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REVIEW: From comedy to complication in Erin Moughon’s ‘Escape (The Pina Colada Song), Kevin Cheng’s ‘Dear Diary,’ Pascal Phoa’s ‘Last Train to Nevada’ and Kevin T. Durfee’s ‘Between the Wired Fence’ at NYC’s The Chain Theatre One Act Winter Festival

Posted on February 28, 2025 by The Sleepless Critic

From traumatic to comical to poignant, Program #9 explores a variety of struggles among two people from strangers to spouses including grief, circumstances or growing apart.

Chain Theatre’s One Act Winter Festival continues both live stream and in person at the Chain Theatre in New York, New York through March 2. Erin Moughon’s Escape (The Pina Colada Song), Kevin Cheng’s Dear Diary and Pascal Phoa’s Last Train to Nevada are 15 minute One Act productions Kevin T. Durfee’s Between the Wired Fence runs 45 minutes. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Aren’t most breakups complicated? However, this particular one is on another level.

Claire Shiell and Matthew Menendez in Erin Moughon’s Escape (The Pina Colada Song) Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Candidly directed by Perryn Pomatto, Erin Moughon’s Escape (The Pina Colada Song) shares too small a snapshot into a relationship with quickly building tension as a woman breaks the news to her boyfriend that she wants to break up with him. What ensues is outside the expected as Claire Shiell and Matthew Menendez share some humorous moments unleashing frank relationship truths along the way building to a fascinating revelation. Escape leaves more questions that beg for a prequel or a sequel to this one act.

Elizabeth McBryde and Kevin Cheung in Kevin Cheng’s ‘Dear Diary’ Photo by Genda Lin @gendalin

With ruminating direction by Emily M. White, the cherry blossoms are in bloom as Elizabeth McBryde as reserved Josie settles on a Central Park bench to verbalize her thoughts in her daily journal entry in Kevin Cheng’s Dear Diary. However, her sensible thoughts are interrupted by an encounter with Kevin Cheng who is memorable as optimistic and cheerful Pablo practicing a speech. Dear Diary is poignant and funny with more to the story that Josie can reveal as disarming Pablo charms her into helping him out and they discover more about one another.

Elizabeth McBryde and Kevin Cheng in Kevin Cheng’s ‘Dear Diary’ Photo by Genda Lin @gendalin

What if escape is your last hope?

Pascal Phoa’s Last Train to Nevada focuses on a couple who are running out of options in 1942. Their only hope of being together requires a drastic change that is sure to change both their lives. With stirring direction by Yibin Wang, Pascal Phoa portrays an uncertain Freddy and Gwyneth Benitez-Graham as a despairing Ida from different countries in a dangerous and intolerant climate. Phoa and Graham bring complexity to their character’s motivations as time is running out and they are in urgent need of an answer.

Pascal Phoa and Gwyneth Benitez-Graham in Pascal Phoa’s ‘Last Train to Nevada’ Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

At some point, something has to give.

Written and directed by Kevin T. Durfee, Between the Wired Fence reflects on timing and aspiration as a couple metaphorically stares at one another from two sides of a figurative fence.

Elisa Falanga and Shannon Adams-Gray in Kevin T. Durfee’s ‘Between the Wired Fence’ Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Shannon Adams-Gray offers a thought provoking performance as overwhelmed but successful financial adviser Sawyer who was once an aspiring actress. Daniel Bishop portrays Odie, Sawyer’s spontaneous and intuitive husband who tries to help her cope as he pursues a career in performance art. Bishop as Odie’s outlandish and over the top persona is a seeming contrast to Adams-Gray as Sawyer’s forced sensibilities, but there lies an underlying charm and clear bond in their brief stage time together.

Daniel Bishop Kevin T. Durfee’s ‘Between the Wired Fence’ Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

When Elisa Falanga delivers a mysterious package, it springs forth an eye opening reckoning for Sawyer and a new understanding on how they can both move forward.

