Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is a lively and comedic performance that recently won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Fringe Festival. I had the pleasure of asking Lauren O’Brien about her inspiration for the show, her creative process, and what’s next for her after this incredible success.
Congratulations on winning the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Fringe Festival! What inspired you to create Lolo’s Boyfriend Show, and how has the journey been from its inception to now?
Thank you very much! I’m absolutely delighted that Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is striking a nerve with audiences. I started writing a book version of the show after my previous show Jaxx & Lolo had to close during the pandemic in 2020. I faced so many personal challenges during this time, I wanted to write something funny as a distraction… and what’s funnier than dating!
I had a lot of darkly hilarious dating stories, and so did my friends. As I delved into the material, Lolo took on a life of her own. And something deeper revealed itself…
I later adapted the material for the stage, workshopped it with Matt Hoverman, then further developed it with Director Christine Bokhour. It’s a dream come true to finally bring Lolo to life in front of audiences!
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show mixes theater, multimedia, and music. Can you tell us more about how you blend these elements to create such a dynamic and engaging performance?
Thank you for saying my performance is dynamic and engaging! I want audiences to feel like they are stepping into the mind and soul of Lolo. I want it to be an all-encompassing experience. The unity of the creative team is very important in creating that feeling. (It’s called a “solo show,” but I am working with a badass creative team! Including director Christine Bokhour and Projection Designer Lianne Arnold.)
We discussed how we could manifest the physical and spiritual aspects of addiction in the projection and sound design. It’s all coming together to be a multi-faceted experience!
The show explores Lolo's romantic escapades and her journey to self-discovery. How do you hope audiences relate to or learn from Lolo’s experiences and the colorful characters she encounters?
I want audiences to have a visceral experience when they meet Lolo! I want them to laugh big belly laughs until their stomachs hurt and their eyes are tearing. And to be moved to experience deep, profound emotions. To get the chills. To cry. To feel more fully alive than life sometimes allows! And, for us to somehow cultivate more compassion for ourselves and others by taking this journey together.
How has the audience reception been so far, and were there any reactions or feedback that particularly stood out to you?
I’m honored that the audience reception has been magnificent so far! We just performed to a sold-out house at the Depot Theatre in Garrison. And, audience members flew in from as far as California to see Lolo at The Fringe!
This past Friday, an audience member became so tormented by Lolo’s life choices that she screamed out “Don’t Go!!” I love having that kind of intense reaction!! And, we received a standing ovation at the end of the show! I’m over the moon about this.
With the success of Lolo’s Boyfriend Show, what are your plans moving forward? Do you have any new projects or themes you’re eager to explore in your future work?
Right now, it is my wish to share Lolo’s Boyfriend Show with as many people as possible. We are currently talking to producers that are interested in bringing Lolo to Off-Broadway, as well as to tour nationally and internationally. I’m determined to make that a reality!
Thank you for your time, Lauren. Have a wonderful run!
"Lolo's Boyfriend Show"
Written and Performed by Lauren O'Brien
Directed by Christine Bokhour
July 5th -July 14, 2024
Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's (308 W 46th St. NYC)
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.
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