TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE - WORLD PREMIERE AT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Los Angeles, CA)
Press contact: [email protected]
TAKE ME TO THE POORHOUSE is a sparkling new comedy about Lizzie, a middle-class Nigerian third grader who dreams of becoming poor in hopes of winning the heart of her popular classmate. Inspired by true events, this “upside-down Cinderella story” is a children’s story for adults – witty and wise, hilarious and heartfelt. Audiences are offered a fresh glimpse of African life as they are introduced to a girl eager to reject herself in to order to feel like she belongs.

Recipient of the American Repertory Theatre Moscow Art Theatre Institute Alumni Association’s Lab Grant, and finalist of NELA Art microgrant.

Take Me To The Poorhouse pledges to donate 10% of all ticket proceeds to Mama Hope, a non-profit with a mission to “Stop the Pity and Unlock the Potential” in several African communities www.mamahope.org.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Liz Femi is an actress, writer, and educator in Los Angeles. She has appeared in numerous noteworthy projects on stage including: No Child, Eclipsed (World Premiere), and The Convert. Notable TV and film work include: The Nick Kroll Show (Comedy Central), a supporting role in Things Never Said, starring Shanola Hampton of Showtime’s Shameless and directed by Charles Murray (V, Criminal Minds), the pilot Adventures with Shondrella, starring Shondrella Avery of Napoleon Dynamite, and the short film, Faith and Dreams. Liz also co-hosts Action English on China’s national entertainment network CCTV6

Liz studied at the U of Rochester International Theatre Program and holds a M Ed. in Eduction and MFA in Acting from Harvard University. www.lizfemi.com

“I also wrote it to share a glimpse of African life that people may have never seen and to challenge, hopefully, stereotypes about Africans.” – Liz Femi

“Growing up, I remember watching TV and seeing the same images of African children—where the child is poverty and disease ravaged—-and there was always this blank face. Never anything behind the eyes. The eyes were completely devoid of any spirit or energy, which I found problematic because the kids I grew up with were so quirky and funny and imaginative, and I didn’t see any of those images on television” – Liz Femi

CREATIVE TEAM

Jane Morris, Director and Co-Developer
Founder of the Second City ETC stage in Chicago, Jane is a writer, performer and director. Upcoming work includes a supporting role in HBO’s upcoming Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra”. She has taught improvisation for the Second City and in her own venues for the past 20 years. Dubbed “The Harriet Tubman of Comedy” by friends, Jane and her husband Jeff Michalski have owned and operated UpFront Comedy and the Comedy Underground in Santa Monica and is currently the owner and managing director of the fanaticSalon in Culver City.

Jane has a long list of film and television credits. She currently teaches writing for performance at the fanaticSalon. http://janemorriswritework.blogspot.com/

PRODUCTION TEAM

Sara Fenton, Executive Producer / Assistant Director
James Jolly, Producer
Hope Olaide, Producer
Ochuwa Oghie, Producer
Rafael Casal, Dramaturge
Fred Kaz, Composer
Koshie Mills, Publicity / Press
Adam Kern, Lighting / Press Assistant / Etc.
William Jenkins, Sound Design

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