Letter from David at Santa Monica Playhouse

A young magician’s quest to work with his idol David Bowie leads to a wild ride of self-discovery… and a big surprise in this true story that’s part memoir and part love letter to the 70s and 80s glam rock era. Starring actor and professional magician Albie Selznick, and directed by Laura Maccabee, Letter from David, which made its premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026, will run from October 18 through December 20 at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Two preview performances take place on October 4 and October 11.

Who says working with David Bowie is impossible? Not teenage magician Albie Selznick, whose steadfast determination propels him on a comedic journey amidst LA’s ever-changing cultural zeitgeist. With a little ingenuity, a lot of moxie, and a ton of help from his infamous performance troupe The Mums, Selznick shares how he mimed, juggled, and tightrope walked his way through the theatre, club and rock scenes to reach his hero. This solo theatrical show, a 2026 Fringe Festival Planners Pick Award Nominee, is performed by Selznick and features narrative appearances by the likes of Andy Warhol and other highly celebrated cultural icons from that era.

Albie Selznick created and performed in Smoke and Mirrors, the long-running production that the Los Angeles Times called “a brilliant theatrical magic show”. A lifetime member of The Magic Castle, Albie curated and hosted Magic Monday, a weekly showcase of rotating magicians that played for five straight years at the Santa Monica Playhouse. For three decades, Selznick performed with his theatrical circus trio The Mums. The Herald Examiner wrote, “The Mums do for the art of juggling and magic what Elvis did for Rock and Roll.” As an actor Selznick consistently works on both stage and screen. He can currently be seen as Michael Jackson’s plastic surgeon in the film Michael.

Performances run from October 18 through December 20, on Sundays at 7 p.m. Preview performances are October 4 and October 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts for students, teachers, seniors, military, and groups of 10 or more.