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REVIEW: New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival Short Films: Matthew Modine’s ‘I Am What You Imagine’, Ryan Spahn’s ‘Router,’ Don Castro’s ‘Your Blue Heart’ and more

Posted on February 18, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

The eighth annual New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival is back this year and runs from February 15 through February 18 at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T/New York Theatres at 502 West 53^rd Street in Manhattan. Here are some reviews of a portion of the shorts. There are 34 films in all. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Intermission

Ryan, portrayed by Michael Barringer, is smoking. In a white fur, a bun on top of her head, and large earrings, chatty Laura, portrayed with finesse by Laura Butler Rivera, has something to say about it.

In fitting black and white cinematography, Intermission is an unpredictable and seeming tongue in cheek foray into smoking. It is also a humorous and fascinating film featuring Rivera and Barringer who have peculiar chemistry. Rivera is mysterious, quirky and shrewd in a conversation with unexpected results.

Ryan Spahn’s Router

Hearing strange noises?

Being alone in the house can be creepy. A creak, shadows on the walls, and was that a scream? With intriguing cinematography by Thomas Brunot, just the glow of a cell phone to light the way and a cryptic message drives this twisty tale for a wifi signal. The wide eyes of Britt Vicars and a spooky and original score by Pablo Signori build the tension and reeling suspicion as Vicars inches her way in this battle through the dark.

Don Castro is LITO by the window in ‘Your Blue Heart’ Photo credit to NYCITFF and Don Castro

Don Castro’s Your Blue Heart

With expressive black glasses and red flip flops, Don Castro as Lito is making breakfast alone in the kitchen. Your Blue Heart is a moving journey into memory. Spoken in Filipino and shot in Woodside, Queens, Castro and Ron Flores as Rey have a sweet rapport featuring stirring and original music by Paul Aranus.

Kate Szekely in Still Photo credit to NYITFF and Kate Szekely

Ash Singer’s Still

The battle to be still with the jarring feeling of anxiety is overwhelming. Heart racing and breathing can be deafening. Still delves into the life of Kate Szekely who is arduously trying to shake that terrible feeling through various methods including the meditative phrase ‘I am surrounded by abundance.’ Composer Shira Bouskila and Somer Bingham’s haunting and unique sound composition ebbs and flows throughout the film in relatable unease, dread, and calm.

Matthew Modine’s ‘I am What You Imagine’ Photo by Adam Rackoff

Matthew Modine’ I Am What You Imagine

I am what you Imagine is a vivid, kaleidoscopic and visceral journey that explores the true meaning of life from the very beginning. With mesmerizing editing and visual effects by Terence Ziegler as well as surreal photography by Matthew Modine and Kevin Joseph Grossman, I am What You Imagine is a powerful film that should be experienced rather than explained and boasts a surprise ending.

Jeff Hathcoat and Ellen McQueen in ‘Late Sleeper’ Photo credit to NYITFF and Peter Hardy

Peter Hardy’s Late Sleeper

What happens to a late sleeper? A shadow sits at the window.

Filmed in black and white, Peter Hardy’s Late Sleeper delves into this concept with creepy creativity and intriguing results featuring Jeff Hathcoat and Ellen McQueen.

REVIEW: Fitz and the Tantrums groovily beat the heat and a storm at Indian Ranch

Posted on August 18, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

No one can make people forget an unforgiving and sweltering heat quite like indie pop neo soul band Fitz and the Tantrums. Though the day called for storms, nothing was going to stop their positive vibes until after these multi-platinum artists finished their set. Their performance was politics-free, but no less personal and full of encouragement with a repertoire of groovy and upbeat sounds that make even those determined not to dance in this heat, bob and sway, get up and get down.

Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums appeared at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA on July 29 and it was one stop on a national tour that continues through October 1…so far. Click here for more information on upcoming Indian Ranch performances and click here for more information on Fitz and the Tantrums latest national tour.

Indian Ranch is an outdoor concert venue and more which features a lakeside view and beach. A portion of the seats do have a cover for rain and the shows are mostly rain or shine. The VIP pre-concert experience that day started at 11:30 am and featured barbeque with a choice of hamburgers, hotdogs, or veggie burgers, baked beans, corn, salads, and an array of desserts. Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage at 1:30pm for an almost 2 hour set including an encore.

