April 7-8 Only "THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES" at The Federal Bar in NoHo

Maxie Solters, Studio City native and founder of V-Day Studio City, is bringing author/activist Eve Ensler's award winning play, The Vagina Monologues, to The Federal Bar in North Hollywood on Saturday, April 7 at 8PM and Sunday, April 8 at 1PM.

Based on Ensler's interviews, which she conducted with women and girls from around the world, The Vagina Monologues is a provocative, stimulating, poignant piece depicting true stories about women's attempts to overcome society's stigmas through embracing and celebrating their sexuality.
You'll be moved to tears and laughter, energized and inspired, motivated to make a difference, and ready to take action to stop the violence now!
In light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, The Vagina Monologues is even more relevant today.
The New York Times called The Vagina Monologues, "probably the most important piece of political theater of the last decade." The play, first performed Off-Broadway and in locations around the world by Ms. Ensler, dives into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement in women's experiences.

Join us as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Vagina Monologuesand the founding of V-Day, the Global Activist Movement to End Violence Against Women and Girls. V-Day grew out of the play, which exploded onto the scene in 1998, breaking taboos about women's sexuality and shattering silence around violence perpetrated upon women and girls.
All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood, St. Johns Transgender Health Program, and V-Day International.
2018 is V-Day Studio City's fifth year appearing at The Federal Bar. This stylish nightclub, in a classic early-20th-century bank building, has a charming cozy ambience perfect for delighting in phenomenal fare, while enjoying superb entertainment.
The small but mighty Solters produces the eye-opening, hysterical, heart-wrenching play, for the eleventh consecutive year. Solters co-stars with Allie Altschuler, Adolfo Anderson, Michelle Appezzato, Jo Crandall, Debra Graff, Julienne Irons, Lauren Rodriguez, Nan Savage, Emily Short, and Andrew Watie.
A highlight of the evening is the acclaimed fake orgasm contest, which always brings the audience to their feet roaring with guffaws. Winners receive exciting erotic prizes. Gift bags will be raffled with fabulous sex toys donated by sponsors LELO, Romantix, and We-Vibe. Guests can enjoy scrumptious Chocolate Vagina Lollipops and Handcrafted Vagina Pins.

Maxie Solters became incredibly passionate about V-Day while attending USC and was determined to continue raising awareness after graduation. In Fall 2009, she returned to her hometown and founded V-Day Studio City. V-Day and The Vagina Monologues have changed Solters' life. She's currently a powerful influence behind V-day's worldwide campaign, One Billion Rising.

"People say college is about finding yourself," Solters observes, "I discovered an inner strength and confidence since joining this admirable organization. I'm honored to work among the most inspiring women I've ever met, all of whom are still incredible friends today. One of the best parts about V-Day Studio City is getting to spend time with the amazing cast every V-season."
Maxie's involvement in V-Day has taught her not to fear speaking out even if others shy away. "It reminds me how lucky I am to be able to talk about these issues while others across the globe are forced into silence. The movement encourages women to speak out, proving we really can make a difference."

As Producer/Coordinator/Co-Director/Co-Star, Maxie performs the monologue entitled "My Angry Vagina." When asked about its pertinence, Maxie responded, "My vagina has definitely been angry on more than one occasion! I love this monologue because it speaks the truth about what so many women are thinking but afraid to actually say. There are so many ridiculous things we put up with as women, and this hilarious piece allows me to vent about them all. From gynecologist visits to tampons, audience members will surely relate."

Maxie is particularly honored when, after the show, people come up to her expressing how they feel empowered to speak up. "If we can make a difference for even one person by bringing these stories to life, then it's all worth it."

Maxie pronounces the Federal Bar "an awesome venue!" She loves performing in the NoHo theatre district and being able to offer more of a "happening" than a simple stage play. Maxie wants attendees to know that on Saturday evening, they're invited to order dinner and drinks while watching the performance and on Sunday afternoon they can enjoy a bottomless brunch special at only $20 per person. This set up makes the audience feel more involved with the show. "It's a very personal and welcoming experience."

Maxie gives credit to #MeToo and #TimesUp for impacting women's rights. "These movements may not be new but thankfully, their messages are finally starting to be heard by the masses. Many of my fellow activists and I have been fighting this fight for years without much of a global response. It appears that once celebrities become more vocal about the cause, people are more willing to listen. I'm grateful that we are beginning to have a voice and the rest of the world are hopping on board to create change."

For Co-Director/Assistant Coordinator/Co-Star, Allie Altschuler,(also an original V-Day Studio City member) performing in The Vagina Monologues and the ritual of Vagina Season, has become a "deep-seeded part of me." There's also an "unshakable connection" among the cast, whether within V-Day Studio City or outside, both personally and socially. Allie finds it reassuring that women all over the globe are participating in similar, intimate gatherings. She feels "a link to something that really matters."

