Fritz Coleman's Show "Unassisted Residency" Begins Third Year at El Portal TheatreMarking 100 years as an entertainment venue, the El Portal started as a vaudeville house, then showed movies, later switching to Spanish-language films. Designated a Los Angeles Historic Cultural landmark in 1993 before being damaged by the Northridge quake the following year. The theatre was restored and re-opened as a multi-stage performing arts complex in 2000. Originally designed by noted architect Lewis Arthur Snith, featuring an Art Deco marquee, the lobby was later enhanced by bas-relief artwork by Anthony Heinsbergen illustrating scenes from California history. The restored venue is a beautiful place to host entertainment, often called the "Jewel in the North Hollywood Crown." Unassisted Residency, created and performed by Fritz Coleman, is the longest-running solo show in the history of the El Portal. Fritz is a beloved figure locally. The Honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake, the five-time Emmy® Award winner spent 39 years at KNBC Channel 4 where he was the public's go-to person to get the up-to-date information about California's weather. Unassisted Residency returns him to his comedy roots, as he was a comedian before becoming a weatherman and popular local television personality. Fritz is now a senior, and that's the basis of Unassisted Residency.. Says Fritz, "I'm old and I can't do anything about it. I spend an hour and a half describing the common experience of aging---what it's like to be a grandparent, what it was like having your grandkids home during the pandemic, all the changes that happen to your body, your mind, and your family life." The show is a platform to talk about those topics which emerge from Fritz's current perspective: The show is a matinee performance. Fritz says, "The show starts early…because I'm trying to be sensitive to the needs of my particular demographic… Each monthly show will open with a special surprise guest. WHERE: El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. WHEN: Sundays at 3 p.m. on March 1, April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, October 25, and November 29, 2026. ADMISSION: $40. Cocktail seating $50 (must purchase two tickets for cocktail seating). ONLINE TICKETING: https://elportaltheatre.com/ End
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