NOT Special

All her life, Melanie was told she was “special.”

But not in a bad way! Just, you know, like, BETTER than other people.

Smarter, funnier, more talented, destined for greatness... that kind of thing.

So when she moves to Los Angeles to pursue a career in TV and film, Melanie thinks it’s only a matter of time before a big-shot producer discovers her, her talent, and her prize-winning gams.

Let’s just say, this “special” girl is in for a rude awakening.

Written & Performed by Melanie Johnson

Directed by Lisa Schurga

Performer and director bios:

Melanie Johnson is a writer, actor, and comedian, who has performed improv and sketch comedy in theaters, seedy strip malls, and basements all over this great city. She debuted "NOT Special" in the Hollywood Fringe Festival to sold-out shows and rave reviews... and is now breaking the fourth wall to say: "Thank you for coming to my show! Let's dance!!"

Lisa Schurga is an alum of The Groundlings Theatre, where she wrote and performed sketch comedy for over 10 years. Now, she is a director of the main company and performs regularly in the famous Cookin' With Gas show on Thursday nights. She is the co-host of the podcast, "Multiple Talking Women," along with fellow Groundlings Lauren Burns and Ariane Price. Credits include: IDIOTSITTER, NOBODIES, THIS IS US, ALEX, INC., CLIPPED, GAME SHAKERS, MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES, MODERN FAMILY, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, BENCHED, 2 BROKE GIRLS, LEGIT, INCREDIBLE CREW, NEWSREADERS, & LEVERAGE.

Praise for NOT Special:

"Mel is such an adept performer, such a charming, hilarious, heartfelt presence and expertly balances between the absolutely absurd and the totally understandable, relatable heartaches of being human (and a human artist). There are also SURPRISES in the show that I won’t ruin but, just, wow." — Charlotte M.

"This show had me gripped from the moment Melanie appeared onstage. It was wonderfully vulnerable, hilarious, quirky, and fantastical. Melanie mixes blind optimism and her deepest fears into one wild, fun, heart wrenching 50 minute show. I laughed, I cried, I related deeply to the topic. It was one of those shows where you could feel the entire audience was hanging on to every single word." — Jessie V.

"I laughed, I cried, I had a long period of introspection afterwards. Mel was captivating and downright hilarious, and told an emotional story that had me hooked in the very opening moment. It was a rollercoaster and I loved every second of the ride!" — Ryan R.

"From top to bottom this show resonates... I have not stopped thinking about elements of the story since I left the show. " — Venus Z.

"A show that speaks to any creative in this city (unless you’re a nepo baby), Mel uses both humor and vulnerability to tell her personal LA story. Her writing is sharp and she’s such a great actor to watch, showcasing different characters and turning on an emotional dime and really letting the audience feel it. I loved it." — Brad M.

"I laughed. I cried. Phenomenal." — C. Crayton

"Melanie is very vulnerable in revealing her own personal obstacles and flaws. The emotions really hit and build throughout. A very satisfying and insanely inspiring show" — Stephen C.

"Heartfelt, honest, and hilarious. Despite reports to the contrary, Melanie’s and her show are indeed special." — Mark R.

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