OUT OF THE BLUE - A Miraculous MUSICAL
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico | Theatre
Musical, LGBTQ
This mostly one-man show is the inspiring true story of Eli’s cancer healing-journey, making peace with his past as a gay kid on a quest for love. Through the power of music and humor, Eli - playing 25 characters - takes the audience on an intimate ride filled with love, heartache, hope & miracles.
OUT OF THE BLUE - A Miraculous MUSICAL
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico | Theatre
Musical, LGBTQ
Green Light
This campaign raised $27,460 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
248 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This mostly one-man show is the inspiring true story of Eli’s cancer healing-journey, making peace with his past as a gay kid on a quest for love. Through the power of music and humor, Eli - playing 25 characters - takes the audience on an intimate ride filled with love, heartache, hope & miracles.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
OUT OF THE BLUE is reaching for the sky!
Help us take it above and beyond our initial goal!!
With 2 1/2 weeks left in our campaign, we’re STRETCHING a bit further —
We can’t tell you how MOVING it's been to see this campaign soar in its initial week, reaching our goal of $20,000 IN ONLY 8 DAYS! THANK YOU!
That goal is the amount needed for PHASE ONE of birthing this baby. With your help, we can ACHIEVE MORE THAN WE EVER DREAMED OF!
SO WHAT'S NEXT?
The idea is to reach as many people as possible, since we feel that the show can truly inspire positive change in the world.
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Infused with humor and original music, Out of the Blue is a heart-warming and inspiring true story celebrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
After a dire cancer diagnosis, Eli realizes that in order to heal to the core, he must learn to make peace with his past. Playing nearly 25 characters, Eli takes the audience on an intimate ride filled with love, laughter, heartache and miracles.
When all is said and done, everyone - including this gay Mexican-Polish Jew living in America - deserves a chance to create a life truly worth living. Oy, vey!
We invite YOU to come along on this adventure with us!
World Premiere in San Miguel de Allende, Mx on March 25, 26, April 1 & 2, 2022. VIDEO streaming in mid-April.
In 2014, Eli was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma. He had about 10% chance of survival.
After initially giving up, he followed his intuition which led him on the path to full recovery. Fast-forward seven years... After becoming a life & cancer coach, Eli felt it was time to share his story in a significant way. He began to write, compose music and lyrics, and a year later, Out of The Blue was born. Now, it's finally time to share it with the world.
After the past couple of years, we could all use a BOOST of inspiration, laughter and a good cry, right? Out of The Blue celebrates the triumph of the human spirit through humor, music and theater, reminding us that, despite our differences, we're all very much alike: love is love. And love heals.
Future plans include: performing at cancer centers, colleges, and theater festivals in the U.S. and abroad, offering workshops to support participant's healing journeys, whether from cancer or coming to terms with their sexual orientation and identity.
WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
Eli Hans and Joseph Bennett have been partners in life, love and business for over 21 years. Their miraculous love story (spoiler alert!) is a beautiful part of Out of The Blue. (Kleenex, please!)
Eli Hans - is a true Rennaisance man; an actor, singer, writer, artist, producer, director, and now composer. This show is Eli's most encompassing creative project to date. He has appeared in numerous theatrical productions, musicals and musical revues, and had a successful voiceover career for over 20 years.
Joseph Bennett - has been in theater since high-school, and danced in a ballet company for eight years. He's performed in many plays and playreadings, and is the centerpiece of The Improv People. Besides acting in this show, he's also stage manager, resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer.
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We're fortunate to have an international team of devoted professionals supporting this heart-centered project. Please read their full bios in the TEAM section.
ELI HANS - Creator, Writer, Producer
Eli is a true Renaissance man. This production is the most encompassing creative project of his life: telling his story of hope after suriving cancer, doing what he loves most - creating transformation through the arts.
MERIDITH GRUNDEI - Director
From NYC, as a multi-passionate director, actor, producer and educator, Meridith strongly values giving her actors and collaborators brave space to offer their ideas.
KONRAD PLUTA - Music Arranger
From Calgary, Canada, Konrad's arrangements brought Eli's music to new heights! Konrad has arranged numerous projects and has conducted over 40 Musicals. He's grateful for all his musical collaborations over the years.
CHRISTIE OLVERA- Choreographer
The owner of the Arthur Murray(r) Dance Center in San Miguel de Allende, Christie has over 40 years of experience in multiple genres of dance/choreography.
