(Hollywood, CA) The year is 1994. A local celebrity decides it’s time for a major image makeover, and what’s more appealing than saving the whales? (Let’s be honest: it’s still one of the sexiest causes in the nonprofit world.) There’s just one small problem: he needs to raise one million dollars to make it happen.
So what does a man in this position do?
He hosts a telethon, of course.
Written by Sam Keeney and produced by Fables and Rumors, MPAT’s Burt Thunder Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales is a hilarious, chaotic, and wildly unpredictable 90-minute ride through one celebrity’s desperate attempt to save both the whales and his career. I was absolutely thrilled to attend a performance at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. A huge thank you to director Evan Spreen for inviting me out!
Now, let’s talk about Burt Thunder.
About Burt Thunder Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales
A wonderfully absurd premise, Burt Thunder has decided that the fate of the whales rests squarely on his shoulders. His plan is somewhat vague, but we do know two things for certain: he hates whale oil, and he needs to raise one million dollars in the next hour and a half.
As a bona fide whale nerd myself, I absolutely adored this show’s cetacean-themed humor. From questionable whale facts to marine-mammal-inspired musical numbers, the production fully commits to its aquatic absurdity. It even features Whaley, an unforgettable mascot from the “local aquarium” whose appearances consistently steal the spotlight.
Of course, whale jokes are only part of the equation.
Paired with the show’s gleeful chaos, unexpected violence, and escalating quirkiness, the result is a comedy that constantly keeps audiences on their toes. Burt Thunder is brilliantly written – genuinely clever, laugh-out-loud funny, and frequently shocking. Every time you think you’ve figured out where it’s headed, it veers in a completely different direction.
And while sharp writing is essential, a ninety-minute comedy can’t survive on script alone. Fortunately, this cast is more than up to the challenge. Every performer is fully committed to the bit from beginning to end, bringing relentless energy and impeccable comedic timing to every scene. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and the show is all the better for it.
You Are Part of the Show!
Perhaps the element that truly sets Burt Thunder apart is its immersive audience participation.
As members of the “studio audience” for this increasingly ill-fated telethon, attendees are never treated as passive observers. Instead, you’re invited to become part of the experience: answering questions, participating in interactions, and occasionally finding yourself face-to-face with Whaley himself.
The result is a show that feels delightfully alive and slightly out of control in the best possible way.
Burt Thunder is so densely packed with jokes, details, and bizarre moments that a single viewing is almost certainly not enough to catch everything. If you enjoy immersive comedy, unexpected twists, and a healthy dose of whale-themed nonsense, this is one show you won’t want to miss.
Getting Tickets to Burt Thunder Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales
There is just one performance left of Burt Thunder‘s’ Hollywood Fringe run! For more information and tickets about TONIGHT’S show, visit Hollywoodfringe.org. And don’t forget to follow Fables and Rumors on Instagram for future updates and show announcements.
