"THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES" SAT 4-13/SUN 4-14 The Federal Bar 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 13 at 8PM and Sunday, April 14 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!

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.

In light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, The Vagina Monologues is even more apropos today than at its conception.

All proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood LA, St. John's Well Child & Family Center, and V-Day International.

2019 is V-Day Studio City's sixth 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 twelfth consecutive year. Solters co-stars with Allie Altschuler, Adolfo Anderson, Michelle Appezzato, Jo Crandall, Arthur J. Davis, Debra Graff, Julienne Irons, Lauren Rodriguez, Emily Short, and Veronica Wylie.

A highlight of the evening is the acclaimed fake orgasm contest, which always brings the audience to their feet roaring with guffaws. Winners receive titillating erotic prizes. Gift bags will be raffled with fabulous sex toys donated by sponsors Romantix, and We-Vibe. Guests can enjoy scrumptious coveted Chocolate Vagina Lollipops.

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 that college is about finding yourself," Solters says. "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 candidly express themselves on a deeply profound level, proving our voices really can make a difference."
Julienne Irons is participating in V-Day Studio City's production for the third year and she's looking forward to "Everything! I'm just excited to get on the stage and talk about VAGINAS!!!"
Julienne finds The Vagina Monologues to be significant because it affords women and men an opportunity to talk about vaginas. "The word 'vagina' seems to creep people out like it's a curse word or this thing that needs to be hidden. I love that we get say 'vagina' like one billion times on stage. Okay, well maybe not that many times but you get my point."
For Julienne, it's unfortunate that after all these years, the vagina is still not seen as equal to the penis, but rather as weak and mysterious. Per Julienne, men seem to think they know EXACTLY what to do with a vagina at all times and it's like, "Slow down there buddy. My vagina is totally different than that last vagina you had. Take some time to learn about it before you dive right in."
Julienne continues, "I mean even when it comes to science and research there are far more studies done on men's anatomy than there are for women. Why is that? Because women are far less valued in our world than men and until we are seen as valuable and worthy of the attention that men get when it comes to their bodies, then The Vagina Monologues needs to be seen.
Julienne divulges her fear of performing The Woman Who Loved To Make Vagina's Happy where she emulates various types of orgasms. She admits, "It's meaningful on a personal level because it's allowing me to push past a fear and do the damn thing anyway. It's also such an amazing exploration on how different women are when we experience pleasure. Connecting to the various moans has been so much fun for me and, even though I'm still scared, I'm excited to use my piece to bring some humor and joy to the show."
Julienne is grateful to The Federal Bar because "They are always super kind there! They understand exactly what we are doing and why we are doing it and back us in our mission."
For those who want to get involved and create a global transformation, Julienne suggests, "Keep speaking up for what you believe in. Support organizations that are fighting for positive change. Join the resistance."
Arthur J. Davis is thrilled to be performing in The Vagina Monologues for the first time. He revealed that before signing on, he had never heard about it. "After doing some research and seeing the impact The Vagina Monologues has had on so many women, I had to join. Being a part of something special is what its all about and I am grateful."
Arthur believes that the monologues are more relevant now than ever because "We live in a society where people are starting to have these conversations in person, on social media, and on television. Conversation creates change."
Performing in The Short Skirt monologue is meaningful to Arthur since it speaks on the rape culture and the mindset of both men and women. According to Arthur, "Women should be able to wear what they want when they want and express themselves through clothes without feeling ashamed. And men should respect these decisions and realize it is not all about us."
For those who want to make a difference and facilitate change, Arthur recommends: "Come to the show. Listen, engage, create dialogue."
On Saturday, April 13, doors open at 6:30PM for dinner and 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 ' hot DJ's spinnin' rockin' tunes to dance the night away.

On Sunday, April 14, doors open at 11:30AM for the brunch special; show begins at 1PM. Bottomless mimosas plus a brunch entree is only $25 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/even...
Sunday Brunch:
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-vagina-monologues-the-federal-tickets/9153775
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.
More info at: 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.
More info at: 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