'Why Am I Not Famous' is a one-man with a band, stand up musical revue about a boy's struggle to 'grow up' during the age of celebrity.
Originally developed at the Shadowland Theatre in Ellenvillle, NY (Brendan Burke, Artistic Director) Why am I Not Famous ran for a three night limited engagement in March of 2012 to hugely favorable reviews:
Academy Award winner Melissa Leo raves...”I laughed I cried I screamed and danced in my seat......and then Jason Downs’ show made me stop and think and smile way down deep inside my heart....you would be a fool to miss a chance to skate tunefully thru Jason's life with him.....after seeing this show Jason Downs is so much more than famous to me...
“a cautionary tale for the American Idol generation” Chris Silva, Executive Director Bardavon 1869 Opera House
“It's a delightful evening, with GREAT musical numbers and charming performers asking very brave questions about fame. It's a coming-of-age, memoir, musical review. When the evening ends, we're asking ourselves the same question - why isn't Jason famous, and damn, he ought to be.” Nicole Quinn, Director Racing Daylight
Now the fire is lit.
Please help us raise the funds to bring this show to it’s full potential and to the audiences it is sure to inspire and entertain.
We are raising $12,500.
This will allow the show to be fully realized in time for it’s kickoff performance at The Rosendale Theatre on October 27th, which will mark the first show of what will become a tour of regional theatres and colleges across the country.
We are raising $12,500.
This will allow the show to be fully realized in time for it’s kickoff performance at The Rosendale Theatre on October 27th, which will mark the first show of what will become a tour of regional theatres and colleges across the country.
Your generous contribution will pay for:
First Class professional Musicians (Lead Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard, Background vocals)
Lighting, sound and technical director
Marketing materials
Recording cast album and original songs (studio time, musicians, mixing, mastering)
Licensing the rights to cover songs
Lighting, sound and technical director
Marketing materials
Recording cast album and original songs (studio time, musicians, mixing, mastering)
Licensing the rights to cover songs
The more we raise, the farther and wider the show will reach.
JASON'S STORY
He’s worked with (and for) some of the most famous folks in show business, and has had success as an actor and musician - including a top 20 hit in the UK. But, for some reason, real fame has eluded Jason Downs.
Jason Downs was a child actor and star by the age of 11 (at least according to the population of Ellicott City, Maryland). He wasn't particularly skilled: He couldn't sing in tune, he was an awkward dancer and an insufferable over-actor. However, he was cute, had an age-inappropriate charisma and infectious confidence. Jason grew up being told by everyone he knew that one day he'd be famous. He waited…and waited…and waited…
Jason Downs was a child actor and star by the age of 11 (at least according to the population of Ellicott City, Maryland). He wasn't particularly skilled: He couldn't sing in tune, he was an awkward dancer and an insufferable over-actor. However, he was cute, had an age-inappropriate charisma and infectious confidence. Jason grew up being told by everyone he knew that one day he'd be famous. He waited…and waited…and waited…
So what went wrong for the poor chap? After all, he’d studied and graduated from a reputable conservatory (NYU's Tisch School of the Arts); got some work, including minor roles in the original John Waters film Hairspray andClara's Heart with Whoopi Goldberg and Doogie Howser; found himself in rooms with Tim Burton reading for Robin in Batman, spots on Saturday Nite Live, national commercials and eventually signed to a record deal with Jive (Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, R. Kelly), culminating in a top 20 hit in Britain - and a European Tour. But through it all real success and fame have eluded the troubadour. He was in children's theater alongside Ed Norton. He attended the Oscars with Melissa Leo when she won for Best Supporting Actress last year. He's bounced from movie set to movie set assisting Aidan Quinn. Why not Jason Downs?
Now a family man, he's certainly learned a lot over the years and has some stories to tell. In a time when American Idol rules, a celebrity is born every minute and anyone on the street can give a reason why they should be famous, it’s enough that Jason Downs has come this far. He loves what he does and it shows in every pore of his being. 'Why am I Not Famous?' joyfully covers Jason’s musical journey from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan to Elvis to the Doors and hopefully…to enlightenment. ‘Why Am I Not Famous’ is unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard of - just like Jason Downs.
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