Larissa FastHorse’s Fake It Until You Make It Kicks Off World Premiere in Los Angeles
Teh theatrical world is buzzing with excitement as Larissa FastHorse’s latest satirical farce, Fake It Until You Make It, begins its world premiere at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles on January 29. Directed by Michael John Garcés, this co-production between Center Theater Group and Arena Stage promises to deliver a whirlwind of competition, chaos, and comedic revelation.
The play dives into the nonprofit sector, where a collision of friends and foes spirals into a hilarious yet thought-provoking narrative. At its heart are two rival organizations: N.O.B.U.S.H., led by Wynona, a Native American proprietor, and Indigenous Nations Soaring, headed by River, her white counterpart. Their escalating rivalry pulls everyone around them into the crossfire, forcing colleagues and bystanders alike to take sides. Fake It Until You Make It offers an absurd yet considered look at identity and the lengths people will go to redefine themselves.
The Los Angeles cast features a stellar lineup, including Noah Bean (Romance), Eric Stanton Betts (Holiday Down Under), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Tonantzin Carmelo (La Brea), Brandon Delsid (This is Me … Now), and Dakota Ray Hebert (Marvel’s Echo). When the production transfers to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., Amy Brenneman (NYPD Blue, Judging Amy) will step into Bowen’s role.
Originally commissioned by Center Theatre Group, Fake It Until You Make It runs in Los Angeles through March 9 before heading to D.C. for performances from April 3 to May 4.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| playwright | Larissa FastHorse |
| Director | Michael John Garcés |
| Venues | Mark Taper Forum (Los Angeles), Arena Stage (Washington, D.C.) |
| Dates | January 29 – march 9 (Los Angeles), April 3 – May 4 (Washington, D.C.) |
| Cast | Noah Bean, Eric Stanton Betts, Julie Bowen, Tonantzin Carmelo, Brandon Delsid, Dakota Ray Hebert |
For tickets and more information, visit Center Theatre Group’s official website. Don’t miss this hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of identity, rivalry, and the lengths we go to reinvent ourselves.
Exploring Identity and Rivalry in Larissa FastHorse’s Fake It until You Make It
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Teh world premiere of Larissa FastHorse’s new play, fake it Until you Make It, is set to captivate audiences at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. This co-production between Center Theater Group and Arena Stage dives into the hilarious and chaotic world of the nonprofit sector, exploring themes of identity, rivalry, and reinvention. To delve deeper into the play’s importance, we sat down with Dr. Elena Martinez, a cultural anthropologist and expert in contemporary theater.
The Premise: A Clash of Identities
Editor: Dr. Martinez, the play centers around two rival nonprofits, N.O.B.U.S.H. and Indigenous Nations Soaring. Can you explain the significance of this dynamic?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. Fake It Until You Make It uses the nonprofit sector as a microcosm to explore larger societal issues. Wynona, the Native American leader of N.O.B.U.S.H., and River, the white leader of Indigenous Nations Soaring, represent competing narratives about identity and authenticity. their rivalry isn’t just personal—it’s a reflection of broader cultural tensions. FastHorse masterfully uses humor to highlight these complexities,making the audience laugh while also prompting them to think critically about who gets to define identity and how.
The Humor: Satire with a Purpose
Editor: How does FastHorse balance the play’s comedic elements with its deeper themes?
dr. Martinez: FastHorse is known for her sharp wit and ability to use satire as a tool for social commentary. The absurdity of the situations—like the escalating rivalry between the two organizations—amuses the audience, but it also underscores the absurdity of the real-world issues being examined. The humor isn’t just for laughs; it’s a vehicle for delivering uncomfortable truths. This duality makes the play both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The Cast: A Stellar ensemble
Editor: The cast includes notable actors like Julie Bowen and Tonantzin Carmelo. How does their involvement elevate the production?
Dr. Martinez: The casting is pitch-perfect. Julie Bowen, known for her comedic timing in Modern family, brings a certain levity and relatability to her role. Tonantzin Carmelo, with her background in Indigenous storytelling, adds depth and authenticity to Wynona’s character. Together, this ensemble creates a dynamic interplay that brings FastHorse’s script to life. Their performances ensure that the humor lands, the drama resonates, and the message is clear.
The Journey: From LA to DC
Editor: The play will move to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., after its los Angeles run. What’s the significance of this dual-city premiere?
Dr. Martinez: Presenting the play in two major cultural hubs allows it to reach diverse audiences. Los Angeles, with its entertainment industry backdrop, might resonate with the play’s satirical take on performance—both on and off the stage. Washington, D.C.,as a center of policy and activism,might engage more deeply with the play’s commentary on identity politics and the nonprofit world. This dual premiere ensures that the play’s themes are explored in varied contexts, enriching its impact.
The Takeaway: Laughter and Reflection
Editor: What do you hope audiences take away from Fake It Until You Make It?
Dr.Martinez: I hope audiences leave the theater with both a smile and a sense of introspection. FastHorse’s work reminds us that laughter can be a powerful tool for confronting challenging truths. By laughing at the absurdity of the characters’ situations, we’re also invited to examine our own roles in perpetuating or challenging the systems they represent. It’s a play that entertains, enlightens, and encourages us to think more deeply about who we are and who we aspire to be.
Fake It Until You Make It is more than just a play—it’s a mirror held up to society,reflecting our struggles with identity,authenticity,and reinvention. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience at the Mark Taper Forum or Arena Stage.