BOTTOMING FOR JESUS: A Cabaret Confessional by Michael R. Speciàle

Bottoming For Jesus is an intimate exploration of holes… and the lengths we go to fill them. Through storytelling, song, and spectacular failure, Michael R. Speciàle charts his path from self-converting to Mormonism at 15 through a kaleidoscope of purpose-seeking, cum dumps, spiritual absurdity, and radical vulnerability. With musical direction by Jeremiah Ginn and direction by Spenser Theberge, this fearless solo show slips between cabaret, testimony, Ted Talk, and spiritual ritual. Expect costume changes, Judy Garland tributes, and unvarnished truth about belonging, sexuality, and the myths we make meaning from. “Is this fool really explaining Sniffies to the straights on a white board?” – Michelle Lhooq, Writer; Rave New World “A healing and unsettling experience.” – Scarlett Kim, Producer; Former Director of Innovation at Oregon Shakespeare Festival “A one person play and musical…on desire and loneliness and filling our spiritual/literal holes and Judy Garland crying ‘Fuck ‘em all!’ before each performance…a stunning piece.” - Nora N. Khan, Writer & Curator; Former Editor at Rhizome, Topical Cream, and HOLO Magazine **Contains mature content and religious themes. **This show is 21+ **This intimate performance is limited to 75 seats. ABOUT THE ARTISTS MICHAEL R. SPECIÀLE (Creator/Performer) is a Portland/Vancouver-raised, Los Angeles-based artist-producer and cultural strategist whose work explores the intersections of faith, identity, and creative infrastructure. He is the founder of Family Affairs Studio (as Michael Holt), co-leads LINT, a boutique production house in downtown LA, and previously served as Executive Director of NAVEL, an experimental arts space dedicated to radical collaboration. This deeply personal performance marks his solo debut after years of collective organizing and interdisciplinary work in the arts. @mr.speciale | michaelrspeciale.com SPENSER THEBERGE (Director) is a choreographer, performer, and educator based in Los Angeles. With work spanning from stage to film to print, Spenser has collaborated with and created for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Juilliard School, Gothenburg Opera Dance Company, LA Dance Project, The Broad Museum, NAVEL, Taylor Swift, Savage Fenty, and The New York Times Magazine, among others. He is a former company member with the Nederlands Dans Theater and The Forsythe Company, as well as former faculty at CalArts School of Dance. @spensermyles | spensertheberge.com JEREMIAH GINN (Music Director) is an NYC-based and California-born actor, pianist, and music director. NYC: A Sign Of The Times, The Great Gatsby: The Immersive Show, Murder For Two, Anything Goes. National Tour: Anastasia, Murder For Two, A Chorus Line. Regional: Arena Stage, Goodspeed Opera House, Ogunquit Playhouse, The Muny, Cape Playhouse, NSMT, and more. @jeremiahmginn | jeremiahginn.com FAMILY AFFAIRS STUDIO (Producer) is a Los Angeles-based creative production company and cultural strategy firm that empowers artists and creative ventures to navigate change with clarity, imagination, and care. Founded by Michael Holt, the studio blends bold artistic vision with sustainable operational systems—supporting everything from theatrical productions and strategic consulting engagements to venue partnerships and collective organizing. @familyaffairs.studio | familyaffairs.studio