Noelle from Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage for a feel good set featuring an array of hit tunes and some songs off their new album, Let Yourself Free. Despite the heat, the group remained dedicated to their unique and classy style in dark pants and converse sneakers as the band heated up with horn –infused rhythms and flashing, multi-colored lights.

Most of the songs were infectious, lighthearted, and boasted wild rhythms. The enthusiastic band made the best of the heat as they encouraged the audience to dance and sing-along. A few of the highlights included a tune that lead singer Michael Fitzgerald or ‘Fitz’ wrote for his wife, Silver Platter. It’s a breezy, flirty and snappy single off their new album as he exclaimed, ‘Gimme-gimme that love-that love-that love.’ They also revved the audience up with the inspirational number, 123456 as the audience sang along, ‘Count it out! Shout it out!’

Noelle and Fitz from Fitz and the Tantrums Photo credit Adam Klein

Featuring an amazing saxophone solo by James King and Noelle Scaggs’s rhythmic tambourine, Fitz and the Tantrums grooved to Out of my League’s reverberating synth rhythms before delving into the knock down, get up workday struggle with Living for the Weekend.

Fitz and the Tantrums at Indian Ranch Photo credit Adam Klein

Fitz and the Tantrums kept the party going with their brief, but endlessly catchy title track, Let Yourself Free, the story of a dream with AHHHH! and didn’t leave out their biggest hits such as The Walker to the crowd’s delight.

REVIEW: ‘Friendship Bonds’ shorts reveal new perspectives at New Ohio Theatre’s New York City’s Indie Theatre Film Festival

Posted on March 3, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

The New Ohio Theatre presented its 7^th annual NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival live and in person at New Ohio Theatre, 154 Christopher Street in NYC from February 16-19 and then virtually from February 20-26. The New York City Indie Film Theatre Festival offered a variety of films from shorts to features on a wide range of topics and some of the film selections contain mature themes. Click here for more information and to learn more about New Ohio Theatre.

The Sleepless Critic was knee deep in short films and tackled Dating Drama and Friendship Bonds shorts which focused on a variety of perspectives on relationships. Friendship Bonds explores the value and challenges of friendships in various circumstances. Click here for the Dating Drama short film review.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘Andy and Kaliope’ Photo credit to New Ohio Theatre

Beautifully written and produced by Rachel Handler with stirring direction by Crystal Arnette and Catriona Rubenis-Stevens, Andy and Kaliope is a touching short film starring Jai Ram Srinivansan in a sweet portrayal as Andy, a foster child whose big imagination is in a war with his darkest fears. Accompanied by Rachel Handler as warm and encouraging Jamie, Colin Buckingham as Cole, and an extraordinary gift, Andy must muster the courage to move forward. It is a wonderful short film about the power of hope.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds Two Women on A Bridge Photo credit to New Ohio Theatre

Exceptionally directed, written, and edited by Tom Bean, Two Women on a Bridge is a thought provoking journey over the Williamsburg Bridge in May 2020 in a captivating display of black and white cinematography. Starring Karen Maine and Suzanne Lenz to Michael Abiuso’s gentle score, Two Women on a Bridge delves into a fractured friendship and reflects on the overwhelming changes in the world while engaging and hypothetical popup endings instill light humor to some serious themes.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘Eyeballs’ Photo credit to New Ohio Theatre

In a quirky but realistic zoom scenario, a group of students are brought together by a group school project in Eyeballs. Written by Molly Powers Gallagher and starring as Nadine, Ola Pater as Cara, and Zack Palomo as Dev, the small zoom group convincingly conveys the nervousness and the hesitation to share ideas and connect. Directed and edited by Robert Thaxton Stevenson, stay put for this cute comedy’s end credit scene.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘Lindsay, Lindsey, Lyndsay’ Photo credit to New Ohio Theatre

Lindsay, Lindsey, Lyndsey is not an exaggeration, but a tale of three different Lindsays. Lindsay’s fabulous new house. However, things are not quite as they seem. Dan Kuan Peeples, Cameron Cronin, and Daphne Overbeck deal with jealously, unrequited love, and a renewed sense of belonging as they reminisce over old times. Though some of the themes are a bit repetitive, this dramedy examines the complications of long term friendships and what keeps them going through it all.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘The One They Wanted’ Photo credit to New Ohio Theatre

