About the Project
The reviews are in, and critics are raving:
“RECOMMENDED. Chahinian relays his story with soft-spoken charm and casual wit.” - Stage Raw
”You realize you’re watching something quietly revolutionary.” – Stage and Cinema
“Brutally timely… thoroughly enjoyable… Chahinian is to be commended for reporting back on queer parenthood in an increasingly bitter world.” - LA Hidden Gems
“This man would make a soothing therapist to the masses.” – Larchmont Buzz
“Twice brilliant… illuminates a life that may not be known by many of us… the greatest kind of solo theatre.” - NoHo Arts District
After years fearing he’d never be a father, gay Armenian-American Haig “Hike” Chahinian became the happiest dad of a bouncing Black biracial baby girl. Seeking to be the best Janelle Monáe-listening, Black Girl Magic-supporting, antiracist papa ever, he instead stumbles through the humbling and oft-hilarious fumbles of fatherhood in multiracial America. Inspired by his viral essays in New York Times Modern Love, Cosmopolitan, and O The Oprah Magazine, Best. Dad. NEVER. is searing, intimate, richly relatable comedic storytelling about what we inherit, what we pass down, and the inherent conflict in striving to be good. Creative consulting by Greg Walloch (Hasan Minhaj’s Peabody Award-winning Homecoming King).
”Messy, beautiful, first-draft parenting — and it just might leave you feeling a little more hopeful about the world.” - Stage and Cinema
Learn more at chahinian.com
Proceeds from the Father’s Day show Saturday, June 14 will benefit GWK Academy, a nonprofit that educates and supports all LGBTQ+ people about all options for family building.
Two hours before showtime, open seats will be sold at the door only and not online.
Getting to the Show
Plan to arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes before showtime! This is Fringe, not (yet) Broadway—the show will start on the dot. Arriving early will give you time to sip a honey lavender latte in the cafe bar.
The Hudson Mainstage Theatre sits on Santa Monica Blvd. near N. Hudson Street.
Public transportation or rideshare options are strongly encouraged. Take the Metro B Line to Vermont Station, then the M4 bus to Wilcox. To map it from where you are: LA Metro Trip Planner
Valet parking is $15. Street parking is available in the vicinity. Be sure to read all posted signs.
Learn More at tinyurl.com/bdnhff
The "Best. Dad. NEVER." Team
