NATURALLY TAN By Tanya Thomas Comes to the Zephyr Next Month

Tanya Thomas celebrates the many definitions of beauty in Naturally Tan, her award-winning, one-woman seriocomic play, performed Saturday, December 10 at 5:00pm In the Soaring Solo Stars Series at the Zephyr Theatre.

Written and performed by Tanya Thomas, and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, Naturally Tan explores the complexities of racial identity and colorism facing the Asian diaspora and the consequences wrought by damaging beauty standards. Told through the voices of 35 unique, multicultural characters, and narrated through the bold perspective of a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi, the play includes music, dance, and visuals to follow Thomas' desperation to fit in as a young South Asian woman in Singapore, her search for acceptance in America, and her emergence from insecurity toward self-acceptance as a woman of color, mother, and artist. Her captivating theatrical exploration adds a distinct voice to the full range and diversity of Asian American stories.

Soaring Solo Studios is presenting 28 solo shows in three months during their Solo Stars Series. Naturally Tan was chosen by Executive Producers Jessica Lynn Johnson and Heather Dowling who collaborated to curate a lineup of exceptional solo artists telling their stories from the stage. Their diverse and eclectic community of performers utilize multiple characters, multimedia, and masterful storytelling to inspire and transform audiences. For the full schedule, visit https://www.zephyrtheatre.com/nowplaying

Naturally Tan will be performed on Saturday, December 10 at 5pm at the Zephyr Theatre at 7456 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Ave. Tickets are $25, available at https://naturallytanshow.eventbrite.com. Any available seats will be available at the box office prior to the performance. Street parking is available in the area; please read all signs carefully. More info: https://www.zephyrtheatre.com/location. Covid safety protocols in effect on the performance date will be observed.

Audience members will receive a goody bag of Singapore treats upon entering the theater. Patrons also receive discounts at local dining establishments. Ask for details at the box office.

WHAT: Naturally Tan. A multi-award-winning solo show.

WHO: Written and performed by Tanya Thomas, Directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson for the Soaring Solo Stars Series, Executive Produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson & Heather Dowling

WHERE: Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

WHEN: Saturday, December 10 at 5:00pm

ADMISSION: $25

RESERVATIONS: https://naturallytanshow.eventbrite.com

SHOW INFORMATION: https://tanyathomas.com/naturallytan

PARKING INFORMATION: https://www.zephyrtheatre.com/location

ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes, no intermission, talkback afterwards

CONSUMER ADVISORY: Mature themes. Suggested for audiences ages 13+

Covid safety protocols in effect on the performance date will be observed.

Naturally Tan Production Photos and Poster credit: Cameron Jordon

Listen to Raves from the press and audience members, then order your tickets before this extraordinary performance sells out!

"Tanya Thomas is totally and astoundingly brilliant in her solo show about her multicultural upbringing and ongoing life, from the easiest to the most emotionally difficult of situations she describes as the "Freakshow" of her life. As she morphs between more characters than I could count, each one a complete and fascinating character study, Tanya allows her self-assured persona to shine through, always secure in her stage presence and keeping the audience enchanted from start to finish in her 90-minute tour-de-force performance." - Shari Barrett, The Culver City News

"Growing up ashamed is not a unique story. But Tanya Thomas's experiences in Singapore as a child, dark, exotic and voluptuous, in a sea of fair skin and straight hair, was to Tanya the trifecta of handicaps, at least through the lens of her own existence. Naturally Tan is so relevant, funny and entertaining, but also very deep, authentic and real." - Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros, NoHo Arts

"Thomas' honest self-analysis, humorous storytelling and vibrant voice characterizations serve not only to entertain but to act as a veritable motivational talk about self-love and the celebration of one's cultural identity. It works beautifully, thanks to Thomas' own engaging personality and unique perspective, taking us on an enriching and entertaining cross-cultural trip into the life of a young girl who just wants to be accepted yet is determined to retain her own cultural and personal identity." - Cary Ginell, The Acorn

"Tanya Thomas is a very polished actress equally well-versed at comedy and drama and an excellent storyteller. She seamlessly performed over 35 characters and reminded me of an exotic Sandra Bullock." - Harrison Held, Scene Around Town, Discover Hollywood

"It's hard to believe as you view Tanya physicalize thirty-five characters onstage - free, beautiful, and vulnerable with the lights shining on her - that she was ever uncomfortable in her own skin. Tanya takes us on a global journey into Singapore's culture as we find a woman battling for her identity, self-acceptance, and self-love... while discovering that colonialism has terrorized, infested, and affected beauty standards around the world. Naturally Tan is a potent testament to how having a variety of bodies - different colors and forms - grace the stage as storytelling vessels expands the scope of American theatre." - Constance Strickland, Los Angeles Female Playwright Initiative

"What an incredible show and a powerful message we all need to hear, cry and laugh with; truly so moving and powerful to watch Naturally Tan. Understanding and really connecting and celebrating the diversity of Asian culture... we are not a monolith. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. The AAPI community really needs to see this!" - Jo Allen, Artist and Creator of AAPI Art Collective, Golden 8ours

"Tanya is a chameleon. Her ability to flawlessly switch from character to character using different accents and dialects is phenomenal. This show is a must see. It had me laughing, crying, and laughing again." - Brie Carter, Fringe Producer

"Watching this show will definitely open up your world and expand your awareness, at the very least, about the part of the world that is Singapore." - Pamela Michael, on Better Lemons

"I also really learned a lot about other cultures that I didn't know - it was 'edutainment' at its finest." - Holly Sidell, on Better Lemons

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