A Conversation with Playwright/Actress Gabriella DeMarco, “The House Whisperer”, Hudson Guild Theatre, Hollywood Fringe Festival, by James Scarborough

Gabriella DeMarco’s one-woman show looks at ambition, identity,  and the transformative power of personal spaces. Directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson, this production merges humor, pathos, and a touch of surrealism.

The narrative centers around a high school dropout who aspires to become a real estate mogul and Airbnb Superhost in the desert. DeMarco’s character embarks on a journey filled with obstacles ranging from financial struggles to the chaotic realities of home renovation. The play refers to the “law of attraction” as a thematic device through the protagonist’s reliance on a vision board and community support to achieve her dreams. DeMarco takes us on a quest where inanimate objects, desert creatures, and even the houses themselves become part of the dialogue, offering profound and often humorous insights into the human condition.

DeMarco’s background in stand-up comedy infuses the performance with wit and levity. The play also probes deeper issues such as workaholism, fear, and the psychological impact of one’s environment. The interplay between the protagonist and the personified elements of her world creates a narrative that is engaging and thought-provoking.

Gabriella DeMarco’s “The House Whisperer” blends comedy, drama, and surrealism. It prompts us to reflect on the spaces we inhabit and the dreams we chase.

JS: What inspired you to write "The House Whisperer”? How did your personal experiences influence the narrative?

GD: I knew I wanted to do another show and my director gave me a writing prompt which asked “What would an inanimate object that knows you well say to you?” I was in my Palm Springs house at the time and my immediate thought was “This house has had a profound effect on my life” At the time I purchased this property, I didn't know becoming a homeowner could be in my near future. I have a very specific taste but had to stay within a certain budget so the only way to get what I wanted was to renovate. Having no experience with this, many asked “How do you know what to do?” The only way to describe it is. “The house would tell me what it wanted”. Today, I see homes as living, breathing entities. The journey of renovating a house not only cracked open the house's divine right, but mine as well. To express myself in a way this was larger than life. 

JS: Elaborate on the thematic significance of the “law of attraction” in your play. How did it inform the protagonist’s journey?

GD: Up til this point, I considered myself a visionary. I have been able to manifest those things others deemed unreachable. I write very detailed lists of things I want to attract or possess. It could be as simple as a personal trait I'm interested in possessing or something like the cat laying beside me. I believe it's very important to be very specific about your desires. It’s not as easy as nodding your head like “I Dream of Jeannie”. It definitely has to be combined with a lot of hard work and being uncomfortable walking through fear. Thats what they don't mention in “The Secret”. Yes, you can make a vision board but faith without works is dead. When things got so tough and I was crying in a fetal position, I remembered my original vision and knew that the Universe would carry me through. 

JS: Your performance involves giving voice to inanimate objects and desert creatures. How did you develop these unique characterizations? What challenges did you face?

GD: Weekly I would work with my group and I would recount incidents that had occurred with my property and give voice to any aspect of the situation. The incidents themselves were deeply challenging but, playing them was so much fun and exhilarating. It felt like giving the most playful part of me a Romper Room. As adults we forget sometimes how to “play” because life can be so stressful with responsibilities. 

JS: How did your background in stand-up comedy add to the production’s comedic elements?

GD: I believe I have an innate sense of what is funny. My personal style is very dark with no subject matter being “off limits.” 

JS: The play addresses serious issues like workaholism and fear. How do you balance these darker themes with the humor in your performance?

GD: From my experience the more raw and truthful you are, the funnier it is. “You're only as sick as your secrets” is one of my favorite expressions. I have no secrets because my goal is to heal myself and hopefully in doing so, comfort and inspire others who might be struggling. 

JS: Jessica Lynn Johnson directed and developed the show. How did her direction influence the final production? What was your collaborative process like?

GD: Jessica created such a safe space that my inner child could come out to play. She directed my first show “Lovesick” and inspired me to go completely out of my comfort zone with playing characters. She has a ton of experience but mostly, she is so supportive and kind. I trust her implicitly with my soul. She gives you great writing prompts and meditations like the one I listed above and then I just took the ball and ran with it.  

JS: Multimedia plays a significant role in “The House Whisperer.” How do these elements enhance the storytelling? What impact do they have on the audience’s experience?

GD: Because the houses became entities, I was originally going to do voiceovers but Jessica suggested I do video instead. I’m so glad she did because it really lent to “The Great Oz” essence of these characters. I was able to be so much more creative and truly give them their complete expression with costume and environment. In addition, I had media documentation of some of the horrors I survived so it's fun to really share the journey with the audience. . 

JS: The show is described as a “swashbuckling magic carpet ride.” How do you maintain the energy and dynamism required for such a description throughout the performance?

GD: I am so passionate about the subject matter and making a difference in people's lives that that is what carries me. I play 50 characters and I try to keep the element of surprise with the audience wondering “Who or what will speak next?”

JS: What message or takeaway do you hope audiences leave with after watching “The House Whisperer”?

GD: That ANYTHING is possible in this life. No matter what kind of obstacles life throws at you, you can prevail. Based on all the adversity I have overcome and continue to, I refuse to give up. I also share alot of pertinent information regarding home ownership and renovation so, I could only hope that others might not make the costly mistakes I made.

JS: Do you have any plans to expand on the themes explored in this play in future projects? Are there other stories you’d like to tell?

GD: I easily have 100 stories within this story in my tool belt so I would love the opportunity to share them by way of film or television. In addition, I do have plans to perform again my first solo show “Lovesick” in the very near future.  

Performances are Saturday, June 8 at 12 Noon (Preview), Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15. The Hudson Guild Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood 90038. For more information, click here.