Acclaimed actress and voiceover artist Janora McDuffie is bringing her acclaimed solo performance, Earth, Wind, & Car Fire, to New York City for its first New York engagement.
Written and performed by McDuffie and directed by Joseph Megel, the production will have a two-night-only run as part of the 21st annual United Solo Theatre Festival at Theatre Row. Performances are scheduled for October 29, at 8:30 p.m. and October 30, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $65 and are currently on sale through the United Solo Theatre Festival.
Earth, Wind, & Car Fire explores the complicated intersections of love, identity, race, family and faith through the story of a Black queer woman who falls in love with a white police officer. As she navigates the relationship, she is forced to confront questions about her identity, her beliefs and the expectations placed on her by the people and communities around her.
McDuffie uses humor, vulnerability and personal storytelling to examine what happens when love and conviction collide. The production moves between intimate reflection and moments of humor as its central character wrestles with the pressure to choose sides.
Described as an intimate and soulful theatrical experience, the solo show focuses on the often-unexpected path toward self-discovery. Its central message is that becoming comfortable with who you are is rarely a straightforward journey.
McDuffie is known for her work as an actress and voiceover artist and serves as the voice of the Oscars. With Earth, Wind, & Car Fire, she places herself at the center of a deeply personal story that asks audiences to consider the ways relationships can challenge long-held assumptions about race, sexuality, family and faith.
The production has received praise for balancing humor with more emotionally difficult material. The NOHO Arts District described the show as a solo production that moves between the comic, soulful and heartbreaking, while LA Theatrix praised its intimate, spiritual and humorous approach.
For McDuffie, the New York engagement represents an opportunity to introduce the production to a new audience while continuing its exploration of identity, love and personal conviction.
Earth, Wind, & Car Fire will be presented at Theatre Row, located at 410 West 42nd Street in Manhattan, as part of the United Solo Festival. The limited engagement gives New York audiences two opportunities to see McDuffie perform the one-person production.