Loveswell The Play

by John Fortson
(Hollywood, CA)

A man in love, a surfer at heart…
It’s all he can do to keep his head above water
Written, performed and surfed by John Fortson

Back by audience demand, Loveswell, a one-man show that dives deep into the ebbs and flows of relationships through the eyes of a surfer, returns to the prestigious Hudson Guild Theatre on May 1st with a nod to Heal the Bay.

All proceeds from the opening night event will benefit Heal the Bay, a non-profit group that fights for workable solutions to the problems threatening Southern California's coastal waters. Terroni LA will treat guests to Italian regional delights. The gala will also feature great wines and prosecco, a special raffle, giveaways and surprise guests.

Loveswell—written and performed by John Fortson and directed by Terrie Silverman—earned critical and audience raves during its original run in 2005.

Fortson, whom some call “the next Spalding Gray,” was compelled to revive Loveswell by pleas from fans and Silverman. “John’s gone to the next level,” Silverman observes. “Loveswell is so great—poignant, funny, heart-opening and truthful. John is in his power as an actor and writer.”

Married to actress Christie Lynn Smith, Fortson introduces parenting into this humorous but brutally honest revival that allows the audience to peer behind closed doors as he struggles to balance the demands of marriage and fatherhood with his love for waves.

Described by reviewers as “raw, hilarious and incredibly poignant,” Loveswell uses the ocean as a metaphor for the ever-changing nature of relationships. Fortson shares his deep vulnerabilities with unflinching honesty and bares all as he works out--with the audience--his own shortcomings and the man he wants to become.

"Loveswell appeals to anyone in a relationship, because John embodies all the difficulties, absurdities and ironies about his own relationship and how he navigates through it," Silverman said.

Fortson, an avid surfer who earned a Best Leading Actor Award at the 2007 Film Accolade Awards, has studied with famed acting coaches Howard Fine, Jay Goldenberg, Eric Morris, Cameron Thor and the Groundlings. He is a member of SAG, AFTRA and AEA. His screen credits include independent and feature films, TV roles, and dozens of commercials. He has been asked to perform in Six Feet Under writer Jill Soloway’s hit show, Sit N Spin.

Silverman is an accomplished director, writer, performer and educator who directed the original Loveswell.

Famed surf artist Meegan Feori will design the set; lighting will be designed by Derrick McDaniel.

Tickets for Loveswell are available at www.plays411.net. For complete information, visit www.loveswell.com.