Directed by Catrina Rubenis-Stevens and written by Bryan Harlow, The One they Wanted is an absorbing and important short film about the challenges veterans face from within after they come home. It is a beautiful and poignant look at a pair of brother and sister veterans who share in their internal battles as sister Gabi faces difficulty in daily activities. Margo Serrano as Gabi embodies the veiled emptiness and depression over recent events while Writer Bryan Harlow also stars as Gabi’s nurturing brother Patrick as they attempt to find connection in their shared experiences. It is a genuine and affective short film not to be missed.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘Scene Study’ Photo credit New Ohio Theatre

Scene Study is a sly short film about mixed signals. Written and directed with a few twists and turns by Trace Pope, Russell Sperberg as shy Cal and Joshua Ciccel as charismatic Ryan rehearse a scene study together when something unexpected happens. Director Trace Pope does a remarkable job in this brief time frame to create a light, unpredictable drama that keeps the viewer guessing till the very end.

Remarkably directed by Bandar Albuliwi, Sakrə Fīs (Sacrifice) is a riveting Iranian story about Azaheh, impressively depicted by Tiffany Ariany and Johnny Ferdosi as playful and fascinating Aadan who find themselves in a suspenseful and life threatening situation during a football game. Enhanced by Joe Aguirresarobe’s gripping cinematography and Nima Fakhrara’s affective score, Ariany and Ferdosi’s natural and sweet chemistry and the dangers of daily life in present Iran is what makes this increasingly tense and unpredictable tale such an engrossing and heartrending journey.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘The Bottom’ Photo credit New Ohio Theatre

Do the ends justify the means? A man, at his most vulnerable, is being forced into a mysterious lake at gunpoint. Hostility and tension reach its boiling point in this eerie confrontation between James Kautz as Jude and Alex Grubbs as John before the plot thickens. With harrowing direction by Morgan O’Sullivan and James Kautz and fueled by Adam Bloch’s haunting sound effects, The Bottom is an dark, deeply psychological look at the affect of toxic relationships and may cause more than a chill.

Shorts: Friendship Bonds ‘We (Don’t) Know How to Live Photo credit New Ohio Theatre

On a lighter note, We (Don’t) Know How to Live is a comical and somewhat liberating look at life when reaching a milestone birthday. Four friends unite for Claire’s 30^th birthday party, but Claire receives some distressing news before she arrives which may ruin the whole thing. Jayne McLendon as Betty, Hilary Wirachowsky as Claire, Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah as Darcy and Gordon Harper as Daniel all give off some Friends vibes as they reflect upon the direction of their lives. Reflectively written by Jayne McLendon, Hilary Wirachowsky, and Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah, the festive and inviting setting keeps the mood light as the group tackles relatable and age appropriate musings.

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

REVIEW: ‘34 Carmine Street,’ featured at the New York City Indie Film Festival, gets to the heart of small business

Posted on July 6, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

You’ve Got Mail, a hit film starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, explores the virtues and survival of a small business bookstore up against a number of factors including corporate bookstore chains. Small bookstore owner Kathleen Kelly and her fictional Shop around the Corner is embraced by the community for its rich history, Kelly’s unique personality reflected in every aspect of her bookstore including the storefront, her handpicked books, and the selection of readers and performers that appear at her store. Every aspect is meticulously designed to make a particular impression for the customer. The Shop around the Corner’s small but knowledgeable staff would not only know each handpicked book by heart and personally assist you in making a selection, but probably knows most of their devoted customers not only by name, but as a friend.

Supporting small business has not only always been a prevalent topic, but has gained that much more significance in the last few years, especially during the height of the pandemic. Corporate business, rising real estate prices, the tough economy, and many other factors continuously impact the survival of small businesses and without more support, they often get left in the dust.

34 Carmine Street was part of the Documentary 14 series featured at the New York City Indie Film Festival that continued through June 19 in person at the Producers Club in New York City. Curated by Gerard van den Broek, Documentary 14 series also included documentary films Cinema and Sanctuary and Trash Day.

The New York City Indie Film Festival featured a variety of films from shorts to narratives to documentaries curated with common themes. Sleepless Critic had the opportunity to review screenings on music, small businesses, love and connection and much more.

