Albie Selznick Debuts Letter from David in Santa Monica

The solo play inspired by correspondence with David Bowie runs through December at the Santa Monica Playhouse.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Magic

Albie Selznick Debuts Letter from David in Santa Monica

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Actor and magician Albie Selznick has premiered his new solo play, Letter from David, at the Santa Monica Playhouse. The production, which incorporates his background in magic and mime, chronicles an exchange of letters between the performer and David Bowie.

Why it matters

The play provides a unique personal window into the life of the late music icon, David Bowie, by focusing on a correspondence that began four decades ago. It serves as a creative retrospective for Selznick, who collaborated with his wife, director Laura Maccabee, to develop the piece.

Albie Selznick has appeared in 250 commercials and previously starred in the show Smoke and Mirrors at the same venue. The production follows a six-month development period and an initial five-show run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The players

Albie Selznick

He is an actor, magician, and mime who previously performed in the show Smoke and Mirrors.

Laura Maccabee

She is a director and writer who co-wrote and directed this solo theatrical production.

David Bowie

He was a legendary English musician, songwriter, and actor known for his constant reinvention.

The details

The performance features intimate anecdotes involving music legends Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol alongside the central narrative about Bowie. Selznick, who recently appeared in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael, blends acting, magic, and mime techniques throughout the show.

October 18, 2026: The production premiered at the Santa Monica Playhouse.
Every Sunday until December 20, 2026: Scheduled performance dates for the play.

Industry Dynamics

This production reflects a broader trend of veteran performers utilizing the stage to share intimate, personal archives that were not captured in mainstream media biographies like the Michael Jackson biopic Michael. It highlights how artists are increasingly controlling their narratives through smaller, curated solo plays rather than traditional film projects.

Tickets for the show are available for Sunday performances at the Santa Monica Playhouse through December 20. Fans of the performer or Bowie memorabilia should book in advance as the show operates on a limited weekend schedule.

The takeaway

This production highlights the value of personal archives in building compelling live solo theater. Audiences interested in the intersection of magic and storytelling can see how Selznick integrates these diverse disciplines to revisit 40-year-old connections.