Dates: 9/24/2026 - 10/2/2026 New Play
7936 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Phone: 3252687332
MELT RETURNS TO WEST HOLLYWOOD
Following its sold-out premiere, MELT returns to the Marilyn Monroe Theatre for six performances only, September 24 through October 2.
When Eli, a gifted theatre student, and Ryan, a celebrated hockey captain, are cast as romantic leads opposite each other in their professor’s play, rehearsals begin to feel dangerously real. As the line between performance and truth dissolves, the two young men must decide what their connection means before someone else writes their story for them.
Written by Shak Kanish and directed by Fabiana Medici and Chris Prinzo, MELT is a funny, tender new play about masculinity, vulnerability, and the many ways men love each other.
CRITICAL RECOGNITION
StageSceneLA recognized MELT as:
• Most Promising New Play
• Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy-Drama, Intimate Theater
LA Theatrix praised the production’s “strong comedic moments, effective staging and thoughtful technical choices.”
WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING
★★★★★ “The writing is superb, pacing incredible, and the acting magnificent.”
— Mark Wax
Read the review: https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104396616670035322946/reviews?hl=en
★★★★★ “Ninety minutes that honestly felt like forty. Funny, raw, emotional, and so grounded… I walked out joyful.”
— Noa Taieb
Read the review: https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114251827960597240768/reviews?hl=en
★★★★★ “Amazing show! It’s both hilarious and heartfelt… The writing is sharp. The cast brings it to life beautifully.”
— BroadwayWorld audience review
Read the review: https://www.broadwayworld.com/myshows/profile/2462931-ensemble1782583805
CAST
Shak Kanish as Eli Watkins
Nicholas Scott as Ryan Hale
Martin Gelbspan as Finch
Jaden Harris Shaw as Ryan Hale
Featuring music by Surya Miele and Rory Glassford, including the original song “What If,” written by Shak Kanish and composed by Surya Miele.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
September 24 at 7:30 PM
September 25 at 7:30 PM
September 26 at 7:30 PM
September 30 at 7:30 PM
October 1 at 7:30 PM
October 2 at 8:00 PM
MARILYN MONROE THEATRE
Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
7936 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, California 90046
TICKETS
Students can purchase $5 tickets with code STUDENT2026.
Recommended for ages 16 and older.
“★★★★★ “The writing is superb, pacing incredible, and the acting magnificent.””
https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104396616670035322946/reviews?hl=en
“★★★★★ “Ninety minutes that honestly felt like forty. Funny, raw, emotional, and so grounded… I walked out joyful.””
https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114251827960597240768/reviews?hl=en
“Melt (in the immortal words of Renée Zellweger to Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire) pretty much had me from hello!”
https://stagescenela.com/2026/06/melt/
Following a successful world premiere earlier this year, the theatre-hockey romance play Melt stages its encore at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre. Melt agonizes over missed opportunities and the question “What if?”
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