Co-founded by Executive Director Dennis Cieri and Director Bonnie Rush, this renowned festival has screened thousands of films since it was first launched in 2010. Click here for more information, film submissions for next year, and click here to see what we had to say about NYC Indie Film Festival’s Narrative 14 series and here for what we had to say about the films in the Documentary 12 series.

Photo credit to the New York City Indie Film Festival

Directed insightfully by Beatriz Browne, renowned short documentary 34 Carmine Street makes a strong argument not only for the survival of a historic and strong minded Greenwich Village bookstore and other unique, longtime small businesses on that street, but encapsulates what makes small businesses an irreplaceable part of the community without being preachy or political. It digs deep into a part of Greenwich Village’s history where these small businesses have survived for decades while always having something significant to say about the world. It may also change your mind about where you shop next.

34 Carmine Street, Cinema and Sanctuary, and Trash Day were all part of Documentary 14 at the New York City Indie Film Festival which continued through June 19 in person at the Producers Club. Click here for more information on this annual festival and its winners.

REVIEW: Overcoming an important theme in NYC’s Indie Theatre Film Festival’s dynamic ‘Coming of Age’ short films

Posted on February 20, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

A spontaneous escape, an evil queen, finding inspiration and discovering super strength is just the tip of the iceberg for New York City’s Indie Theatre Film Festival’s Coming of Age Shorts Screening. These shorts explore overcoming troubles, fears, and heartache in remarkable ways including a sense of humor as demonstrated in Dianne Diep’s Cloud Gazing. Peals of laughter can remedy almost any situation.

The New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival continues streaming through Sunday, February 20. Click here for more information and how to stream a variety of dynamic films including animation and documentary works.

Photo credit to the NYC Indie Film Festival

In the face of chaos, there is strength. Overcoming is such a prevalent theme in these coming of age shorts and none quite faces it like Jonah Beres as Sam Wheeler in Balloon, a boy who is relentlessly bullied at school. Who can Sam really turn to? Beres’s sympathetic eyes and careful demeanor resemble a young Dane DeHaan. DeHaan has a knack for portraying characters with pent up emotion just on the brink of letting go. Directors Jeremy Merrifield and Dave Testa capture a captivating burst of emotions and the awkwardness of childhood through nature, at home, and symbolically in a popping balloon.

Jonah Beres as Sam Wheeler ‘Balloon’ Photo credit to NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

Directed and produced by Dianne Diep, Cloud Gazing is a lighthearted take upon a common rite of passage in New York City. It is the epitome of looking at the bright side as Dianne Diep as Mia makes the best of her latest apartment in the Big City. The silly and imaginative dialogue, cinematography, and the peals of laughter from Shannon Whelan as Dylan and Dianne Diep as Mia could leave the most serious heart uplifted. Click here for more on Cloud Gazing and Dianne Diep can also be seen in upcoming Mia: Unraveling Series.

Photo credit to NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

Profound life advice is hard to come by. For example, ‘Life is better than a movie…buy cookies and cream’ is a notable and memorable quote from Tom’s Bench. Directed by Richard H. Pluim, it’s a heartwarming short film taking place on a special Astoria Park bench in New York. Most notable is the soothing and fitting Simon and Garfunkel-style closing song Come and Go by the Timber Choir.

Adam Patterson and Kyle Stockburger on ‘Tom’s Bench’ Photo credit to NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

Starting a new day holds new meaning for an unhappy wife in Expectations directed by Vic Dominguez. It is also directed, written, and starring Kaitlin Gould. This short would benefit with a longer screen time because Gould’s actions only bring up more questions.

Overcoming has several meanings for a discouraged artist longing for inspiration and she may find it in a most unconventional way in You and I written directed and produced by Yiqing Zhao. It is a quirky, colorful, and sweet film about overcoming doubt for the dream in your heart.

To the sounds of Gymnopedie No 1, Fair is a stinging, deeply relatable, and inventive short film infusing fairy tale with stark reality as a woman, portrayed by Marissa Molnar, must overcome her current circumstances. It is a clever and fascinating piece that has moments of charm and humor in its brief time frame.