Allie was hooked after seeing The Vagina Monologues for the first time and reflects, "It was like someone had introduced me to the world in which I was supposed to belong." She recommends that survivors who want to generate transformation, continue telling their stories.
Allie believes "women have always understood each other." The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements are "a long awaited education for men."
She gives kudos to The Federal Bar for being so gracious, allowing creative freedom, and providing incredible support. Allie applauds The Federal for helping the show become a full weekend-long celebration.

Co-Star of The Vagina Monologues, Michelle Appezzato (third original member of V-Day Studio City), flies out to Los Angeles every year to participate, eventhough she moved to Las Vegas several years ago. She acknowledges, "This show and the organization have been close to my heart for the last eleven years. I wouldn't choose another group of amazing women to be on this journey with. The Vday movement allows us to be a voice for the voiceless in our never ending attempt to bring about awareness."
As a survivor of rape herself, the Vday movement provided Michelle, "a safe space to open up about my experience and really helped me identify with the truth…that it was not my fault."
Michelle suggests survivors recognize that they are not alone, "that our voices are heard and do make a difference even though at times it may not feel like it."
In regards to the impact of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, Michelle remarked, "It has shed more light on the topic and has aided us as humans to be proponents of fairness and equality.
Michelle recognizes The Federal Bar as being "nothing short of amazing in hosting over the last few years." She thinks the atmosphere is "perfect for guests to enjoy the event and feel like they're part of it."
On Saturday, April 7, doors open at 6:30PM for dinner & drinks; the show begins at 8PM. Check out the eclectic menu at www.thefederalbar.com. Feel free to stay for the after party immediately following, with smokin' hot DJ's spinnin' rockin' tunes to dance the night away.

On Sunday, April 8, doors open at 11:30AM for the brunch special; show begins at 1PM. Bottomless mimosas plus a brunch entree is only $20 per person…an exceptional deal!
Tickets are $20 cash at the door or in advance by ordering online at the links below. Seating is on a first come first served basis. The event sells out fast, so it's best to secure seats ahead of time!
Saturday Night:
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-vagina-monologues-the-federal-tickets/8191105?pl=federal
Sunday Brunch:
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-vagina-monologues-the-federal-tickets/8191115?pl=federal
Like us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/events/155870961742272/
About V-Day
For the past two decades, V-Day has had an improbable journey, charting a path that has been unparalleled. Tens of thousands of communities and college campuses have staged benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues (and other works and campaigns created by V-Day) in over 200 countries and territories. V-Day activists have raised consciousness, changed laws to protect women and girls, funded rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, educated their communities, and raised well over $100 million in urgently needed funds for groups doing the essential work of ending violence and serving survivors and their families. From the Congo, where V-Day supports the City of Joy, a leadership center for survivors of violence where women can heal themselves, to One Billion Rising, the largest mass action to stop violence against women in history, to its work with a broad coalition of groups advocating for an end to workplace violence for women, including nurses, hotel workers, farm workers, restaurant workers and more, V-Day has its pulse on issues women face across the globe. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine, and Vagina. More info at: http://www.vday.org / www.onebillionrising.org
About Planned Parenthood
PPLA's 19 health centers throughout Los Angeles County provide care to nearly 150,000 women, men, and teens each year. Over 93% of the care PPLA provides is preventative, including life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, annual exams, and STD testing and treatment. PPLA's education and community outreach programs reach nearly 60,000 women, men and teens in Los Angeles County each year. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
About St. John's Transgender Health Program
In just four years since its inception, the St. John's Transgender Health Program has become a haven for the transgender community of color in South Los Angeles, growing from nine initial patients to more than 2,000 today. In addition to providing more than 6,000 culturally sensitive medical, dental, and behavioral health visits in 2017, St. John's has grown programming to support name and gender-change clinics, victim advocacy, legal support, case management, and broader transgender activism and empowerment. Their Transgender Right to Health Committee travels statewide to advocate on behalf of trans-friendly legislation, like the bill creating a gender-neutral option for California driver's licenses and identification cards. Their Trans*Empower job readiness program helps break the cycle of poverty by giving transgender individuals the skills they need to enter the workforce, while educating local employers to promote inclusive hiring practices http://www.wellchild.org/transgender-health-program/
For RSVP/group ticket inquiries, email Maxie Solters at: maxie.solters@gmail.com
Contact:
Maxie Solters
Producer
maxie.solters@gmail.com
www.maxiesolters.com
http://www.imdb.me/maxiesolters