Emily Progin, Content Manager
CATERPILLAR SOUP RETURNS FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT
Proceeds Will Help Writer-Performer Lyena Strelkoff with Medical Costs
SANTA MONICA, Ca.—On Nov 21, Nov 23, and Nov 24, the critically acclaimed solo play Caterpillar Soup returns to the stage at the Santa Monica Playhouse and streams worldwide for a 20th anniversary performance. Proceeds will benefit a charitable cause: the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of the play’s writer and performer, Lyena Strelkof, who is living with paralysis and facing associated costs not covered by insurance.
When:
- Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 pm PT (Click to register.)
- Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 pm PT (Click to register.)
- Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 pm PT (Click to register.)
- Streaming On Demand (Click to register.)
Where: Santa Monica Playhouse at 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
What: 20th anniversary performance of Caterpillar Soup play plus Q&A after show.
Cause: Funds raised will go to the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Lyena Strelkoff to offset verified medical and related expenses.
Cost: $25 to stream, $40 balcony seating, $50 main floor seating.
Register: Click here and navigate to the Fundraisers section to choose your dates.
Contact: Lyena Strelkoff at (310) 880-8551
About Caterpillar Soup & Lyena Strelkoff:
Directed by Paul Linke of CHiPs and Time Flies When You’re Alive, Caterpillar Soup is an autobiographical one-woman show that recounts Lyena’s own life-changing experience falling from a tree in Malibu, leaving the lifelong dancer paralyzed. Her story is one of transformation—like a caterpillar’s metamorphosis, her journey proceeds through pain, loss, and emotional growth.
Over the past two decades, the production has been praised widely for its courage, authenticity, and powerful storytelling as Lyena uniquely blends humor and heartbreak. Theater-goers have been captivated since the initial six-month run. There have been five national tours with standing ovations from Alaska to Vermont.
Critics have called Caterpillar Soup “an exquisite performance” and “sheer genius that shouldn’t be missed.”
“It’s a privilege to return to the stage and share this story again,” explained Lyena. “It’s still deeply personal to me, and it’s also a reminder of the resilience we all possess.”
To add to the 20th anniversary performance’s impact, funds raised will assist with ongoing fundraising efforts that have helped Lyena cover critical medical and related expenses since her spinal cord injury.
The fundraising campaign in Lyena’s honor is managed by the trusted medical fundraising nonprofit Help Hope Live. Tax-deductible donations can also be made online at any time at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/3674/
Lyena has been fundraising with the nonprofit since 2003, and funds raised have made a direct and powerful impact on her life.
“While my insurance covers less than 30% of the cost of treatment, thanks to your generosity, I have been able to receive treatment regularly and expect to be able to continue until my treatment is complete,” Lyena explained. “It feels truly miraculous.”
Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
About Help Hope Live:
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $188 million to pay patient expenses.
About the Santa Monica Playhouse:
Founded in 1960, Santa Monica Playhouse is one of the most respected and established theaters in the Los Angeles area, offering a wide array of performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary works. The Playhouse remains a staple of Santa Monica’s vibrant arts scene, dedicated to fostering creativity and community. ###