Marissa Molnar is ‘Fair’ Photo credit to NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

School life isn’t easy for Angella Cao as Jessa in Pippi, a nod to the famous children’s book character, Pippi Longstocking. Most notable is the moving and poignant interactions between the adorable Cao and Karoline Xu as her mom.

Angella Cao as Jessa in ‘Pippi’ Photo credit to NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

A woman is on a mysterious voyage in Goat. This short film has beautiful cinematography and its share of odd humor. Ben Lewis as Simon is an especially intriguing character.

The New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival continues streaming through Sunday, February 20. Click here for more information and how to stream a variety of films.

REVIEW: Fueled by a nostalgic rock soundtrack and a charismatic storyteller, Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s ‘Wild Horses’ a lively and momentous tale

Posted on October 15, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

Nothing brings back memories quite like a song.

The power of music is in full force in Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s (MRT) production of Alison Gregory’s Wild Horses streaming on demand through Sunday, October 17. Merrimack Repertory Theatre previously offered the production in person from September 15 through October 3 at Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts. The show contains mature language and some adult themes. Click here for more information and tickets to this virtual performance.

Leenya Rideout and Rafael Molina during filming at Unitas Community Center, Lowell. Photo: Kathy Wittman

Directed with heart and humor by Courtney Sale, Wild Horses delves into the life of the mother of a teenage daughter, portrayed with a blend of lively charm and excitable nervousness by Leenya Rideout, as she gets wrapped up recalling her story of a special California summer during her 13^th year in the 70s while onstage at an open mic night. Rideout evokes a sense of adventure during this musically-fueled Moth Radio Hour featuring lyrics from 70s greats Rolling Stones, Heart, Van Morrison, America, and more.

Having delivered a likable performance in the 2020 indie film, Love, Repeat, Rideout further showcases her dynamic range in this meatier Wild Horses role with a humorous, heartfelt and sometimes raunchy performance. See what Sleepless Critic had to say about Rideout in Love, Repeat here.

Leenya Rideout performing “Wild Horses” at Western Avenue Studios.

With a love for music almost as much as horses, Rideout sings, strums an acoustic guitar, and proves an energetic and engaging storyteller sharing her experiences from a studious perfectionist to a teenager not afraid to break a few rules with the encouragement from her daring friends. With no shortage of excitement, scandal, humor, and heartache, Rideout’s onstage demeanor switches from responsible mother in need of a night out to wide eyed, youthful innocent with all the angst that goes with it. She blends what she remembers with her current wisdom, dwelling in the sacredness of youth. Ranging from teenage pranks to rites of passage, Rideout recalls these stories with wistfulness and passion, interacting with the audience like old friends.

Leenya Rideout during filming at Unitas Community Center, Lowell. Photo: Kathy Wittman

Costume designer A. Lee Viliesis has Rideout ready to rock in an animal print scarf, Fender T Shirt, and ripped jeans and accompanied by guitarist Rafael Molina, she slips right into this adolescent spirit longing to be wild and free. All that is necessary is a little courage.

Here’s to the ‘freedom takers’ with Merrimack Repertory’s production of Wild Horses continues streaming through Sunday, October 17. Click here for more information and to get a closer look on MRT’s new season.

REVIEW: ‘Love, Repeat’ gets love right

Posted on January 21, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

Viewing Warwick Film’s unconventional and heartwarming romantic comedy Love, Repeat makes this city lover long to return to New York City. Steeped in New York City’s pinnacle, snow-covered beauty and featuring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in muted enchantment brings on a wistful feeling. New York City not only provides this film’s idyllic ambiance, but is portrayed as its own active character in James, an auspicious person who feels like he lucked out in love to his wife Barbara until they suddenly divorce. James feels much like Manhattan, a lonely island.

Bill Connington as James in idyllic New York City in ‘Love, Repeat’ Photo courtesy of DARR Publicity/Love, Repeat

Whether you are still feeling the holiday spirit as any Hallmark movie fan would be or looking for a lighthearted tale of love and loss, Love, Repeat delivers. January is also nestled between the close of the holiday season and the anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Warwick Film’s Love, Repeat is available to stream and on DVD. Click here for more information on the film and how to watch Love, Repeat.

MaxwellPurushothaman as Chris and Bill Connington as James in ‘Love, Repeat’ Photo courtesy of DARR Publicity/Love, Repeat

Written, executive produced, and starring Bill Connington as James, Love, Repeat largely portrays the difficult part of love. It explores the kind of love that is tested after things go right, but done in a way that is optimistic, humorous, and never bereft of hope.

