As movie theaters and large venues remain closed, creators have had improvise new ways to reach audiences. Shia LaBeouf, star of Fury and three of the six Transformers films, has collaborated with his theater company Slauson Rec to produce 5711 Avalon, a full-fledged outdoor stage production created during one of the darkest eras in stage production.
The news comes from Chris Gardner of The Hollywood Reporter, who experienced the production himself. In a series of tweets, Gardner gives glimpses into the actual performances of 5711 Avalon, including dance routines, special effects, and the appearance of a "Karen" character that berates and insults members of the cast before asking to speak to a manager. The tweets reveal multiple screens broadcasting various segments of the action, while the production crew dance and perform in front of the vehicles Additionally, the tweets capture the performance occurring in and around guests as they watch safely from their cars. The name 5711 Avalon comes from the parking lot where the show takes place.
5711 Avalon is a show made in the mind of COVID, showing frontline healthcare workers performing in uncertain and unprecedented times. It was made through research, news reports, and interviews conducted by Slauson Rec, as well as actor Sean Penn's nonprofit, CORE. Slauson Rec, founded in 2018, specializes in unconventional and experimental productions, where actors don't act but write the story through their performances on-stage. Shia LeBeouf does not star directly in the show but is deeply involved in the production of 5711 Avalon.
Is it weird? Yes. But also kind of great. In one of the darkest eras of entertainment and stage productions, it is reassuring to see a production like 5711 Avalon happen. Stories like 5711 Avalon provide a hopeful beacon to productions on indefinite hold or wondering what might be next for them. Every large-scale venue is suffering due to Coronavirus,; AMC theaters facing potential bankruptcy by the end of the year. As the Coronavirus looks to disrupt most of 2021, there are glimmers of hope, as stage performers and Broadway stars look to online venues to deliver performances to audiences.
5711 Avalon is now performing at 5711 Avalon in Los Angeles, California from now until November 1st.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter