WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT WALTER? -Review by Jen Bush

When people think about academia, they might envision stuffed shirts sitting around engaged in profound discussions about things that are way over their heads.  Not in WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT WALTER?  With themes of infidelity, ageism, jealousy and conflict, these stuffed shirts had a lot of interesting things going on.  Secret meetings and illicit encounters are just some of what this play has on the syllabus!

The setting is Bridge College Annette is the uptight head of the English department.  Walter Knight who has been there for 17 years and was just awarded the distinction of being a Writer in Residence is a thorn in Annette’s side.  He happens to be a very well-liked and good teacher.  She feels he is too old, completely inflexible and sorely lacking in credentials such as a master’s degree.  In academia the saying constantly tossed around is publish or perish. Though Walter is the most published professor in the department, Annette finds no intellectual value in his work since it’s commercial and not academic.  She tries to enlist the support of a fellow professor who she is having an affair with and the rest of her department to push Walter out of the college.  We see Walter’s inflexibility in a staff meeting where a list of books to use for the next semester is discussed.  Walter still values the consummate classic works of literature especially Shakespeare.   The college would like to modernize the curriculum with more inclusive, politically correct works with a concentration on female authors.  Walter has become Annette’s obsession and she will stop at nothing till he has crossed the bridge for good from Bridge College.

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT WALTER?  was written by Irving A. Greenfield.  Mr. Greenfield was a prolific author of over 300 books and several plays.  He had a wonderful professional and personal relationship with the American Theatre of Actors and the people employed there.  This play was supposed to run in 2020.  We all know what happened in 2020 and tragically, Mr. Greenfield passed away before he could see this, his latest work on the stage. Having seen several of his plays produced at The American Theatre of Actors with much of the same talent, I can say this was a brilliant artistic partnership.

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT WALTER? was funny, dramatic and edgy.  It was thought provoking and touched on some hot button topics such as gender, feminism, inclusivity, ageism and political correctness.  It’s hard to imagine Shakespeare ever becoming obsolete and irrelevant as was suggested in this play.   Whether they went to college or not, adult audiences can find something to enjoy in this well written play.

The powerful cast expertly directed by Laurie Rae Waugh were all ideally matched to their characters.  Ken Coughlin gets an A+ for his fabulous portrayal of the mercurial Walter.  His stage experience shows.  He made an excellent military man in Banned in Bisbee and a completely credible college professor in this.  He looked the part and he gave his all in the part.  Amanda Cannon goes right to the head of the class with her villainous portrayal of Annette.  She’s so good at being so bad, trust me, you’ll root for Walter!   From The Merry Wives of Windsor to this, Michael Bordwell provided another acting slam dunk.  He rolled a lot of traits into his portrayal of one of the department professors, Steven.  He was slimy, savvy, likeable, not likeable and more.  Overall, the character was out for himself but there was a tiny bit of heart directed at Walter.  It was an excellent portrayal.  This was the third time I witnessed a performance with Manny Rey and he is always solid.  He was authoritative and funny in his portrayal of the college provost.  The cast was rounded out by Vicky Gitre, Ben Guralnik,  Alan Charney and Rooki Tiwari who were all fantastic.  Every character brought to life was genuine and interesting.

So, what did they do about Walter?  A better question might be, what did Walter do about them?  WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT WALTER gets a 4.0 G.P.A. which stands for great performance all around!

PART I in InDfilm

Meet filmmaker Gauthier Raad.  He is an international, multi-cultural and multi-lingual sensation.  He was drawn to the cinematic arts at a young age.  Following his passion, he has achieved success on several continents.  He has a vast toolbox of skills coupled with cosmopolitan experience to create innovative and compelling content.  It was wonderful to learn more about this fascinating artist.

Interview by Jen Bush

Mr. Raad’s defining moment in life was to go on a journey which paved the way to his career in the arts.  It took a lot of guts to do this at a young age but it all worked out in the end.  “I feel that the most defining moment in my life is when I decided to pack my suitcase and move to another country alone without knowing anyone there. This happened when I was 19 years old. It has taught me a lot of things… a lot of lessons. I think I became fearless.” 

