NY TIMES CRITICS PICK - BASIC TRAINING AT COMEDY SPORTZ THEATRE

Basic Training by Kahlil Ashanti

For Immediate Release CONTACT: Demand PR, David Elzer [email protected]

WHO: Kahlil Ashanti makes his triumphant return to the Los Angeles stage after premiering his show at the Second Stage Theatre in Oct 2004 and subsequently touring to sold-out audiences around the world.
WHAT: Basic Training, the award winning one man show by Kahlil Ashanti. Genre: Theatre/Comedy 60mins, no intermission.
WHERE: Comedy Sportz Theatre,733 Seward Street Hollywood
WHEN: JUNE 23-27, see below for times and dates
WHY: The Inaugural Hollywood Fringe Theatre Festival
HOW: No Costumes, No props.

UPDATE: APRIL 16 2010 SELECTED AS A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PERFORMER

“65 electrifying minutes of heart-rending drama, energetic physical comedy and mind-blowing rap-dance”
The Daily Mail (UK)

“…A mind-boggling combination of showbiz chops and military discipline… A surge of energy delivered by the
most talented performer to hit the fringe stage in years…” The Montreal Gazette

“Kahlil Ashanti is a brilliantly nuanced performer.” Backstage

“Basic Training is an hour long tour de force from Ashanti: fluid, precisely constructed and performed with physical expressivity.” Time Out (London)

Direct from a sold out season in Australia and adorned with the New York Times Critics Pick 2008 accolade and a nomination for a 2009 Drama League Award for “Distinguished Performance”, Ashanti returns to Los Angeles with his critically acclaimed one man show Basic Training.

Ashanti’s autobiographical show chronicles his time in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the elite entertainment troupe “Tops in Blue” where he learned to serve his country using his talent as his weapon. Playing 23 characters, each with their own distinctive voice and personality, mayhem ensues as Ashanti’s adventures put him in several life-affirming and life threatening situations.
The day before Ashanti leaves for boot camp, his mother reveals a shocking family secret that forces Kahlil to question his reasons for leaving. Along the way Ashanti comes of age, discovers his roots, and learns what the “Basic Training” of life is all about.

June 23 @ 7pm
June 24 @ 7pm
June 25 @ 3pm
June 26 @ 5pm
June 27 @ 8pm