Marcus Ho as Chad, Maxwell Purushothaman as Chris, Stu Richel as Philip, and Bill Connington as James Photo courtesy of DARR Publicity/Love, Repeat

The setting may be idyllic, but this is not a tale of beautiful people with beautiful problems that are easily solved. Love, Repeat boasts a dynamic, strong, and quirky cast helmed by Bill Connington as earnest, stoic and quietly romantic James Anderson. Connington endearingly depicts James’s tension and hesitation as he wades into this unexpected period in his life while his artistic ex-wife Barbara, amiably portrayed by Leenya Rideout, seems ready to move on. The pair possess a sweet and familiar chemistry. There is nothing quite like getting romantic advice from your son and Maxwell Purushothanan as their bright, albeit blunt son Chris receives the lion’s share of the laughs. Stu Richel as Phillip, James’s football-loving father resembles that “shoot-from-the-hip” charisma portrayed in Martin Crane from the hit TV show Frasier.

Marcus Ho as Chad and Nandita Shenoy as Lavanya Photo courtesy of DARR Publicity/Love, Repeat

Marcus Ho as Chad and Nandita Shenoy as Lavanya are James’s chic and wildly dramatic friends as they amusingly swing from passionate to cynical at times in the very same scene. The film also has its share of good naturedly silly moments including a spontaneous dance sequence and Vivia Font who deems a noteworthy portrayal as increasingly obsessive and comically driven Camilla.

The story is a bit rushed at times and it would have been nice to get more insight into Barbara’s character, but the characters are relatable enough to stay invested while delivering an authentic message about love, risk, acceptance, and relationships while taking in those marvelous city views.

Bill Connington as James at the MET Photo courtesy of DARR Publicity/Love, Repeat

Warwick Film’s Love, Repeat is available to stream and on DVD. Click here for more information on the film and how to watch Love, Repeat.

Celebrity Series of Boston’s 78th season boasts big shows and return of Stave Sessions concert series

Posted on February 3, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Having kicked off another sensational season with the return of Pianos in Boston, Celebrity Series of Boston’s 78^th season has been offering a broad spectrum of captivating performances in their 41 show lineup including the debut of the Vertigo Dance Company, the Berliner Philharmoniker led by conductor Sam Rattle, as well as Argentine cello star, Sol Gabetta with French pianist Bertrand Chamayou. Celebrity Series of Boston is taking audiences through the winter and spring with mesmerizing performances by Yo-Yo Ma, The Art of Elegance with Kristin Chenoweth, KODO’s 35^th anniversary, and the return of the concert series, Stave Sessions. Click here for more information and the full calendar.

Presented on the Berklee College of Music campus and sponsored by Susan and Michael Sonis, Margaret Eagle, and Eli Rapoport, Celebrity Series of Boston offers five consecutive nights of dynamic, live music in jazz, classical, indie, Moroccan, and contemporary flavors. Each night has its own unique feel and takes place from Tuesday, March 21 through Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 p.m.

Stave Sessions with YMusic on Tuesday, March 21 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Stave Sessions – Melissa Aldana on Wednesday, March 22 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Stave Sessions – Tigue on Thursday, March 23 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Stave Sessions – InnovaGwana also on Wednesday, March 23 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston

Stave Sessions – Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society on Thursday, March 24

Stave Sessions – Blonde Redhead featuring Acme on Saturday, March 25 Photo courtesy of Julien Bourgeois

On Tuesday, March 21, the music festival kicks off with YMusic, a group that combines pop and classical styles followed by award-winning tenor sax player Melissa Aldana on Wednesday, March 22. Electrifying, 18-piece big band orchestra Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society takes the stage by storm on Thursday, March 23 and Tigue and Innov Gnawa combine Moroccan gnawa music with a contemporary percussion trio on Friday, March 24. The final night features indie music group, Blond Redhead featuring Acme on Saturday, March 25. A festival pass gains access to all five shows.

Click here for the full list of performances and for tickets. Subscriptions and gift cards are also available. Celebrity Series of Boston thrives on support from the community. Click here for a variety of ways to support Celebrity Series of Boston.