Kevin Flynn's One-Man Show "Fear Of Heights" Coming To White Heron Theatre

Kevin Flynn’s one-man show, “Fear of Heights,” a performance that offers audiences a deeply personal narrative that intertwines family history, personal struggles, and the universal themes of choice and sacrifice, is coming to the White Heron Theatre this week, running on August 6th and 8th, as well as August 13th - 15th.

Flynn began working on “Fear of Heights” on Nantucket during the summer of 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by a previous stage in his life that he learned and grew from – including marital difficulties, a divorce, and raising a daughter as a single father – the show is a result of Flynn looking back on that time and writing about it.

“It was cathartic for me as an artist to write this,” Flynn explains. “I had to get this story out, and I had to tell it just for myself… And when I put it up on stage, I saw that there was some universal appeal.”

His narrative begins with his immigrant grandfather, an ironworker famously captured in the iconic photograph "Lunch atop a Skyscraper." This lineage of hardworking men continued with his father, who was also an ironworker, both of whose sacrifices deeply influenced Flynn's life decisions. The story then delves into Flynn's struggles as a parent and his career choices, balancing the demands of his profession with the responsibilities of raising a daughter as a single father.

While "Fear of Heights" is deeply personal, its themes resonate broadly. Flynn highlights the sacrifices made by past generations and the ongoing challenges of parenthood, career, and personal growth. In previous performances, audience members have frequently shared with Flynn how his story mirrors their own experiences, creating a powerful connection between the performer and his viewers.

“It's about being a parent, and the generations that have come before us, the sacrifices that the past generations have made for us,” Flynn elaborates. “And now, for me as a parent, of trying to pay [it] forward myself.”

While he’s known for his stand-up comedy, Flynn blends humor and emotional depth in “Fear of Heights.” The play diverges from his usual stand-up routines but still retains humorous moments amidst the more serious narrative.

“I think when you can take people to different levels emotionally and have them laugh as well, you're really onto something,” Flynn says. “You can move them in a much, much more significant way.”

Now, "Fear of Heights" continues to evolve with each performance. Flynn's disciplined approach to acting ensures that every show adheres to the script while allowing his comedic instincts to shine through. This dynamic process has enriched his acting skills and brought new dimensions to his storytelling.

It has also evolved from its first performance at the White Heron Theatre in July of 2022, a 55-minute book reading that has now grown to a 90-minute play over the past two years. Flynn utilized the downtime during the pandemic to refine the script, ultimately submitting it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Upon receiving good reviews from the festival, Flynn took it to the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, where it had a strong month-long run.

Looking ahead, Flynn will perform "Fear of Heights" in Australia this September, coinciding with his role in the upcoming film "Balls Up" alongside Mark Wahlberg and Sacha Baron Cohen. Additionally, the play is scheduled for the Origin Theatre Festival in New York in April 2025, marking the first American-written piece to be featured in this prestigious Irish festival.

Bringing “Fear of Heights” back to Nantucket allows Flynn the chance to perform the show in the place where it originated, and a place he still considers home in many ways.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity that Nantucket knows who I am, and they come out and support me and things that I do out there,” Flynn says, which includes his comedy program, Stand Up and Learn. “This is just the next version of my stuff that’s coming out,” he continues.

For more information and to watch a “Fear of Heights” preview, visit Flynn’s website. Tickets and more information about his upcoming performances can be found at the White Heron Theatre’s website.