FOREVER BROOKLYN Opens January 5 At The Whitefire

WHAT: Forever Brooklyn, a solo musical comedy. Los Angeles Premiere.

WHO: Written and directed by Mark Wesley Curran. Produced by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. Starring Danny DiTorrice.

WHERE: Whitefire Thaetre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

WHEN: January 5- February 9, 2019. Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: $30.

RESERVATIONS: (800) 838-3006.

ONLINE TICKETING: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3613939

Subtitled "A Kosher Musical Comedy," Forever Brooklyn is the story of Melvin Kaplofkis, a young man growing up in Brooklyn in the 1950s who emerges in the 1960s as Mel King, The King of Brooklyn. Young Mel entertains his family and friends by telling jokes and stories. He is championed by a local radio personality, and Mel begins to move up, with gigs in the Borscht Belt resorts. It turns out he actually has a flair for performing, and ultimately, he is booked for an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Sounds like a dream, no? Well, not quite. His family doesn't want him to leave Brooklyn. Also, he's been pressed into service, against his will, as a bagman for the Mob that's been ruling Brooklyn with an iron fist. The Mob doesn't want Mel to leave Brooklyn behind. If he does, there will be a price to be paid.

And, oh yes: Along the way, he falls in love.

What does Mel do?

Forever Brooklyn is a show for everyone who misses Brooklyn or New York (and there are thousands of people transplanted to L.A. from the East Coast who fit that description) , or for anyone living in L.A. who came from somewhere else and somehow just can't forget the place they once called home.

The music in the show is a broad mix, ranging from traditional klezmer and Jewish tunes to humorous satirical song parodies.

Danny DiTorrice (pronounced deeTORE-ree-chay) portrays all the characters. A graduate of University of Northern Colorado, he previously portrayed roles in The Importance of Being Earnest, Clybourne Park, Savage in Limbo and Intimate Apparel. He is also skilled in stand-up and improvisational comedy.

Mark Wesley Curran is the playwright and director. His previous full-length play is Eubie Waller's Last Rites. He is also a filmmaker. He produced, wrote and directed Abandoned Dead (a horror feature) and Poe in His Own Words, an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe. Curran is based in Los Angeles.

In the mood for a laugh and a song? Forever Brooklyn is the show for you.

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