Hollywood’s Not Dead – It’s Just Been Searching for Robert Hennessey

Long before the silver screen flickered to life, the stage was the ultimate arena for human drama, a place where raw emotion, intricate plots, and unforgettable characters first captivated audiences. Perhaps the cinematic capital isn’t creatively exhausted, but rather, like so many great seekers, it’s merely looking in the wrong places for the kind of profound and authentic narratives that once defined its golden age which remains vibrantly alive in intimate theaters such as Broadwater Black Box, on Santa Monica Blvd, and its upcoming performance of “Searching for Robert Hennessey”.

So, what happens when the person you’ve spent your life searching for isn’t who you expected? Award-winning performer and long-term AIDS survivor, Michael-Shaun Hennessey, invites all to this extraordinary journey in the riveting and heartwarming one-man show, “Searching for Robert Hennessey.”

It’s a true story that will keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Hennessey’s powerful and emotionally charged narrative takes theater goers through false leads, near misses, and an absolutely mind-blowing twists.

Michael-Shaun Hennessey is a writer who has worked on the TV show Power Rangers. He also owns the mystery company Mysteries By Mike, where he has trained nearly a million children to become Spy Kidz. In 2017, his successful children’s musical, Kookie Clubhouse Kingdom, was a hit at the Hollywood Fringe.

From changing his own last name and calling every “Robert” in the phone book, to creating viral videos in hopes of connecting with the father he never met, Michael-Shaun’s quest culminates in a Father’s Day revelation that will leave you speechless.

“This show isn’t just my story—it’s a testament to the power of persistence and the beauty of life’s unexpected coincidences,” says Hennessey. “Sometimes what we’re searching for is hiding just beyond our own backyard.”

Photo: Michael-Shaun Hennessey

Hennessey promises a captivating, uncanny connection woven throughout the performance—from childhood doorbell dashes and DNA disappointments to curious coincidences in leather bars and mailbox stakeouts. Moments of hilarity, heartbreak, and astonishing synchronicity, including an 11:11 coincidence with a meaningful phone number, and childhood classmates who turn out to be much more than just friends.

“Searching for Robert Hennessey” is a poignant reminder to remain open to life’s unexpected possibilities and to let fate work its magic. Don’t miss this emotional roller coaster that culminates in a revelation so perfect it seems scripted by fate itself.

Ready for your theatrical getaway?

The show is titled “Searching for Robert Hennessey” and features performer Michael-Shaun Hennessey. You can catch a performance on June 8 at 11:30 am, June 17 at 10:30 pm, June 25 at 10:30 pm, June 28 at 2 pm, or June 29 at 10:30 pm. All performances are held at the Broadwater Black Box, located at 6322 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Street parking is available, but please arrive early as there is no late seating. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the website at www.hollywoodfringe.org/

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Author: Jackson Roberts

Just a Good Old Man Who Loves His Dogs l jackson@dtla-weekly.com