortcuts to achieve closure with the powerful, intelligent, funny, alcoholic, narcissistic woman who birthed her. This new dark comedy by celebrity therapist Dr. Nicki Joy Monti unapologetically pulls from the her own gut-wrenching past to weave an inspiring family drama with plenty of sexual exploits, fury, heartbreak, and healing-where none of the names have been changed to protect the guilty.

When asked why write this story now and as a play, Monti, who originally trained as an actress, said " I've written in many forms: fiction novels; non-fiction books; short stories; blogs; poetry....but never a play. However, I come from an extensive theater background - an art I truly admire - so in conceiving where to go with my story nothing felt more immediate, vivacious and Sacred than a play." The idea to write the play came to her "as a vivid announcement" shortly after the death of her mother a couple of years ago. Since it's inception, it has been shaped and reshaped by the talented and respected director and dramaturg Diana Wyenn into the multi-character ensemble it is now, but "the taste, feel and intention has remained the same"from the day Monti decided to put pen to paper.

Monti is known for her no-nonsense therapy style that she combines with quite a bit of humor and compassion ( www.stucknomore.com ). Her vivacious personality and acting background have allowed her to not only to enjoy a thriving practice both locally and world-wide, but to be called on on to assist several TV families. She has had on-screen therapy sessions on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Millionaire Matchmaker, and The Two Coreysamong others. Diana Wyenn is a celebrated LA based director and dramaturg known for her work with Redcat and Evidence Room, among others. She took on Monti's biographical piece because it's ultimately about transformation, which is what lies at the heart of all great theater...and therapy.

Other members of the BECOMING HUMAN team include veteran LA stage actors Lauren Campedelli*, Michael Matthys*, and John Moskal*, as well as relative newcomers Leticia Robles, Kat Rodriguez, and Wasim No'Mani. The design team includes Joey Guthman on Set and Lights, Circket S. Myers on Sound, and Mylette Nora on Costumes. Produced by VicToria Watson.

www.plays411.com/becominghuman