What do you do when you have a problematic childhood, a tenacious spirit, and a special gift for turning lemons into lemonade? Why, you come to Los Angeles and knock on doors until they open!
Such is the life of Candace Nicholas-Lippman, with two proud last names. And therein lies the subject of her one-woman show, where Ms. N.L. skips, frolics, and stomps around the stage, memorably recounting the events that she has endured, embraced, and is still growing from today.
This is a most inspiring story, where Candace personifies her problematic mother who held her large brood together by sheer will and the largess of her own largely absent father, as well as a number of other characters that propelled her to stardom on television and ultimate downfall when Covid-19 hit. If you’ve ever felt like giving up on life, you will grow a new stiff backbone from her never-give-up spirit.
Candace Nicholas-Lippman spends most of this most compelling 60-minute show interrelating with her audience. The group almost visibly rises a notch off the ground, just from the force of her encouragement during the performance. And we can feel her determination, that, despite everything that life has thrown at her, this dynamic young woman can say, “I choose me. I choose free.”
We can celebrate her courage, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance, of her colleague, director Bernadette Speakes, who helps Candace shape the piece. Contributions from producing partners JuVee Productions and the Robey Theatre are also important.
One last note: Mr. Lippman? Get over here. You’ve got an amazing daughter who wants to have a word.
A Rose Called Candace has three more performances through June 29th: Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm at LATC, 514 S. Spring St. All tickets are $40, with student and Sr. tickets at $25. For tickets go online to: https://ci.ovationtix.com/28125/production/1240993.
