A MOSTLY ONE-MAN SHOW
Book, Music & Lyrics by Eli Hans
Performed by Eli Hans & Joseph Bennett
Directed by Meridith Grundei
Photos by: Scott Umstattd
Infused with humor and original music, award-winning Out of the Blue is a heart-warming and inspiring true story of hope and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
After a dire cancer diagnosis, Eli embarks on a memorable healing journey making peace with his past as a gay kid on a quest for love, learning to finally reclaim his wholeness and humanity.
Playing nearly 25 characters - and joined by his husband Joseph Bennett on stage - Eli takes the audience on an unforgettable, intimate ride filled with love, laughter, heartache and miracles.
You'll laugh, cry and even fall in love a little.
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Be inspired by this captivating journey of healing, self-love, and spiritual awakening.
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Witness the transformative power of intuition, with the power to guide us through life’s greatest challenges.
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Experience how the power of storytelling can turn even the darkest moments into sources of light.
NOTE: Age Recommendation: 14+
Content Warning: sexuality, suicide ideation, a couple F-bombs.
OUT OF THE BLUE was Nominated in 6 categories
by BROADWAY WORLD LOS ANGELES!
Best Solo Production
Best New Play or Musical
Best Direction of a Musical - Meridith Grundei
Best Lighting Design of a Musical - Nick Foran
Best Supporting Performer/Musical - Joseph Bennett
Runner Up - Best Solo Performance in LA - Eli Hans
PLEASE WATCH THE TRAILER
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Hi, I'm Eli
During the unprecedented Covid times, I became focused (OK, let's call it obsessed) on creating this show: writing the script, lyrics and music, designing the set and costumes, and pulling together a super talented creative team to bring it to fruition.
My dream is to inspire others to thrive, despite great challenges in our lives. Out of the Blue is an uplifting true story of healing, hope and resilience.
The World Premiere in San Miguel de Allende, MX in 2022, and the U.S. Premiere in Hollywood were beautifully received with rave reviews, as all the ensuing performances in the San Miguel Solo Theatre Festival, dozens of online presentations, and a special series of performances at Grace Gamm Theatre, Boulder, Colorado, to raise funds for a gay youth organization called Out Boulder.
International audiences have loved the show and we've received wonderful awards, multiple nominations, standing ovations and beautiful reviews. I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you!
Eli Hans
Award-winning playwright, actor,
composer and lyricist!
SOME IMAGES FROM THE SHOW
Photos by Scott Umstattd
Words of praise
"As a theater critic for 30 years, never has a piece of theater so affected me personally. It’s relentlessly charming and delightful… full of heart, humor, and hope.”
Pat Launer - Emmy Award-winning theater critic, San Diego CA
“Wow! What an accomplishment! An award-winning performance and a first-class production all the way!” Michael Gottlieb - Artistic director, actor, author.
"A tour de force new musical! Eli’s balancing act combining drama and comedy, honesty and sensitivity, wit and wisdom, all made the 90-minutes seem like 90-seconds. Bravo!" Mark Saunders - Theatre producer, author.
"Delightfully straightforward, honest and earnest, amusing and moving, beautifully sung and cleverly staged. Bravo! Bravo!" Michael Dobbin - Theatre Director
"Polished, moving and beautifully told. The songs were not only entertaining, but memorable. The whole package was superbly engaging. I adored the show!
Susan Page - Executive Director, San Miguel Writers' Conference
"The show works from beginning to end. The music is delightful and creative, the story is hugely entertaining. I’ve only got two thumbs, but they’re both up for this production." Doug Robinson - World Class musician/performer
"A celebration of what fine live theatre can and should be! What a courageous, joyous ride you took us on!"
Christine Yannatelli - Audience member
"What a brave, personal and moving story with great music, and with such universal themes. I left feeling like I wanted to hug everyone and myself a little tighter." Stan Allen - Audience member
"A triumph! Smart, insightful and compelling. Eli’s singing and acting are exceptional and contain enjoyable nods to classic musicals."
Janette Higgins - Audience member
"We would recommend Out of The Blue to our pickiest theater friends! We loved it!" Paula Chess - Audience member
"I was so moved by your story and the performance... it was exquisite! Your light and love shows through brilliantly; your openness and vulnerability surprised me and touched my heart! Millions need to see this!" Joleen Gose - Audience member.
OUR CREATIVE TEAM
I'm eternally grateful for the love, care, and expertise of
our talented creative team who helped birth the show.
MERIDITH GRUNDEI
Director
New York
JOSEPH BENNETT
Co-star & Stage Manager
San Miguel de Allende, Mx
CHRISTIE OLVERA
Choreographer
San Miguel de Allende, Mx
KONRAD PLUTA
Musical Arranger
Calgary, CA
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON
Solo Theater Coach/Producer
Hollywood, California
MICHAEL GOTTLIEB
Script Consultant
California
MARY NORQUIST
Associate Producer
San Migue de Allende, Mx
YA YA SILVA MÉNDEZ
Production Manager
San Migue de Allende, Mx
Contact
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