Mr. Raad has a favorite genre and it’s a good one.  “My favorite genre is a psychological thriller. It is so difficult to be able to create such a genre but when it is well done, psychological drama movies haunt me for months. I think it needs a high level of maturity, professionalism, and time to be able to do a psychological thriller. This is why there are not a lot of them.”

Mr. Raad has a positive attitude and doesn’t let obstacles stand in his way.  “Obstacles are everywhere… but I believe if we really want something, genuinely – not for our ego – It will come. 

The biggest obstacle in our industry is always the network and the contacts. Most people stay in the same place and work on expanding their network. My journey is completely different. I have moved many places but this has never been an obstacle or a handicap in my professional life.” 

Mr. Raad shared his thoughts on how the pandemic impacted the arts industry.  “I think our habits have changed post-pandemic. It is important for us to start pushing back people to go out and meet, and network… I have noticed this in the film festival I manage. I think the virtual shift that happened during the pandemic is a very positive thing, however, I think that people have to put more effort to go out and meet other people. The pandemic made us lazy and so comfortable in our houses… I think venues, associations should help the festivals and the events by giving them more space to do more events so people will little by little get into the habit of going out more.” 

“What’s next?  My dreams… here I come.”  For someone who had the incentive to take the world by storm before the age of 20, I believe Mr. Raad’s dreams will be fulfilled, and we will be the lucky recipients of his art.

ALL OUT ARTS, the producer of FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL, one of NY’s premier LGBTQ arts festivals for more than two decades is accepting submissions from NYC authors of LGBT-themed short works and full plays in three multi-media categories this year. Thanks to the generosity of New York City’s Dept. of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Council, there are NO Admission or Participation Fees required, but there are numerous financial rewards and prizes

The 2023 FRESH FRUIT MAINSTAGE MAINSTAGE: Performances April – May at the Wild Project, NYC. Looking for Stage Plays of many types; must be self-produced. Tech and FOH staff provided plus production consultation and insurance. Shows receive FREE Box Office Share (last year over $6,000 was distributed). Storage provided. Event curated by Dennis Corsi and Louis Lopardi. Deadline December 15.

The 2023 MONOLOGUES-on-Film Project: A Contest and Exhibit of self-produced monologues on video. This year’s general theme: “Seeing.”  Eight to 10 Semi Finalists will be presented for public and technical panel voting. Free technical guidance and limited post-processing. Cash stipends to ALL Semi-Finalists PLUS increased cash award to all three finalists. Early-Spring presentation for votes, plus hosting on our YouTube Channel for two seasons!  Deadline January 2. Event curated by Jay Michaels.

The 2023 RadioPLAYS: Self-produced Audio works in two divisions. Radio SHORTS (up to 25 minutes, 3+ characters). Radio SHOTS! (2.5 characters, 3 to 12 minutes).  Extensive free technical help at all levels of the production process. Free post-processing and Podcast hosting. Cash stipends $175 to $250 upon completion.  Deadline January 15. Rolling production January through May. Event curated by Jay Michaels.

Please SEE our website for Details, Rules, and Links to past winners
https://freshfruitfestival.com/all-entry-fy23/  Note: Online-Application Forms only, per each part. If you submit in more than one division, please ALSO use the Contact form on the website.

The Buffalo Hero of World War I
The Wayne Miner Story
Returning to New York for a special limited engagement is Kenthedo Robinson’s powerful drama about a group of unknown and unsung heroes of World War I.
 
