David Dean Bottrell Returns to Los Angeles in "Dear Mr. Bottrell, I Cannot Possibly Accept This."
Saturday, July 13th, Los Angeles, CA
written by Entertainment Editor, Dan Ruth
Finding your way in the industry of acting, regardless of what city you land in, is no easy feet, and to be successful in said industry, while not impossible, is nothing short of a gift from the universe. While some actors pine for celebrity status or riches and wealth, others work their tails off, looking to hone in on and pluck the juiciest, oddest rolls for themselves. David Dean Bottrell is a master at the latter, he does it with zeal and we wouldn’t want him any other way. Bottrell has managed to fit himself snugly into the world of television (if you’re never seen his chilling portrayal of Lincoln Meyer on Boston Legal, get out the clicker, folks), because you’re missing a doozy of a performance. In short, Bottrell has succeeded in becoming a multi-hyphenate’s supreme hyphenate, with a list of veteran acting credits longer than a baseball bat. Still, David Dean Bottrell seeks out time to return to the stage as a performing artist, and to share uproariously personal stories, a choice that truly terrifies him, which he states in his latest solo show, Dear Mr. Bottrell, I Cannot Possibly Accept This, now playing for a limited run at Rogue Machine in the Matrix Theatre, in Los Angeles.
Bottrell is a New Yorker who spends a good amount of time here in Los Angeles. He is quick to point out what might make you “a bit dizzy” but will definitely get you noticed out here, so put down the sandwich and pay attention, because if it’s reverence you want, he holds the secret. Bottrell’s stories run the gambit. From awkward doctor visits, to weight loss and fitness, to the dangers of posting yard sale signs; he even introduces us to an original comic book fairy tale. The majority of the evening however, is set aside for stories of vintage Manhattan, by way of the holler, down in Kentucky. To keep this article light on spoilers, let’s just say that Bottrell has a way with the women. Whether it’s his first vocal teacher-turned barfly, or his menacing sister, who has a penchant for uncomfortable late-night conversation, Bottrell is unapologetically spilling some "WTF" flavored tea at Rogue Machine. Is there a connect to these stories? Perhaps, but what’s so entertaining about Dear Mr. Bottrell, I Cannot Possibly Accept This is that each story is told so skillfully, and Bottrell himself is so entrenched in bizarre life experiences, that you never really know what’s going to come out of his mouth, and you hang on every word. Then there’s the matter of that title. To even give one inch on that one, would be a theatre offense, but not to worry, it is truly inspired, as is the top of this show, which, if it doesn't go down as the greatest prologue in the history of modern theatre, it's certainly an appreciated one.
To lose yourself in Bottrell’s delightfully insane world is a gift for those hungry for stories. Bottrell’s New York City made me a twinge homesick, and each story, brimming with honesty, made me grateful that I came to the feast.
Dear Mr. Bottrell, I Cannot Possibly Accept This runs through July 21, 2024. Check website for performance schedule. Rogue Machine, in the Matrix Theatre located at 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046. Tickets are $45 (Seniors $35, Students $25). For more information, call 855-585-5185.
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