The Whitefire Theatre presents Lion Eyes, one woman’s transformational journey of self-discovery, love, betrayal and redemption written and performed by award-winning actress Tanna Frederick (Film: “Two Ways Home,” “Defrost,” “Irene in Time”), whose Hollywood dreams take a shocking turn. With creative directors including icons Randal Kleiser (“Grease”) and Judd Nelson (“The Breakfast Club”, “St. Elmos Fire”).
In this captivating one-woman show, witness the journey of a young woman who dreams of making it big in Hollywood, only to find herself entangled in the web of a wealthy, eccentric film director. Despite their unconventional bond and striking age gap, their mutual passion for film and theater fuels their connection—until she uncovers her unwitting role in a game of lies and financial manipulation within their inner circle. As she pursues love, family, and children with the director, shattering revelations come to light which drives her into the dark realms of alcoholism and addiction. Seizing the chance to reclaim control over her life, she confronts the truth of her relationship and future, delving into her family’s legacy of deep-seated issues that have guided her choices. This poignant narrative of self-discovery, love, betrayal, and redemption is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. For audiences aged 18 and above.
“Lion Eyes is a love story with fangs,” says Frederick. “Being a muse was an addiction, and my ego thought I was running the show while everything around me was being ripped down. I didn’t want to see it.”
Lion Eyes (formerly HANYAK) was workshopped at the Los Angeles Fringe and Two Roads Theater in Studio City, CA, as well as United Solo in NYC.
Tanna Frederick (playwright/performer) can be seen as the lead in the narrative feature South of Hope Street in theatres this April alongside Judd Nelson, Billy Baldwin, and Michael Madsen. She has most recently had the pleasure of directing Eric Roberts and Mimi Kennedy in Sy Rosen’s Death Pays Flora A Visit. Frederick produced and released Two Ways Home, which can now be seen on VOD. Frederick produced and launched DEFROST, a live-action virtual reality experience, alongside Randal Kleiser which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. She completed seven feature films directed by film iconoclast Henry Jaglom. Her recent theatrical credits include Gina Russell Tracey’s Permafrost at the Theatre for the New City; John Patrick Shanley’s Danny and the Deep Blue Sea directed by Carl Weathers, which received LA Times Critic’s pick; The Dutchman by Amiri Baraka selected for the National Black Theatre Festival; and The Rainmaker, which garnered the LA Stage Best Actress Award, an Eddon Award, and LA Times Critics’ Choice Award. Frederick’s directorial theatrical credits include Sylvia by A.R. Gurney and Claire Chafee’s Why We Have A Body starring Barbara Bain and Karen Black.
