Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular follows the professional and romantic rise and fall of two queer, closeted stuntmen in the Hollywood world of faux masculinity, bringing the intoxication of film trickery and its toll on the body and psyche to center stage through life-size and miniature puppetry, live video, cinematic illusions and heart-pumping physical acts. Based on true-life stories and direct testimonies, this exuberant production is a joyful tribute to the resiliency of the LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Fall illuminates issues of racial and cultural identity in the industry and uncovers the real price of a love story, unmasking the importance — and danger — of being true to oneself.

Suitability Suggestion: Strong language, sexual content, simulated consensual sexual power dynamic play, simulated violence, and depiction of a hate crime.

Happy Fall is a produced in partnership with Los Angeles LGBT Center and Contemporary American Theater Festival.

NEXt

New production at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in July 2025

PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES

Reading, March 2022, City of Culver City
Workshop, May 2023. City of West Hollywood
Workshop, April 2024, Skirball Cultural Center
Production, August 22, Los Angeles LGBT Center

PRESS

“STUNNING AND BEAUTIFUL…  raw vulnerability, grace, charm, and pathos… a fascinating play that is all parts ambitious, messy as hell, unapologetic, and heartfelt…. A strange darling of a show.” — Edward Hong. The Nerds of Color

“MAGIC AND FLASH… a unique whirlwind of an experience… [actors] Ellard and Kanazawa have strong chemistry and are engaging to watch… Levi’s host is charismatic and owns the stage… feel[s] like an event.” — Madison Mellon, Stage Raw

“BRIMMING WITH IMPRESSIVE STAGECRAFT… a clever evening of theatrical artistry.” — Andrew Child, Broadway World

“AMAZING… nothing short of Phantasmagorical… [an] absolute fearless attack of ideas… It's fun to boost a tremendous effort and this one is a must see.” — Michael Sheehan, On Stage Los Angeles

“PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS!… loaded with spectacle… If you want a fun way to spend a matinee and possibly a raucous rowdy Friday night be ready to hoot and holler at Happy Fall.” – Todd Gaebe, Hollywood Revealed

“STUNNING VISUAL EFFECTS… an insider’s look through the eyes of stuntmen working on soundstages and sets… an enthusiastic and energetic ensemble.” — Shari Barrett, Stage and Cinema

“MIND-BLOWING… It’s fun. It’s entertaining. And it’s brilliantly creative and original.” — Elaine Mura, Splash Magazines

“FEARLESSNESS AND AUTHENTICITY… immersed in puppetry and imaginative illusion… performances that are sensitive and emotionally resonant.” — Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

“INGENIOUS AND INVENTIVE… The stunts, the puppetry, and the multimedia effects are indeed spectacular.” — Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA