NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Fritz Coleman’s hit comedy show Unassisted Residency continues its third year of playing to capacity houses at the intimate Monroe Forum at the historic landmark El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, which is itself celebrating its centennial year in 2026. The fall schedule adds three new Sunday matinee dates: September 27, October 25, and November 29.
Marking 100 years as an entertainment venue, the El Portal started as a vaudeville house, then showed movies, later switching to Spanish-language films. It was designated a Los Angeles Historic Cultural landmark in 1993 before being damaged by the Northridge earthquake the following year. The theatre was restored and reopened as a multi-stage performing arts complex in 2000. Originally designed by noted architect Lewis Arthur Smith and featuring an Art Deco marquee, the lobby was later enhanced by bas-relief artwork by Anthony Heinsbergen illustrating scenes from California history. The restored venue is a beautiful place to host entertainment, often called the “Jewel in the North Hollywood Crown.”
The El Portal will hold its Centennial Gala on Saturday, November 28. The event, open to the public, will be hosted by Fritz Coleman and will feature a star-studded array of personalities, with celebratory performances and recognitions. Fritz will resume his regular show the following day, November 29.
The longest-running solo show in El Portal history
Unassisted Residency, created and performed by Fritz Coleman, is the longest-running solo show in the history of the El Portal.
Fritz is a beloved figure locally. The Honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake, the five-time Emmy® Award winner spent 39 years at KNBC Channel 4, where he was the public’s go-to person for up-to-date information about California’s weather. Unassisted Residency returns him to his comedy roots. He was a comedian before becoming a weatherman and popular local television personality.
Comedy is certainly what we can all use in these turbulent times. Fritz delivers a show with clean content, a rarity in live comedy these days, filled with the warmth, wisdom, and wit that his many, many fans have come to expect from Fritz Coleman.
A show about growing up and growing old
Fritz is now a senior, and that is the basis of Unassisted Residency. Says Fritz, “I’m old and I can’t do anything about it. I spend an hour and a half describing the common experience of aging—what it’s like to be a grandparent, what it was like having your grandkids home during the pandemic, all the changes that happen to your body, your mind, and your family life.”
The show is a platform to talk about those topics from Fritz’s current perspective: that of a still-vital seventy-something, covering things like retirement, becoming vegan, pharmaceuticals, and celebrating growing up and growing old. The show also features some of his favorite stories and observations about modern life.
The show is a matinee performance. Fritz says, “The show starts early…because I’m trying to be sensitive to the needs of my particular demographic….old people and their parents. I promise to have you home by dark.”
Each monthly show will open with a special surprise guest.
What the critics are saying
“RECOMMENDED….Beguiling and very funny.” — Stage Raw
“Wonderful…Each show will continue to have the audience reflecting on their own life, while rolling in laughter.” — Splash Magazines
“Coleman is always welcoming….We DO need a weatherman to know the way the wind blows.” — Showmag.com
Join Fritz and have the time of your life at Unassisted Residency.
Event details
WHAT: Unassisted Residency, the hit comedy show created and performed by Fritz Coleman. Also, a special guest each month.
WHERE: El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.
WHEN: Sundays at 3 p.m. on September 27, October 25, and November 29, 2026.
ADMISSION: $40. Cocktail seating $50 (must purchase two tickets for cocktail seating).
ONLINE TICKETING: elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html
Press/media contact: Lori De Waal, (818) 817-4444, lori.dewaal@dewaalpr.com
Mara Alcantara is a tech-savvy writer with a creative eye who tends to see life in color. Pairing an analytical mind with a knack for spotting talent, she covers music, voice acting, and entertainment for The LA Note. Outside of writing, she’s busy raising her kids and hiking with her family.
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