Award-winning actor-writer Dan Ruth returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre with his tour-de-force black comedy, an unapologetic look at what can happen when you reach for the stars and grab for the bottle instead. Fermented in over 
two decades of booze, bars and New York City gentrification, A Life Behind Bars, directed by multiple-MAC and Bistro Winner, Tanya Moberly. The performer shares his story of addiction and recovery through comedic monologues, interwoven with characters he’s encountered while working and drinking in the bars and dives of pre-Rudy Giuliani Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
“A funny, wet your pants show…with an outstanding performer and a comical but powerful message.” – Theater Pizzazz
“‘A Life Behind Bars affords the opportunity to watch a gifted actor flex his artistic muscles and mesmerize with a compelling story. An actor of impressive dramatic and comedic strength.” –BistroAwards.com
“So fine-tuned, spiked with the darkest humor, often at breakneck speed, Ruth delivers laughs galore. Gracefully directed by Tanya Moberly.” – BlogCritics
Dan Ruth made his Off-Broadway debut with A Life Behind Bars at The United 
Solo™ Festival in October 2016 where it won as Best Autobiographical Show and a designation as “Best Seller” at the festival. It was first developed with David Drake’s Solo Show Shop at The Abrons Center in 2014.
Working with long-time friend and collaborator Tanya Moberly Ruth performed A Life Behind Bars to a single sold-out audience on December 19th, 2015 at Dixon Place in its main stage theatre and later went on to mount sold-out performances at both The Gutter Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and at Theatre Lab in Richmond, Virginia in April and May of 2016 before bringing the show to The United Solo™. Sober for 10 years, Ruth had a lot of practice reaching for bottles, working as a bartender in New York City at Curtain Up! at Manhattan Plaza, Danny’s Skylight Room on 46th Street, Metronome and the Brooklyn Ale House in Williamsburg, which he ran from 2009 until its closing in 2014.
Dan Ruth on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danruthbkny
The Laurie Beechman Theatre is downstairs at the West Bank Cafe , 407 West 42nd Street. There’s a $20 Cover charge and $20 food or drink minimum per person. To purchase tickets, visit: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/968687. The venue is downstairs at the West Bank Café 407 West 42 Street (at Ninth Avenue), NYC. Phone:(212) 695-6909.
Please Note: The show is not recommended for people under 18 because of language and mature themes.
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