STRINGMATES to Define Connections in an Isolating Age at MB Stage

MB Stage Productions has announced the cast and artistic team for "Stringmates" by: Amanda Newman. Performing during the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2017 at The Actors Company (916 N Formoasa Ave, Hollywood CA 90038) in the Other Space Theatre.

"Stringmates" explores the idea of the word "soulmate," which is often used to describe someone's romantic partner. Healthy, romantic relationships are wonderful, but there are many kinds of love, all of which are valid, and necessary. "Stringmates" uses a combination of language and movement to explore what "soulmate" can mean. As the writer Amanda Newman puts it: "To encourage the audience to consider all the relationships in their lives."

"Stringmates," presented by Jared Tyrel Pixler and David Evan Stolworthy (MB Stage Productions, LLC), will be directed by Mahealani Leofa with choreography and original music by Brandon Bolte. Pixler and Stolworthy saw "Stringmates" last year at InkFest produced by the 2 Cents Theatre group at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood and immediately knew they wanted to produce "Stringmates" for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Stolworthy said "There is something very unique about this show that people need see. I think everyone can see a story from their own life reflected in her (Amanda Newman's) script."

Each year MB Stage Productions tried to bring at least two shows to the Hollywood Fringe Festival previously they have produced "Book of Love" with Jessica Rau, "California Kiki" with Brett Mcmahon, and "A Shadow of Doubt" by: Maruisz Kotowski."After going through a lengthy selection process, several Director and Choreographer interviews we finally found a team that we think will best bring the vision of Amanda's piece to life," Pixler said.

Mahealani "Mahea Lani" Leofa the Director, is an Actress and a second time Director for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. She has worked with MB Stage Productions before during Hollywood Fringe 2014 as the director of "Roommates" by: David Evan Stolworthy. She holds a BFA in Acting from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. As an artist, Mahea's work focuses on inspiring other young artists to push themselves to think outside the box. Which is why she jumped onto Stringmates when she heard about it. When asked about why she wanted to direct the piece she said, "What I love about this story is that it is so relatable and so uniquely written that you can't help but be attached." Mahea's work also includes inspiring artists to do more than just be a face on stage.

Brandon Bolte the Choreographer, is an LA based dancer signed with Go2Talent agency. After graduating from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy with his BFA in Dance Theater, Brandon had the opportunity to work on set for Glee with choreographers Brooke Lipton and Zach Woodley. Other credits include Marilyn! A New Musical directed by Tegan Summers and Mina Tobias' music video Kings and Queens directed by Madchen Amick. When speaking with the producers about the show Bolte stated, "The beautiful simplicity in the relationships as well as the beats of the transitions were written so fluidly made me feel a need to join the production."

"Stringmates" will play at The Actors Company (916 N Formosa Ave, Hollywood CA) in the Other Space Theatre. More information can be found at mbstage.com/stringmates or www.hff17.org/4570.

Producers Jared Tyrel Pixler and David Evan Stolworthy are the creative team behind the award winning, off-Broadway show The Video Games. Both are graduates of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and active members of the California Educational Theatre Association.

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