SoCal Hell's Angels Leader Takes 'Outlaw' Story On The Road At The Whitefire

After enjoying packed performances in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Palm Desert, California, as well as Las Vegas and St Louis, former Hells Angels leader George Christie brings his critically acclaimed one-man show, Outlaw, to the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks for an August 2 opening.

The production, which chronicles Christie's nearly 40-year reign as head of the Ventura chapter of the Hells Angels, will be his first public appearance in Los Angeles since undertaking several events to sign copies of his memoir, "Exile on Front Street: My Life as a Hells Angel...and Beyond." The book served as the basis for the new theatrical production.

"The book has a lot of inside information about the Hells Angels, but the one-man show is more personal," Christie said. "I also talk about what's happened in my life, since I left the club in 2011."

During his years with the Hells Angels, Christie survived prison, multiple investigations, prosecutions and assassination attempts. Through it all, he considered himself to be a peacemaker in the outlaw biker community. With a reputation firmly established in popular culture, the Hells Angels have developed a modern mythology around themselves that presents as many questions about the group as answers. Are the Hells Angels organized criminals or compassionate givers to charity and the community? What really goes on behind closed club meeting doors?

Christie, a force to be reckoned with, has been involved with the motorcycle culture since 1966. For 40 years he rode with the Hells Angels spending 35 years as a leader, first as president of the Los Angeles chapter, then establishing the Ventura Hells Angels and eventually, the entire West Coast. His Hells Angels leadership evolved into Christie becoming an international spokesman for the organization. He became the official voice of the Hells Angels until his departure in 2011.

Now retired, Christie is a media consultant as an expert on the outlaw lifestyle. He is the author of three books and his History Channel six-part series, Outlaw Chronicles, has led him to his live stage show.

Written and directed by Richard La Plante, Outlaw received standing ovations during its world premiere run in Southern California.

"I wasn't sure what to expect, especially in Ventura, where I was controversial for many years," Christie said. "I tried to keep things peaceful when I ran the Ventura chapter of the Hells Angels, but a lot of people, especially in the local business community and law enforcement didn't like us. I was pleasantly surprised to receive such a positive reception in my old stomping ground."

"I think most people who had a problem with George in the past, realize that it was a long time ago," La Plante said. "George has put the controversies behind him. That's what the show is about."

Outlaw is produced by Charles Lago in association with Clago Productions.

Outlaw runs August 2 through August 24 with performances on Thursdays and Sundays and later in the run on Fridays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for all performances. Whitefire Theatre is located at 13500 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. For reservations, call (213) 713-9149 or go to www.Clagoproductions.com and for more information please visit www.GeorgeChristieOutlaw.com.

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