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON - Solo Theater Coach
As the founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, in L.A., Jessica has contributed to the direction & development of over 100 solo shows. She's won numerous awards and was indispensable in Eli's creative process.
JOSEPH BENNETT - Stage Manager (and actor.)
Besides sharing the stage with Eli, Joseph is also stage manager, resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer. He writes self-help books, poetry, records a podcast, and helps his coaching clients live their highest potential.
PLEASE read up about our other valuable team members.
There's mainly one guy on stage, right? How expensive can this be?
Great question!
Our goal is to raise $20K for the initial phase: The World Premiere in March, 2022 in San Miguel de Allende, Mx along with Video Streaming in mid-April for anyone in the world.
You can PLEDGE ANY amount, or CHOOSE our amazing perks (available after campaign is funded.)
THANK YOU!
Where does the money go?
The majority of the funds is used to pay PEOPLE.
THE CREATIVE TEAM (see above) includes five women and four men from Mexico, U.S. and Canada, plus the theater tech crew & staff. (Eli and Joseph are not compensated from this budget.)
PRODUCTION: theatre rental, set construction, materials, additional lighting, costumes, props, etc.
AV PRODUCTION: video production so that the show can be streamed (so you can watch from home.) Also, additional music tracks, mics, and technical equipment.
PRINT & PUBLICITY: posters, postcards, programs, ads in local publications, graphic designer to create those materials.
MISCELLANEOUS: meals for the team during tech rehearsal week, opening night reception, and a small cushion for unexpected expenses.
Every production has inherent risks, especially with the pandemic. The worst case: we have to postpone the show. However, video production will still occur as scheduled.
If this happens, ticket holders will have 3 options: 1. Watch the pre-recorded show through streaming (date in April TBD.) 2. See it live at a re-scheduled date. 3. Get a refund.
PRECAUTIONS TAKEN DURING LIVE PERFORMANCES
The theater's seating capacity is 91. We're only selling 60% of the house (55 tickets) per show. The seats are spaced, the entire front row is empty.
For everyone's peace of mind, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is required, as well as wearing masks during the show.
From ALL of us to all of YOU... we can't THANK YOU enough for coming along on this exciting adventure with us! We're very grateful for your trust, encouragement, generosity and support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
CREATIVE TEAM
Costs $13,000
Director, Music Arranger, Choreographer, Solo Theater coach, Prod. Manager, theater staff & crew.
PRODUCTION
Costs $2,400
Theatre rental ($850) set construction ($500) additional lights ($100), costumes ($600) props ($300)
AUDIO-VISUAL
Costs $2,200
Video production for streaming ($1300), lav mics ($400), album recording ($500)
PUBLICITY & PRINT
Costs $1,475
Posters, postcards, programs, ads for local publications, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
Costs $925
Meals during tech rehearsals, opening night reception appetizers, cushion for unexpected expenses.
Share this update!
About This Team
This wonderful TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves Miracles) is the backbone of this production.
ELI HANS - Creator, Writer, Producer
Eli is a true Renaissance man; an actor, writer, artist, producer, director, singer, and now composer. This production is the most encompassing creative project of his life. Eli has produced/directed TV commercials, and produced large-scale events and theme parties for corporations. He's the co-founder of The Improv People, and he thoroughly enjoyed a 20+ year career as a voiceover actor. He has always dreamed of being on Broadway, and after surviving a dire cancer diagnosis, he decided to create this show to tell his story, doing what he loves most: creating transformation through the arts.
MERIDITH GRUNDEI - Director
This project required a director with an acute sensibility to its subject matter. From NYC, as a multi-passionate director, actor, producer and educator, Meridith strongly values giving her actors and collaborators brave space to offer their ideas. Of her many credits as director/creator, Meridith is most proud of curating BITE-SIZE: An Evening of Micro Theatre from initial concept to creation, winning Westword’s Best Immersive Piece in 2018. She’s an associate member of the SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.)
KONRAD PLUTA - Music Arranger
A musical requires memorable music and catchy tunes, right? From Calgary, Canada, Konrad's arrangements brought Eli's music to new heights! As an arranger and producer Konrad has worked on numerous projects ranging from Musicals to CD’s to Casino shows. Sitting in the Musical Director chair, he has conducted his way through over 40 Musicals. He is grateful for all his musical collaborations over the years.