Between the Wired Fence offers humor and insight on both sides of the fence into life’s delicate timing while touching upon the anxieties and pressures of the world and what it means to succeed.

Chain Theatre’s One Act Winter Festival continues both live stream and in person at the Chain Theatre in New York, New York through March 2. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Full of flash and dry humor, ‘The Cher Show’ turns back time with empowering style

Posted on March 21, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers infuse an original and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a limelight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian busted out of her shy demeanor to become as she proudly calls ‘a warrior goddess.’

Morgan Scott in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Bathed under dazzling spotlight-soaked florescent lights by Charlie Morrison, Star, depicted with Cher’s pitch perfect dry humor and rich vocals by Morgan Scott, emerges in sequined black donning her signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone. Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help to navigate her life based on all she knows now.

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time live and in person through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. Outside this production, MassArt showcased Cher’s legendary looks. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission. Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight. As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with a powerful belt and discomfort in her own skin naiveté by Ella Perez, Cherilyn was often shy and felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half Armenian heritage and her dynamic looks. However, Lucy Werner as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia who was always a source of strength, sage advice and beauty said, ‘The song will make you strong.’ Cher’s unique qualities are actually what set her apart.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes through this musical. Not only can Star turn back time, but accompanied by Ella Perez as Cher or Babe and Catherine Ariale as Cher or Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past. Three Chers that interact, are aware of each other, and support each other is not just a source for a wealth of humorous moments, but it breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in a lighthearted and spectacular way. Perez, Ariale, and Scott have a fascinating bond where anything can happen in a life where Cher was required to grow up fast.

The cast of ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit to Big League Productions

Kelly James Tigne’s visually spectacular set is an array of glitter and glitz which includes the bright lights of Hollywood and Vegas but also beautifully nostalgic photos of 50s California before Cher sets her sights on stardom and the set develops a more classic sophistication in black and white as Cher’s star power matures.

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and equally daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical. Tyler Pirrung, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam in his eye, especially during Aint Nobody’s Business. Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production. The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Janine Loesch and wig designer Roxanne DeLuna presents all these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.

Tyler Perrung as Bob Mackie, Ella Perez, Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and cast Photo credit Big League Productions

Lorenzo Pugliese is full of magnetic charm and quirky sense of humor as Sonny Bono. Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Pugliese shares some amazing chemistry with each Cher and one of the best moments of the production is their wonderful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with cheers from the audience. He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You.

Ella Perez and Lorenzo Pugliese in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a stirring Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone. Perez, Ariale, and Scott form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely as Perez flaunts a distinctive belt. The Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is a sleek standout as well as sultry chorography featuring Emma Jade Branson of The Dark Lady in candlelight.

Lorenzo Pugliese and Catherine Ariale in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show celebrates her remarkable career and her variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurity, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs. No matter what, Cher shows the beat goes on.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez and cast in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theater in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission. Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

REVIEW: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Unlikely friendships and big dreams fuel indie dramedy METHOD

Posted on July 30, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

The pandemic put life on pause for awhile and for some, it has an interesting way of putting life into perspective and mull over what really matters. Perhaps it is to cherish time with family and friends or to realize that the future is now. It might have prompted regrets and an eagerness to fix the future in any way possible.

Rebecca Lachmansingh as Amy Photo by Andrew Quach/Method

College students Lydia and Amy are at a pivotal point in their lives. Both are ambitious with big dreams, but approach their goals in different ways. Amy decides to shake up her world while Lydia pursues her interests with her feet planted firmly on the ground. Their peculiar and abrupt chance meeting and awkward dialogue takes a moment to latch onto as if these two distinct young women speak different languages. Their observances and approaches to life are in such stark contrast, it is a wonder how they get along.

METHOD, an indie dramedy directed and co-written by Darya Amirshahi with Matthew Choi, is available now on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is just under 90 minutes. Click here for more information.

