Who says you can’t laugh and learn valuable life lessons simultaneously? Actor, writer and comedian Daniel Beitchman understands the power of gleaning knowledge and finding lighthearted escapism in art. His forthcoming play BOY vs. FLY, based on his children’s book, will debut at the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival, and he hopes it whisks audiences away from the stresses of the world.
BOY vs. FLY is a fun-filled children’s play that follows Dean Bean and his friend Johnny C. as they attempt to make the school hockey team. Dean tries to emulate his father and catch a pesky fly, but his impulsivity overpowers him, getting him into trouble at school. What transpires is a hilarious and heartfelt tale that teaches viewers the importance of accountability.
I had the privilege of chatting with Daniel about what inspired him to create BOY vs. FLY, what audiences can expect, the creative process and what’s on the horizon.
This interview is condensed for length and clarity.
Melody McCune: We at GGA love a good origin story. What’s Daniel Beitchman’s origin story?
Daniel Beitchman: I’ve always been creative, but I’ve never worked in a creative field. I’ve always pursued it as a hobby — I’ve done woodworking and metalworking. In 2015, I was restructured from a corporate job, which gave me a chance to reflect on what’s important to me. I started taking improv classes, which led to getting involved with comedy and the desire to write something. That was the genesis of BOY vs. FLY, which led me to act, produce and write the play and the book.
MM: Let’s talk about BOY vs. FLY. Can you tell me what it’s about and what inspired you to create it?
DB: It’s based on an experience I had as a child. I had a workshop in my parents’ garage, trying to catch a fly with a hammer. It’s the origin of what happened in the story. BOY vs. FLY is about a little boy who gets caught up while trying to be a normal kid with his friend and get on the school hockey team.
He gets distracted after seeing his dad catch a fly with his bare hand, and he wants to emulate his dad. But that doesn’t go well, and he gets in trouble. He learns a lesson from his pursuit of a fly.
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MM: What can audiences expect from the show?
DB: It’s fun. We have four live musical numbers. There’s lots of humor, and it’s light and gentle. It’s about a boy and his best friend, their friendship and their love of hockey, and how an unforeseen circumstance jeopardizes that friendship. Dean Bean is the lead character, and his parents try to instill good values in him. He’s an impulsive kid, and he can’t always do whatever he wants, and there are consequences to his actions. It’s a heartfelt lesson from a bit of turmoil.
MM: Describe this show using three words.
DB: Totally fun time.
MM: What do you hope audiences glean from BOY VS. FLY?
DB: We live in a stressful world. I want them to come into BOY VS. FLY and forget all that. Enjoy a story about a kid learning a life lesson and having fun.
MM: What has the creative process been like for you as you bring this story back in 2022?
DB: Acting in the play has changed a lot for me. It hasn’t influenced what I’ve written. Understanding the story and characters, and being an actor in it, has opened that up for me. When I wrote and illustrated the book, it was an isolating experience. It was just me. I did have a little collaboration, but it was over email.
Once we did the play, there were 10 of us involved, and everyone added input and shaped it differently. It’s such a rewarding experience to see it evolve and come to life, and it’s out of my hands now. It’s become something for all of us as Fringe puts on this production.
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MM: Do you have a favorite song or scene you can tease from the play?
DB: Weird Lasagna.
MM: Do you have advice for aspiring creatives looking to break into the industry?
DB: Don’t doubt yourself. When I wrote the book, I thought, “Is this any good? Can I do this?” Believe in yourself. Part of my experience is I had two amazing, loving, supportive parents. I don’t think I could have done this without them, and they encouraged me.
Not everyone has that, so sometimes, you need to hear it from someone else. Go for it. If you have something you believe in, that’s it. I believed in BOY vs. FLY, and I think that’s why we’re here five years later. It’s still active and present in my life.
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MM: What else is on the horizon for you, career-wise?
DB: I took a graduate program at Humber College in writing and producing for television. I graduated in April.
MM: Congratulations!
DB: Thank you very much. It was an exciting year. I want to see about making BOY vs. FLY into a movie. I want to pursue acting a bit more too.
MM: Have you binge-watched anything interesting lately?
DB: My wife and I watched The Flight Attendant. Not kid-friendly, but we enjoyed it.
MM: Name your top five favorite films.
DB: Rushmore, Caddyshack, the original Star Wars, Back to the Future and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
You can follow Daniel on Instagram (@danielbeitchman) and Twitter (@DanielBeitchman). BOY vs. FLY will run at the St. Vladimir Theatre as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival “Fringe’s KidsFest” program from July 7 through July 16.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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