CHRISTIE OLVERA- Choreographer
What's a musical without fabulous dancing? This, being a solo show, required and astute choreographer that could work within Eli's ability and style preferences: a little Fosse, a little Soft Shoe, and a lot of Pow! Christie's it! She is the owner of the Arthur Murray(r) Dance Center in San Miguel de Allende, and has over 40 years of experience in multiple genres of dance/choreography, including: ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, and musical theater. She has choreographed and won several awards for full-length musicals for thespians of all ages.
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON - Solo Theater Coach
Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre. As the founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, in L.A., a company dedicated to the direction & development of one person plays, she has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows. As an actor she's the recipient of the Best National Solo Artist Award, and as director Jessica’s projects have earned awards such as Top of Fringe, HFF Encore Producer Awards, TVOLUTION Best Solo Performance and Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.
JOSEPH BENNETT - Stage Manager (and everything else!)
On top of sharing the stage with Eli in life, The Improv People, and in this show, Joseph is also the stage manager, utilizing his impeccable skills of organization backstage and his ability to remain calm (OK, let's tell the truth: help Eli stay calm!) He's also the resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer. When not rehearsing, Joseph spends his time in San Miguel de Allende and San Diego, writing poetry, recording a podcast and helping his coaching clients live their highest potential.
MARY NORQUIST - Associate Producer
Mary, an invaluable member of the production team, has been involved in the arts in San Miguel de Allende, Mx. for over 12 years. She has produced more than 20 plays and events, as well as being a co-founder of the San Miguel Playhouse. She currently serves as President of Players Workshop, a theatrical production company active in San Miguel since 1981, with over 150 local productions.
MICHAEL GOTTLIEB - Script Consultant
Michael was an indispensable sounding board to Eli, helping to shape the script as his story began to emerge. He is an actor, director, and author of the theatrical novel The Fourth Wall. He was a member of the acting company of the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, working on world premiere productions with America's finest playwrights. He's the former President and Artistic Director of Players Workshop, and a founding member of Caja Negra Performing Arts in San Miguel. Bringing professional quality theater to SMA for 12 years is the accomplishment of which he is most proud.
YA YA SILVA MÉNDEZ - Production Manager
Ya Ya is an enthusiastic cultural promoter, involved in a variety of creative projects and activities, sometimes producing, doing marketing for her Conejo Blanco brand, and more recently getting involved in the technical aspects of the theater, such as lighting and sound. She has worked on projects for the Festival Cervantino, the 10-Minutos Play Festival, and many local San Miguel productions at various theater venues.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
OUT OF THE BLUE is reaching for the sky!
Help us take it above and beyond our initial goal!!
With 2 1/2 weeks left in our campaign, we’re STRETCHING a bit further —
We can’t tell you how MOVING it's been to see this campaign soar in its initial week, reaching our goal of $20,000 IN ONLY 8 DAYS! THANK YOU!
That goal is the amount needed for PHASE ONE of birthing this baby. With your help, we can ACHIEVE MORE THAN WE EVER DREAMED OF!
SO WHAT'S NEXT?
The idea is to reach as many people as possible, since we feel that the show can truly inspire positive change in the world.
Infused with humor and original music, Out of the Blue is a heart-warming and inspiring true story celebrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
After a dire cancer diagnosis, Eli realizes that in order to heal to the core, he must learn to make peace with his past. Playing nearly 25 characters, Eli takes the audience on an intimate ride filled with love, laughter, heartache and miracles.
When all is said and done, everyone - including this gay Mexican-Polish Jew living in America - deserves a chance to create a life truly worth living. Oy, vey!
We invite YOU to come along on this adventure with us!
World Premiere in San Miguel de Allende, Mx on March 25, 26, April 1 & 2, 2022. VIDEO streaming in mid-April.
In 2014, Eli was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma. He had about 10% chance of survival.
After initially giving up, he followed his intuition which led him on the path to full recovery. Fast-forward seven years... After becoming a life & cancer coach, Eli felt it was time to share his story in a significant way. He began to write, compose music and lyrics, and a year later, Out of The Blue was born. Now, it's finally time to share it with the world.
After the past couple of years, we could all use a BOOST of inspiration, laughter and a good cry, right? Out of The Blue celebrates the triumph of the human spirit through humor, music and theater, reminding us that, despite our differences, we're all very much alike: love is love. And love heals.
