‘NOT THAT ILLEGAL’ ILLUMINATES IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES
Not That Illegal
BROADWAY WORLD
‘Not That Illegal’ Illuminates Immigrant Experiences
WHAT: Yusuf Yildiz and Hollywood Fringe Scholarship Committee presents:
‘Not That Illegal’ – A World Premiere Comedy Coming to Hollywood Fringe
Los Angeles, CA. Actor/Writer/Comedian Yusuf Yildiz is bringing his feature-length stage comedy “Not That Illegal” to the Hollywood Fringe Festival for its world premiere. Written by the producer himself, “Not That Illegal” follows Ali Can, a Turkish immigrant, in his struggles to stay in the US even though his chances look slim.
Ali Can (Yusuf Yildiz) faces deportation because of an abusive employer. Joseph Doing (Evan Causey) is ready to help his best friend and roommate as long as they abide by the laws. Vito (Alan Grinberg) couldn’t care less about the laws and looks for every way to help Ali stay in America. Joy Michelle (Tiara Kennedy) stays out of their schemes at first, but her love for Ali pulls her into the center of their story.
Reginald Humphrey (Martin Hardlund) warms up to our heroes enough to help them even if it may require bending the rules a little. However, Laquita Jackson (Alesha G.) is a strict USCIS officer and nothing slips through her radar.
Ashley Karp, the director, skillfully orchestrates the ensemble of these colorful characters in their pursuits. As it’s expected in a situational comedy, nothing goes as planned and hilariousness ensues.
Risks are taken. Friendships are put to the test. Bromance soars. Broken hearts are healed. Personal discoveries are made and secrets are revealed. Love conquers everybody’s hearts in the end and lives change.
No humans are illegal. Love is love. Kindness is everything. These are only some statements Not That Illegal presents without preaching. Audiences will laugh, cry, and witness the immigrant experience in the US.
Yusuf Yildiz has crafted a play inspired by real life immigrant experiences. He explores topics such as immigration, friendship, love, marriage, family, religion, sexuality, sexual politics, and freedom in America with playful yet poignant observation.
Though this is the story of a Turkish immigrant, Not That Illegal explores the American experience and what it means to live in this melting pot called The United States of America.
“Not That Illegal” was the recipient of the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Scholarship, a competitive and adjudicated grant that provides a financial stipend, marketing and networking opportunities, and industry mentorship.
The one-act version of the play with the same name received a Best Play Nomination at the Strawberry One-Act Festival in 2019 and granted 3 off-broadway performances in 2020 because of its success. This time, the entire story of Ali Can has its world premiere in the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
WHERE: The Broadwater Second Stage, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
WHEN: (Preview) June 4, 2022 @ 4:30 pm; (Opening) June 11, 2022 @ 9:30 pm; June 15, 2022 @
8:00 pm; June 25, 2022 @ 4:00 pm; June 26, 2022 @ 12:30 pm (Runtime 90 minutes)
TICKETS:
Price: $15 ($12 for virtual performances on June 25th and 26th)
Ticket link: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7339?tab=tickets
Admission age: 14+
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Ashley Karp (Director): Ashley (she/her) is an award-winning writer and director whose productions, both on and off screen and stage, have showcased both nationally and internationally and have been awarded numerous accreditations. Her latest project – a self-written, directed, cast and produced horror-themed Podcast titled The Ol’ Timey Spectral Hour has recently won an award for Best Podcast at the Kapow Intergalactic Film Festival and a nomination for Best Audio Fiction Series at The Indie Series Awards. Her latest projects, in which she was both a DP and an Editor for, La Wija and ’Manitas, have both won numerous awards and official selections on the film festival circuit. In her spare time, Ashley loves to stream various video games on her Twitch channel under her artist name Appynormal, as well as create wicked jams and spend quality time with her twelve years young cat, aptly named Cat.
https://www.ashleykarp.com
Yusuf Yildiz (Playwright/Producer): Yusuf (he/him) is a Turkish American actor, writer, comedian, and a funny person who enjoys laughing and making people laugh. He first moved to the US to pursue his master’s degree in Computer Science. He got cast for independent movies in Dallas, TX when he worked for a company as a Software Engineer. Taking an acting class in a community college led to his stage debut, which was followed by a conservatory education. His life hasn’t been the same ever since. After receiving his acting degree, he appeared in several plays and movies in Dallas before moving to Los Angeles. He enjoys writing short stories, screenplays and stage plays, which raise serious questions in humorous ways. While he enjoys portraying comedic characters, he loves diving into the complexities of humanity for his dramatic roles.
https://www.yusufyildiz.com
NOTE TO EDITORS/CONTACT: News media representatives planning to cover this event may request tickets for this event by contacting Yusuf Yildiz, producer, at (281) 702-9608 or email at [email protected]. A ticket will be required for entry to the theater.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Instagram: @notthatillegal
Facebook: @notthatillegal
Tiktok: @notthatillegal
Website: notthatillegal.com
