The Pursuit of Happiness (or the Wacky Lesbian Adventures of Brillo Pad and Hula Hoop)

This event has passed. Sorry you missed it!
When
June 1–25, 2023
Days Vary, Times vary
Cost: Give As You're Able
Where
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

​A musical like no other, The Pursuit of Happiness features characters across the gender and sexuality spectrums. Leading the country in trans representation, Fuse Theatre Ensemble presents a show which investigates the intricacies of transitioning, coming out, gender dysphoria, social pressure, and how peoplel try to be someone they're not. And it's a banger.

Get ready for another zany ride as Fuse brings you the most recent mad-cap musical from the brain of Ernie Lijoi.

The alarm has sounded: a nuclear bomb is headed our way. In a panic, three couples divulge their deepest, darkest secrets, revealing the hidden truths and traumas of their existence. But when the bomb never lands, they find their secrets may be more dangerous. A year later, each couple finds themselves living their truths in new relationships, but are they actually any closer to happiness?

​Fourteen original songs pack The Pursuit of Happiness, ranging from earnest ballads to clever earworms; this show is sure to have you singing as you exit the theater and for weeks to come. The Pursuit of Happiness is written by Ernie Lijoi, winner of Billboard's Best Unsigned Artist – Album of the Year (Better Days, 2013), the Portland Drammy's Best Original Music Award (Under the Influence, 2016) and writer of two songs from the Broadway musical It Shoulda Been You.

​Get caught up in the absurd vortex that is Lijoi’s brain as he pilots us through a whirlwind story about Gods, atomic bombs, secrets, queer appropriation, and onions. Watch the meta-musical Pursuit of Happiness, a play where Gods watch people-watching a movie called Pursuit of Happiness, based on a book called Pursuit of Happiness as they pursue… happiness.