Future plans include: performing at cancer centers, colleges, and theater festivals in the U.S. and abroad, offering workshops to support participant's healing journeys, whether from cancer or coming to terms with their sexual orientation and identity.
WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
Eli Hans and Joseph Bennett have been partners in life, love and business for over 21 years. Their miraculous love story (spoiler alert!) is a beautiful part of Out of The Blue. (Kleenex, please!)
Eli Hans - is a true Rennaisance man; an actor, singer, writer, artist, producer, director, and now composer. This show is Eli's most encompassing creative project to date. He has appeared in numerous theatrical productions, musicals and musical revues, and had a successful voiceover career for over 20 years.
Joseph Bennett - has been in theater since high-school, and danced in a ballet company for eight years. He's performed in many plays and playreadings, and is the centerpiece of The Improv People. Besides acting in this show, he's also stage manager, resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer.
We're fortunate to have an international team of devoted professionals supporting this heart-centered project. Please read their full bios in the TEAM section.
ELI HANS - Creator, Writer, Producer
Eli is a true Renaissance man. This production is the most encompassing creative project of his life: telling his story of hope after suriving cancer, doing what he loves most - creating transformation through the arts.
MERIDITH GRUNDEI - Director
From NYC, as a multi-passionate director, actor, producer and educator, Meridith strongly values giving her actors and collaborators brave space to offer their ideas.
KONRAD PLUTA - Music Arranger
From Calgary, Canada, Konrad's arrangements brought Eli's music to new heights! Konrad has arranged numerous projects and has conducted over 40 Musicals. He's grateful for all his musical collaborations over the years.
CHRISTIE OLVERA- Choreographer
The owner of the Arthur Murray(r) Dance Center in San Miguel de Allende, Christie has over 40 years of experience in multiple genres of dance/choreography.
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON - Solo Theater Coach
As the founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, in L.A., Jessica has contributed to the direction & development of over 100 solo shows. She's won numerous awards and was indispensable in Eli's creative process.
JOSEPH BENNETT - Stage Manager (and actor.)
Besides sharing the stage with Eli, Joseph is also stage manager, resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer. He writes self-help books, poetry, records a podcast, and helps his coaching clients live their highest potential.
PLEASE read up about our other valuable team members.
There's mainly one guy on stage, right? How expensive can this be?
Great question!
Our goal is to raise $20K for the initial phase: The World Premiere in March, 2022 in San Miguel de Allende, Mx along with Video Streaming in mid-April for anyone in the world.
You can PLEDGE ANY amount, or CHOOSE our amazing perks (available after campaign is funded.)
THANK YOU!
Where does the money go?
The majority of the funds is used to pay PEOPLE.
THE CREATIVE TEAM (see above) includes five women and four men from Mexico, U.S. and Canada, plus the theater tech crew & staff. (Eli and Joseph are not compensated from this budget.)
PRODUCTION: theatre rental, set construction, materials, additional lighting, costumes, props, etc.
AV PRODUCTION: video production so that the show can be streamed (so you can watch from home.) Also, additional music tracks, mics, and technical equipment.
PRINT & PUBLICITY: posters, postcards, programs, ads in local publications, graphic designer to create those materials.
MISCELLANEOUS: meals for the team during tech rehearsal week, opening night reception, and a small cushion for unexpected expenses.
Every production has inherent risks, especially with the pandemic. The worst case: we have to postpone the show. However, video production will still occur as scheduled.
If this happens, ticket holders will have 3 options: 1. Watch the pre-recorded show through streaming (date in April TBD.) 2. See it live at a re-scheduled date. 3. Get a refund.
PRECAUTIONS TAKEN DURING LIVE PERFORMANCES
The theater's seating capacity is 91. We're only selling 60% of the house (55 tickets) per show. The seats are spaced, the entire front row is empty.
For everyone's peace of mind, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is required, as well as wearing masks during the show.
From ALL of us to all of YOU... we can't THANK YOU enough for coming along on this exciting adventure with us! We're very grateful for your trust, encouragement, generosity and support!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
CREATIVE TEAM
Costs $13,000
Director, Music Arranger, Choreographer, Solo Theater coach, Prod. Manager, theater staff & crew.
