Directed by Bryan Rasmussen, the solo show allows the talented actor to take on the daunting role of the Hollywood icon grappling with life as it nears the final curtain.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 05-24-2025
At the Whitefire Theatre, Vito D’Ambrosio delivers a masterclass in solo storytelling with his riveting performance in William Luce’s Barrymore, breathing vibrant life into the legendary actor John Barrymore during his final days in 1942. Directed with nuance and emotional clarity by Bryan Rasmussen, the Artistic Director of the Whitefire Theatre, this one-man play offers a poignant, humorous, and deeply human portrait of a man confronting his legacy, regrets, and fading stardom.
Set in the intimate confines of the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, the production cleverly frames Barrymore’s imagined attempt to revive his famous 1920 performance as Richard III—a revival that never actually took place. This device opens the door for Barrymore to reflect on his meteoric rise on stage and screen, along with his struggles with alcoholism and regret.
Although it is primarily a solo performance, the play features the unseen presence of Frank, the stage manager, whose voice over the theater loudspeaker adds depth and interaction to the narrative. As Frank, Mitch Rosander adds an understated emotional dimension that deepens the performance.
D’Ambrosio’s portrayal is nothing short of transformative. He captures Barrymore’s larger-than-life charisma, sharp wit, and underlying vulnerability with remarkable authenticity. His command of the stage is clear as he seamlessly transitions between grand moments of theatricality and moments of introspective solitude, embodying the complexities of a man who is both revered and haunted by his past.
The production’s acclaim is well-deserved. At Whitefire’s Solofest 2025, D’Ambrosio’s performance was hailed as “Best of Fest,” and the show is celebrating its success with three additional performances in June (6/19-20 at 8 pm, and 6/21 at 3 pm) and another run in September. The show’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak resonates deeply. Indeed, it is a compelling exploration of fame, artistry, and the cost of alcoholism.
In Barrymore, Vito D’Ambrosio delivers a tour-de-force performance as the legendary actor that is both a tribute to a theatrical icon and a testament to his own exceptional talent. Under Rasmussen’s insightful direction, the production transcends a mere biographical recounting.
Instead, it evolves into a profound meditation on legacy and the toll that alcoholism takes on anyone afflicted by the disease. This production is a must-see—not only for theater lovers and actors but for anyone moved by stories of brilliance, downfall, and redemption.