First time director Darya Amirshahi captures the essence of the pandemic with this small cast spending much of their time in solitude and hints at the restlessness of this time. This quiet life has Amy crawling out of her skin while Lydia dares not to dream.

Jacqueline Yushkov as Lydia Photo by Andrew Quach

The title suggests multiple meanings in this film, but what first comes to mind is Amy’s dream to become an actress, a career she pursues impulsively and with some reckless abandon. Serious and steadfast, Jacqueline Yushkov as hardworking Lydia does not seem to indulge in anything other than sensibility and gawks at Lydia’s impulsiveness. Gradually, Lydia tempers Amy’s lofty goals.

Sharon Juhasz amiably depicts Amy’s worried mother and voices her concerns, but Amy is resolute. Rebecca Lachmansingh as controlling and occasionally harsh Amy makes some questionable decisions in the film, but Lachmansingh also brings naïve and idealism that garners some sympathy for her character.

Two unlikely friends discover with a little faith, less reckless abandon, and a few hard lessons, there is hope. The dialogue is farfetched at times and can benefit from having a bit more subtlety, but Yushkov and Lachmansingh work out its believability through their quirky chemistry and gradual understanding of each other.

METHOD, an indie dramedy directed and co-written by Darya Amirshahi with Matthew Choi, is available now on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. Click here for more information

NYC actress, writer, and filmmaker Stephanie Iscovitz talks film career and managing annual ‘New York New Works Theatre Festival’ in October

Posted on September 27, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

NYC actress, writer, filmmaker, and casting assistant Stephanie Iscovitz is no stranger to a competitive festival, having been on the winning end and a participant. She is taking her expertise to a whole new level running the upcoming New York New Works Theatre Festival, kicking off Tuesday, October 3 and continuing through Saturday, Oct. 21 at New York City’s Duke Theatre with the final gala on Monday, Nov. 6 at Theatre 80.

With a wide spectrum of diverse, carefully chosen theatre productions from hundreds of submissions and created by Gene Fisch, Jr., the New York New Works Theatre Festival is a give back project to help the arts community. It’s an exciting, annual event as award-winning representatives from Broadway and beyond judge the next generation’s promising talent. Click here for the full theatre schedule, tickets, and here for panelist information.

Stephanie Iscovitz delves into her journey as a film festival participant, what to expect at the New York New Works Theatre Festival, and the message she hopes to convey through her work. Click here for more on Stephanie and her upcoming projects.

Sleepless Critic: Starting October 3, you are leading the management team at the New York New Works Theatre Festival.

Stephanie Iscovitz: Yes, I’m managing the New York New Works Theater Showcase and am very passionate about including as many powerful, female and diverse voices as possible.

The New York New Works Theatre Showcase is a theatre competition that provides aspiring writers the opportunity to present their work in a top tier theatre while being mentored by a group of Broadway, television producers, and industry leaders. The distinguished panelists are Broadway producers, Tony Award-winners, Emmy Award-winners, or industry executives that volunteer their time to help aspiring writers. Performances take place in the 199-seat Duke Theatre on 42nd and Broadway from Tuesday, October 3 through Saturday, October 21 with the final gala on Monday, November 6.

I’m eager to take all the wonderful parts of my film festival experience while bringing some great new ideas to the New York New Works Theatre Showcase. As an actor and writer, I know what kind of opportunities I would benefit from and am humbled and excited to provide that for the participants in this year’s showcase.

SC: You bring a broad range of experience to the New York New Works Theatre Festival, including your training at the T. Schreiber Studio and Theatre, a studio that features Edward Norton, Peter Sarsgaard, and Maria Bello, just a few of their renowned alumni. What was that experience like for you?

SI: With only eleven students in the conservatory, it was an extraordinary, life-changing experience. When you’re part of an intense, raw, and emotionally-challenging program like that, the people you experience it with become your family. I still study there as part of their on-going scene study program continually challenged with roles I’m afraid to do. I was most recently working on a character affected with brain damage.