PRODUCTION
Costs $2,400
Theatre rental ($850) set construction ($500) additional lights ($100), costumes ($600) props ($300)
AUDIO-VISUAL
Costs $2,200
Video production for streaming ($1300), lav mics ($400), album recording ($500)
PUBLICITY & PRINT
Costs $1,475
Posters, postcards, programs, ads for local publications, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
Costs $925
Meals during tech rehearsals, opening night reception appetizers, cushion for unexpected expenses.
Share this update!
About This Team
This wonderful TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves Miracles) is the backbone of this production.
ELI HANS - Creator, Writer, Producer
Eli is a true Renaissance man; an actor, writer, artist, producer, director, singer, and now composer. This production is the most encompassing creative project of his life. Eli has produced/directed TV commercials, and produced large-scale events and theme parties for corporations. He's the co-founder of The Improv People, and he thoroughly enjoyed a 20+ year career as a voiceover actor. He has always dreamed of being on Broadway, and after surviving a dire cancer diagnosis, he decided to create this show to tell his story, doing what he loves most: creating transformation through the arts.
MERIDITH GRUNDEI - Director
This project required a director with an acute sensibility to its subject matter. From NYC, as a multi-passionate director, actor, producer and educator, Meridith strongly values giving her actors and collaborators brave space to offer their ideas. Of her many credits as director/creator, Meridith is most proud of curating BITE-SIZE: An Evening of Micro Theatre from initial concept to creation, winning Westword’s Best Immersive Piece in 2018. She’s an associate member of the SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.)
KONRAD PLUTA - Music Arranger
A musical requires memorable music and catchy tunes, right? From Calgary, Canada, Konrad's arrangements brought Eli's music to new heights! As an arranger and producer Konrad has worked on numerous projects ranging from Musicals to CD’s to Casino shows. Sitting in the Musical Director chair, he has conducted his way through over 40 Musicals. He is grateful for all his musical collaborations over the years.
CHRISTIE OLVERA- Choreographer
What's a musical without fabulous dancing? This, being a solo show, required and astute choreographer that could work within Eli's ability and style preferences: a little Fosse, a little Soft Shoe, and a lot of Pow! Christie's it! She is the owner of the Arthur Murray(r) Dance Center in San Miguel de Allende, and has over 40 years of experience in multiple genres of dance/choreography, including: ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, and musical theater. She has choreographed and won several awards for full-length musicals for thespians of all ages.
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON - Solo Theater Coach
Jessica is passionate about the transformational power of solo theatre. As the founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC, in L.A., a company dedicated to the direction & development of one person plays, she has aided in the creation of over 100 solo shows. As an actor she's the recipient of the Best National Solo Artist Award, and as director Jessica’s projects have earned awards such as Top of Fringe, HFF Encore Producer Awards, TVOLUTION Best Solo Performance and Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.
JOSEPH BENNETT - Stage Manager (and everything else!)
On top of sharing the stage with Eli in life, The Improv People, and in this show, Joseph is also the stage manager, utilizing his impeccable skills of organization backstage and his ability to remain calm (OK, let's tell the truth: help Eli stay calm!) He's also the resident cheerleader and chief bottle washer. When not rehearsing, Joseph spends his time in San Miguel de Allende and San Diego, writing poetry, recording a podcast and helping his coaching clients live their highest potential.
MARY NORQUIST - Associate Producer
Mary, an invaluable member of the production team, has been involved in the arts in San Miguel de Allende, Mx. for over 12 years. She has produced more than 20 plays and events, as well as being a co-founder of the San Miguel Playhouse. She currently serves as President of Players Workshop, a theatrical production company active in San Miguel since 1981, with over 150 local productions.
MICHAEL GOTTLIEB - Script Consultant
Michael was an indispensable sounding board to Eli, helping to shape the script as his story began to emerge. He is an actor, director, and author of the theatrical novel The Fourth Wall. He was a member of the acting company of the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, working on world premiere productions with America's finest playwrights. He's the former President and Artistic Director of Players Workshop, and a founding member of Caja Negra Performing Arts in San Miguel. Bringing professional quality theater to SMA for 12 years is the accomplishment of which he is most proud.
YA YA SILVA MÉNDEZ - Production Manager
Ya Ya is an enthusiastic cultural promoter, involved in a variety of creative projects and activities, sometimes producing, doing marketing for her Conejo Blanco brand, and more recently getting involved in the technical aspects of the theater, such as lighting and sound. She has worked on projects for the Festival Cervantino, the 10-Minutos Play Festival, and many local San Miguel productions at various theater venues.