AAVS PRESS RELEASE --
An American Video Store
An American Video Store is a funny, emotional, and nostalgic trip down memory lane. The story takes place over 3 pivotal moments in the history of the American video store. While telling an intimate tale of clerks and customers, the play also examines the rise and fall of what was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. The premiere performance of An American Video Store happens June 9th @ 6:30 pm at Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre, 5636 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038.
The play uses the iconic company Blockbuster Video as the bedrock in which to explain how staggering the numbers associated with industry truly were. For example, at its peak in 2004, Blockbuster had 9,000 locations worldwide. Today, there is just one location left. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.” Writer/Director Thomas J Wortham also plays the narrator, fleshing out the more interesting and nuanced details of how and why things really fell apart. But all these facts simply act as a foundation to tell the story of the characters inside the building. While the overarching narrative of the business is tragic, the way the characters grow and evolve over time becomes the focus and heart of An American Video Store.
Produced, Written, and Directed by Thomas J Wortham.
Starring Aidan Rees, Jeff Coppage, Kristin Morris, Antoine Dillard, Misao McGregor, Angelique Maurnae, and Thomas Wortham.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Sun June 9th @ 6:30 pm
Sat June 15th @9pm
Sun June 23rd @5:30pm
Wed June 26th @5:30pm
Sat June 29th @ 8:30pm
TICKET PRICE: $12 – https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/6107
Admission Age: 13+
WHERE: Stephanie Feury Theatre. 5636 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038
FROM THE WRITER/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Thomas J Wortham, after practically growing up at his local Blockbuster, and working at a Hollywood Video Store in college, wanted to tell a story recreating the nostalgic experience that sadly now is becoming less and less relevant – walking up and down video store aisles, perusing cases, and picking out a movie. Thomas studied film and writing at The University of North Carolina, Wilmington. After graduation he started working on various television and film productions in North Carolina. Eventually he knew the move out West was inevitable. Upon arriving in LA, and attending many plays, his eyes were opened to how intimate theatre going can be for an audience. It was this intimacy that made him feel he had found the proper medium in which to tell his story.
In a modern world where infinite options and instant gratification is king, the play seeks to evoke a simpler time when a thorough process of selection helped people get off their couch, learn about art, and ultimately share in an experience with each other.
Comps available for members of the press upon request. Please contact Thomas Wortham @[email protected]. Please follow @joneshiphop on Instagram.