I Slept With Jack Kerouac proudly declares one of the characters in Nancy Balbirer's one-woman show, making its world premiere at Los Angeles' Gascon Center Theatre Aug. 25. The comedy runs through Sept. 28.
Balbirer weaves three main stories through the evening. In the first, a flat-chested girl grows from ugly duckling to beautiful swan, learning about power and love through dancing. Another girl becomes obsessed with her troubled and overweight, but theatrical aunt and decides to procure a famous lover for her. In the third, a New Yorker, unlucky in love, goes to a witch to erotically ensnare the man of her dreams, only to have the spell turn on her. A live band, directed by Joel Zighelboim, accompanies the action.
Balbirer studied with David Mamet and William H. Macy and went on to work with the later on Pastorale and several radio plays. Other credits include Off-Broadway productions of Hurlyburly and Troilus and Cressida with Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Laurie Woolery directs. She has spent thirteen years with South Coast Repertory Theatre, where she recently directed a piece in California Scenarios, and two years with Cornerstone Theatre Company, where she'll direct the world premiere of a self-penned piece.
Tickets are $15. Gascon Center Theatre is located at 8737 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City. For reservations, call (310) 289 2999. — By Christine Ehren