Special Engagement: December 7 – 18 (Wed – Sat. @ 8:00 p.m. and Sun @ 3:00 p.m.)
Tickets $20  (Groups of 10 or more $15)
EventBrite.com     
The American Theatre of Actors is located at 314 West 54th St, NYC
Call for tickets: 212-581-3044    917-523-2823

 

Black Lives Mattered … even in 1918
Acclaimed playwright, Kenthedo Robinson’s retelling of the true story of three young men enlisted to fight for World Democracy during WWI returns to one of New York only remaining off-off Broadway movement venues (along with La Mama and theatre for the New City), the American Theatre of Actors for a limited run during the holiday season.
Wayman Miner (1894 – 1918) was an American soldier who fought in the Buffalo Soldier regiment during the First World War. He died in the hours between the signing of the Armistice and the symbolic 11 a.m. time it was set to go into effect, after volunteering for a mission to carry ammunition to a machine gun nest. This is his story and that of his fellow Buffalo Soldiers.

They battled many more enemies than many soldier of the time. Most battled the Ottoman Empire, but the Buffalo Soldiers discovered that racism and harassment proved to be their own personal enemy. Their most powerful weapon — the power of brotherly love and the glory of honor.    

The cast includes Ms D, Alton Ray, Shani Tabia,  Kassime Fofana,  Mike Vails,  Nicolas Dodge,  and Myles Marable
Special Effects by Nikoli Pierre; Sound Design by Mark Robinson; Lighting Design by Michael Banks;
Production written & directed by Kenthedo Robinson

The American Theatre of Actors is located at 314 West 54th St, NYC
Call for tickets: 212-581-3044    917-523-2823


                                                                                   

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Channel I publications is beginning a new series of articles: WHAT’S SO FUNNY!

Returning to the “real world” is not happening with a blast but with a cautious tread. Places are opening to half capacity or full capacity; masks and vax’ing are required/optional/lifted. We’ve heard tales about plays reopening, movies that have begun or resumed filming, etc. The art world is looking the same in some places and vastly different in other. The liveliest of the lively arts is comedy. Shakespeare can be done to a camera lens, but can you do comedy? Jen Bush chatted with a group of comic artists who have shows opening shortly about what they can expect – or fear!

PART 1: Nannette Deasy and Robert Baumgardner

The Improvisational Theatre Repertory Ensemble, LLC, is an award-winning group consisting of comedy actors and writers.  They create, produce, and perform a season of original themed improvisational shows.  This season they are hoping you’ll be wowed by their newest work entitled Wow Wee! Adventures of a Little Girl Killbot Christmas Special.  It’s a post-apocalyptic 80’s sitcom Christmas special.  That’s a lot of wow factor right there!  Let’s meet some of the cast members and creatives.

Nannette Deasy is the fearless leader of IRTE.  She will be playing the role of Andie the Android in this season’s production.  Comedy is easy-peasy for Nannette Deasy.  She has been making people laugh for years both nationally and internationally. The Founder and Artistic Director of this award-winning and nationally recognized improv comedy troupe has performed at theatres including the Public Theatre, LaMama Etc., Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, the PIT, UCB, Chicago City Limits, Gotham City Improv, Gotham Comedy Club, theatre festivals all around the country and the Teatro Franco Parenti in Milan, Italy, as well as in various films and one half of the comedy duo Double-D (with former IRTE company member Graceann Dorse), creating and producing original comedic live shows and films. This month, they will be premiering their latest comedy “The Vole Sisters Invite You to a Peculiar and Intimate Evening of Mystic Spiritualism,” an improvised and audience interactive comedy séance.

“Now that we are slowly beginning to emerge from that bizarre alternate universe in which we were all trapped, funny is going to (hopefully) look like actual smiles. Shows during the pandemic were just weird -It was so hard to tell whether jokes were landing or not. Either our audience was muted on zoom (just a lonely number count at the bottom of the screen) or just pairs of eyes peering out from behind masks. “Smizing” only goes so far. (Sorry, Tyra Banks).”

Robert Baumgardner, her partner on stage and in life, has multiple skill sets in the arts.  He is directing this season’s IRTE work.

“I’m Robert Baumgardner, director of Wow Wee! Adventures of a Little Girl Killbot Christmas Special! I’ve directed several IRTE shows, among them The Marvelous Mrs. McCluskey, The Ship Be Sinkin’, and The League of Extraordinary Blondes. I’m also an actor and improvisor, and like most people improvised my way through this pandemic by sharing my work on Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, and however else hackers and cat fishers find you.”