T. Schreiber Studio and Theatre graduate Stephanie Iscovitz T. Schreiber Photo Credit: T. Schreiber Studio & Theatre

SC: What do you think is the most important thing that T. Schreiber has taught you as an actress, filmmaker, writer, and producer?

SI: Terry Schreiber notoriously says that you must give yourself the permission to let yourself happen, which has become my mantra. The first couple of short films I made as an actor, writer, and producer had potential, but they weren’t great. However, I wouldn’t be where I am today or learned as much as I did had I not made those short films, which I consider beautiful stepping stones. Give yourself permission to fall flat on your face and be patient with yourself on this creative journey because in this business, it’s more about the journey than the destination.

SC: Having attended a number of festivals in your career, you have firsthand experience participating in what can be incredibly competitive festivals. What was your first film festival you attended?

SI: The first film festival I got into was for my first film, Ladies Night, presented at a great festival I return to annually, the 2014 Big Apple Film Festival. It’s a comedy held in a karaoke bar and I’ve learned a lot after that first film, like avoid writing a film where music rights are imperative. To my surprise, it was very well received and screened alongside Jerry Stiller in the festival program. I had no idea what I was doing at the festival and was so nervous during the Q&A I could feel my shortness of breath while I was speaking. It’s a comforting thought that no one really knows what they’re doing and just trying to do the best they can with what they’ve got.

Big Apple Film Festival with Jerry Stiller

2014 Big Apple Film Festival – Stephanie won for her first film, which screened along Jerry Stiller. It was a comedy called ‘Ladies Night’ Photo Credit: Stephanie Iscovitz

SC: Recently, you went to Long Beach Island for a film festival not long ago. What is it like for you to attend a festival where your production is featured?

SI: Lighthouse International was the best film festival I’ve attended. Each year, the festival champions a selection of new, often unrecognized films from the US and around the world to compete in the festival and for audience award categories, which screen alongside award-winning spotlight films from Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, Toronto and Tribeca. I saw pre-released films and met other NYC filmmakers, sparking collaboration for future projects.

After the screenings, there were Q&A’s with the filmmakers. We had our world premiere of Bruce Loves You where the shorts programmer, Chip Parham, ran a stellar screening. It was wonderful to have a captive audience interested in knowing more about our film making process and about of course, Bruce the ghost.

'Bruce Loves You' cast at Lighthouse International film fest

‘Bruce Loves You’ team at the 2017 Lighthouse International Film Festival Photo courtesy of Darin Quan

SC: As you attend these festivals, do you feel like you get better at the process or is every festival different? What was it like to win at the festival?

SI: Every festival is different. We’ve started to call it ‘Game of Festivals’ where you win or die and 99% of the time you die. It’s all so subjective and such a gamble, depending upon who’s watching your submission if your submission was actually watched, at what time of day, and what the viewer’s own personal values and tastes are. When you are actually accepted out of thousands of submissions, it feels like a real lottery win.

I met one of my closest friends and collaborators at a film festival where our film, Catslaughter had been rejected. After speaking with her, it turned out we had the same exact film except hers was about a sweater and ours was about a cat. She had submitted early and was already accepted when we submitted late. Timing is everything. A rejection doesn’t necessarily mean your film was bad. There are a number of factors involved and in this case, they had already programmed a similar film. However, it turned out to be a huge blessing because she and I clicked creatively and have gone on to work together on multiple projects.

Filmmaker Cinder Chou at 2016 Big Apple Film Festival Photo courtesy of Stephanie Iscovitz

SC: What is the message that you hope to deliver through your work?

SI: I really want to drive social change through storytelling and that begins with representation on film, particularly through the female lens and experience. I hope to enlighten while helping audiences feel a little less alone.

Tickets are still available to this year’s New York New Works Theatre Festival. Click here for more information and tickets. New York New Works Theatre Festival is also on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Click here for more on Stephanie Iscovitz and her upcoming projects.

Stephanie Iscovitz’s new project Photo courtesy of Rutledge Customs