The Father, The Son & The Holy Sh!t

Growing up gay in Des Moines, Iowa in the 1970’s & 80’s, you’re gonna have some stories. But for writer-performer Shadley Grei, his journey has become a one-man show that is truly dazzling in its head-shaking, jaw-dropping truth.

The Father, The Son & The Holy Sh!t premiered last night at the Fringe Festival in West Hollywood to a standing ovation not just for the play, but for a triumphant soul getting through life with wit and wisdom, even when it served him a shit sandwich.

A giant sticky-note pad and some magic markers on a table define the entire black box set, which quickly becomes a cartoon gallery of moments in Grei’s life, outlining the real events that have defined his relationship with his father, a man who ignored his existence for 34 years, despite letters and cries for acknowledgement and respect.

One moment he’s a young boy, waiting in line for an autograph from his celebrated cartoonist father who doesn’t recognize him, and he goes for the dramatic ‘gotcha’ reve

I attended the first five Hollywood Fringe Festivals before missing last year. I am very excited about attending this year’s event, and will arrive on Saturday, June 11. I am currently scheduled to attend 29 shows, with time for a few more. These are the 10 shows I can’t wait to see (in alphabetical order):

A Feast of Snacks – Theatre Unleashed has consistently put on some of the best productions at every Fringe. This one contains four mini-musicals. How do you top that?

A Horse with a View – I met Chris Piehler last year at the Zootown Fringe Festival and he blew me away with his show. Looking forward to seeing what he has for us this year.

All the Best Killers are Librarians – Sacred Fools is legendary for putting on good theater. Their serial killer series was one that I wanted to see had I been in LA. Since they are offering a couple of them during the Fringe, they immediately went on my list.

Broadway Noir – This show came highly recommended from several of my f