THE PRESENT: A GRAND FINALE at Geffen Stayhouse in October

Mark Shakman, artistic director at the Geffen Playhouse knows that “the show must go on” even when theaters remain dark. He once again is offering the multi-sensory and entertaining THE PRESENT performed by Helder Guimarães. This talented star works his magic in October on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. (PDT)

Presented via a Zoom platform, ticket holders can live stream for just $25, while watching from the comfort of their own home. Each time the run released tickets this summer, they sell out in less than hour.

Guimarães crafted his show for an audience of a maximum of 25 participants. Tickets can also be purchased for $40 to live stream and receive a mystery envelope in advance of the performance date. For international views, this package is $55.

Detailed instructions are emailed to ticket holders up to 48 hours before showtime.

The virtual performance is similar to real theater, as the Zoom audience has a voice and the opportunity to participate, wave and applaud during the 70 minute performance.

Guimaraes shares with his audience that this is actually his second quarantine in his life. The first time was when he was eleven years old, after a car accident that left him hospitalized with a concussion and in a coma.

We soon learn his grandfather was an important caregiver during his first quarantine, and this performance of The Present is an ode to this caring and loving patriarch.

Using his signature mind-bending illusions, Guimarães leads Zoom participants through a funny, moving and ultimately heartfelt story of lessons he learned when he least expected it. Guimarães’ provides both a virtual and physical experience that takes place in his hands, as well as in everyones hands participating.

He ends with “What we are living through now, will always be our personal story to tell.”

The Present is written and Performed by Helder Guimarães

Directed by Frank Marshall

 PRODUCTION TEAM

Production Design Consultant François-Pierre Couture

Costume Design Consultant E.B. Brooks

Lighting Design Consultant Daniel Ionazzi

Dramaturg Amy Levinson

Running time: 70 minutes with no intermission.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available by phone at (310)208-2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org. Fees may apply.