MPAT'S BURT THUNDERS PRESENTS: THE FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO SAVE THE WHALES TO PREMIERE AT THE 2026 HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

MPAT's Burt Thunders Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales

Fables and Rumors Productions will present the world premiere of MPAT’S BURT THUNDERS PRESENTS: THE FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO SAVE THE WHALES! as part of the 2026 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles. June, 6th 2026

Written and executive produced by Sam Keeney and directed by Evan Spreen, the comedy centers on local celebrity Burt Thunders, who attempts to raise one million dollars “to save all the whales for all time.” According to the production, the play explores “how far you’d go to make the world a better place.”

Keeney said in a statement that the project has been in development for nearly eight years. He added that seeing Spreen’s Unsweet Perdition at the 2025 Hollywood Fringe Festival encouraged him to finally stage the work after years of development.

Several members of the production team previously collaborated on Fringe projects including The Show of Many Things, Unsweet Perdition, Where Within, and Valley of Light. Additional past projects include The Cleanup Crew, The Showroom, and Stardust.

The creative team includes assistant director Ryan Holzer, stage manager Stella Cricket, assistant stage manager Marcel Lacey, sound designer Ian Sutherland, lighting designer Zachary Seaton Lewis, scenic designer Dominique Jakowec, costume and makeup designer Amelia Mackey, video producer Brandon Whipple, art director Maya Keeney, EDIA coordinator Pragya Bhatt, mental health coordinator Michelle Belmont, and producers Jason Pollak, Amelia Mackey, Naomi Melville, and Michaela Skaribas.

Cast:
The cast includes Eric Schinzer, Taína Estévez, Marcus Escobar, Lisa Eve, Naomi Melville, Evan Spreen, Amelia Mackey, Shelby Ryan Lee, and Brandon Whipple.

Performance Information:
MPAT’S BURT THUNDERS PRESENTS: THE FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO SAVE THE WHALES! previews June 6 and runs June 14–25, 2026, at the Zephyr Theatre.

The production has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes and will play five performances during the festival. Tickets are priced at $20.

According to the production, proceeds from the performances will benefit The Bay Foundation, an organization focused on restoration and protection efforts in Santa Monica Bay.

CONTENT WARNINGS:

- Flashing Lights
- Audience Interaction
- Depictions and Descriptions of Mild Violence
- Prop Gun and Prop Knife present on Stage
- References to Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Verbal Description of Violence toward an Animal
- Vomit Sounds

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, contact:
Sam Keeney
[email protected]
816 572 1148