Studio City's Solters Co-Stars in 'Quake'

Born and raised in Studio City, actress Maxie Solters is co-starring in the riveting new play Quake, at the Open Fist Theatre in Hollywood.

Written by D. Tucker Smith and directed by Smith with Anjali Bhimani, this compelling, provocative and potent piece also stars Ray Abruzzo (“Little Carmine” of The Sopranos), Marc Aden Gray, Stephanie Terronez and Alex Pierce, all at the top of their game. 

Maxie, an Oakwood School/USC School of Theatre graduate, says she is honored to play the role of 14-year-old Robbie, whom she describes as a unique, feisty, powerful, smart and vibrant girl.

“I've really come to love and understand her. Most of us can see some of ourselves in Robbie, remembering what it’s like to be a teenager," she says.

"The idea of feeling lost, alone, not knowing what to do, the anger, rage, and confusion is something everyone will relate to when watching Quake.”

For Maxie, who gives an excellent and moving performance in Quake, being on stage is like no other sensation.

“It's a time when you can let go and release all the work you did during rehearsal. You have an adrenaline rush right before appearing, and you feel butterflies in your stomach. Then it's almost like flying. You're just going and going on this wild ride. There's nothing like it.”

Maxie enjoys being able to affect other people through her art. She relishes the opportunity to experience another’s life, while still bringing part of herself to the character, she says.

“People say kids and animals are the best actors because they don't think, they just do," she says. "They’re free to play without worrying about what’s right or wrong. At the end of the day, performing is just playing, reacting and staying in the now.”

Maxie calls her participation in the world premiere of Quake “one of the best moments of my career so far.”

She says she is thankful to writer-director Smith for trusting her with the role; to Quake’s producer, Bhimani; to stage manager Chuck Filipov and to the entire cast and crew for their efforts in making Smith’s vision come to fruition.

“I've never worked with such an amazing and gifted group of people. Everyone is so enthusiastic about the project. I'm proud of this magical creation we’ve brought to the stage,” she says.

Maxie has been performing in and around Studio City since she was 5, when she played Gretl in The Sound of Music.

For her, acting is more than just a job, it’s a passion she can’t imagine life without. Maxie's devotion to her craft and determination to keep acting professionally come through in conversation.

About her hometown, Maxie declares, “I love Studio City!” She compares its relative calmness to the frantic pace and heavy traffic of Hollywood, where she presently lives.

For Maxie, Studio City is where you go to escape from L.A., even if it’s just to run errands on Ventura Boulevard for a couple of hours. “My mood is better when I’m in Studio City. I love visiting my mom there. ... It’ll always be home.”

For more information on Maxie Solters, see her website at maxiesolters.com.

Quake, at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. Performances at 8 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, and on Aug. 10, 18, 24 and 27; at 2 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 20; at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21. For tickets, go to OpenFist.org or 323-882-6912. Half-price specials available through Goldstar.