SOMETIMES THEATER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! NEW PLAY BOASTS - FIRST NC-30 RATING

"Life in the Middle Ages"

For Immediate Release

Sometimes Theater is NOT for Everyone!
New Play Boasts First NC-30 Rating

HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 29, 2011) – A new play titled “Life in the Middle Ages” will debut at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 9th. Strictly speaking to and for those experiencing middle age, people under the age of 30 are being strongly deterred from attending the show. In fact, the show actually comes with the following caution, “WARNING: THIS SHOW IS RATED NC-30. ATTENDING THIS SHOW MAY CAUSE EARLY ONSET MIDLIFE CRISIS IN PERSONS UNDER THIRTY.”

The medieval-themed, multi-media, one-man show equates the realizations that initiate midlife crisis with receiving a terminal diagnosis that triggers the grieving process. Using Elizabeth Kübler Ross’ five stages of grief – Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance – “Life in the Middle Ages” illustrates the midlife crisis experience. Addressing its subject matter through observation, storytelling, video and group participation, the show allows the audience to both commiserate and celebrate the universally dreaded concept of midlife crisis.

Written and produced by its star, 51-year-old “recovering” comedian Steve Ochs, the play is an unusual addition to a festival that has been specifically described as a way to nourish young visionaries. However, Ochs feels that the play’s subject matter is well warranted.

“65% of Minnesota Fringe Festival attendees were over 35 and the average age of theatergoers in New York is 48. I believe the Hollywood theater audience has a similar makeup. I’m holding up pretty well, so thought I’d try to help my fellow baby-boomers laugh in the face of what seems like an overwhelming event,” states Ochs. “Since I say nothing that applies to anyone under 30, I see no reason for under 30s to attend – actually, I’m doing them a favor; why start dealing with your own mortality earlier than necessary!”

Co-produced and presented by Theater Asylum (6320 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90038), “Life in the Middle Ages” takes place June 9th at 4:00 PM, June 11th at 8:30 PM, June 18, 20, and 21st at 7:00PM, June 25th at 2:30 PM and June 26th at 7:00 PM. The Hollywood Fringe Festival runs from June 16–26, 2011. For more information and to buy tickets visit http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/576 or call the Theatre Asylum at (323) 962-1632.

Please note that the first two performances are special press shows, but the public is still welcome to attend.

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Media Contact: Staci Smith
Phone Number: 917-354-5157
E-mail: [email protected]