A five-star regular on the international Fringe Festival circuit, writer/performer Chris Davis returns to NYC in April with his latest one-man hit The 40-Year-Old Ballerino, as part of the 2025 New York City Fringe Festival, presented by FRIGID New York, following its successful debut in the Philadelphia Fringe in September 2024. The Philadelphia-based California native has consistently received critical acclaim and played sold-out runs throughout the US and Europe for his hilarious solo works, including One-Man Nutcracker, One-Man Apocalypse Now, Drunk Lion, and Violence of the Lambs, and participated in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2015-2019, with more than eight different original hit shows.
In his current piece, Davis, now in his forties, shares how he enrolled in ballet class as a way to replace all other addictions (to “drugs, alcohol, Modern Family, and the toxic tropes of ‘90s John Cusack movies”) and to move beyond his breakup with an ex, who was a ballet dancer, in a mix of comical and revealing autobiographical storytelling and dance, with only a barre for support, and a message that change is possible at any age.
Chris made time on a busy weekend in New York preparing for the show to answer my quick questions and to let our readers, his worldwide fans, and upcoming Fringe-goers know even more about himself.
- What is it about ballet?
Chris: The music, the community, and the teacher.
- What three emotions do you feel when you first step onto the stage?
Excitement, anticipation, and presence.
- What’s the most fabulous thing about performing live?
Connecting with other human beings.
- What’s the scariest thing about performing solo?
Failing to connect with other human beings.
- What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve ever gotten from an audience member?
Recently, a man who just got divorced told me the Ballerino show was what he needed to see to help him heal, and it made him feel better.
- When did you first realize that you can make people laugh?
When I was four years old, or even before that – from the moment I could speak.
- What do you find most relatable about the Fringe?
That you’ve got to earn every second of it, it’s all on you. Like life.
- Is there a dream festival or city you’d like to play in the future?
Berlin.
- What three things do you always have with you when you travel?
My toothbrush, shoes, and backpack.
- What’s your favorite comfort food or beverage?
Tacos.
- Who’s been the biggest inspiration in your career?
My mentor from Albright College, Jeffrey Lentz.
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Curious, mercurial, and funny.
- Is there one show you’ve written and performed that’s your favorite?
One-Man Nutcracker; I do it every year and people keep coming back to see it. Ballerino is a close second.
- How do you react when you get another 5-star review?
The same way as when I get a 1-star review; I don’t worry.
- Is it more important to you to be famous or funny?
Oh – FUNNY!
Thanks, Chris, for sharing a fast and lively 15 minutes with us! As always, I can’t wait to see your highly anticipated performance in the NYC Fringe.
The 40-Year-Old Ballerino plays from April 2-20, at the 2025 New York City Fringe Festival, presented by FRIGID New York, performing at wild project, 195 East 3rd Street, NYC. For tickets (priced at $25 or Pay-What-You-Can, plus fees), go online.