Robert’s response to what funny looks like right now is very fruitful!  There is a definite theme going on in his response.  It could have something to do with the fact that “gardner” is part of his surname.  I’ll stop now.

“These days, “funny” looks like it could be a bumper crop this year. There is so much fertile ground and muck that is out there that the seeds of comedy may take root and soon flourish. (This plant metaphor is growing out of control.) Comedy lives off the fertilizer that is fear and stupidity and anxiety that just seems everywhere these days. Wow Wee’s comedy grows out of our feelings that we’re past the point of no return in so many ways these days. But there is always hope, and hope and laughs are the tasty fruit one can harvest from a good comedy crop. (That is really stretching it thin.)”

Interview by Jen Bush

Dan Furman is a Tennessee born and Brooklyn based jazz pianist and composer.  His musical journey began at a tender age when he began playing and composing which led him to study jazz, music composition and musical theater.  He is the artistic director of The Brooklyn Tavern Theater where you will soon be able to see his exciting new work, Impossible But True for which he was the composer, lyricist and bookwriter. 

“I am a jazz pianist who writes musicals. I studied composition back in college, but realized that post-modern classical music just doesn’t reach that many people. And I believe that art has to connect with society in order to really bloom and flourish.”

“Luckily, I had been exposed to jazz in high school and had begun writing for my own bands. After a decade or so working in factories as a political activist, I went back to jazz piano and led World Mambo Mission in Atlanta, GA and the Primordial Jazz Funktet here in NYC.”

 “While looking for work as an unemployed pianist in Manhattan, I also discovered music theater. I was lucky enough to get into the BMI Music Theater Workshop, which gave me a good introduction to writing musicals.  Impossible But True began in that workshop as a collaboration with Mary-Liz McNamara. (Mary-Liz’s lyrics are still an important part of 4 songs from this show!). When the collaboration ended, I decided to finish the show and it eventually found its place as a tavern musical in 2018.”

Mr. Furman recognizes that there are many colorful characters and scenarios in this world and that’s what he likes to write about.  He likes his work to reflect the positive aspects of life and living with the notion that change for the better is possible.  “I don’t really like writing songs about myself. I like to have characters to write for–characters who have a reason to sing. I know it’s a bit contrary to the fashion of diving deep into personal experience and identity–but my philosophy is, write what you don’t know.  It’s a big world out there and there are so many interesting subjects and stories to write about–to learn about–to discover.”

“But one thing about me that has influenced my writing is the belief that things are possible–that the world can be changed for the better and it’s up to us to do it. Several of the shows I’ve worked on have this as one of their central themes– from Impossible But True to Ybor City (co-written with Anita Gonzalez) to The Joe Hill Revival.”

Some deep thinking outside of the box went into the creation of Impossible But True.  The source material for the book was kind of sleepy, pun fully intended.  Once the story was spun and told from a different point of view, it worked. “I’m going to tell you what should have inspired me NOT to write this musical. I was a composer in the second year of the BMI Musical Theater Workshop.  My collaborator, Mary-Liz McNamara, and I decided to write our first show based on Washington Irving’s short story, Rip Van Winkle. We had a lot of fun writing it–but after a while, we ran into book trouble.

The main problem was, Irving’s story is a terrible script for a musical.

Here’s why:

–Rip Van Winkle is a nice guy who doesn’t do much of anything except fall asleep and then wake up 20 years later. What kind of hero is that?

–There’s very little action or almost no dialogue in Irving’s story. Some nice descriptions of the Catskills and the quaint residents of the little town. But there’s no romance and no villain. What kind of musical is that going to be?

–Finally: not only are we missing romance, but in Irving’s short story, Rip hates his wife, who is described a terrible nag. When he comes back to the town 20 years later, he is relieved to discover that she is dead. And he lives happily ever after. His wife doesn’t even merit having a name in the story. Just wife.

That is not a story we want to tell today.

So, as I worked on it, this show moved further and further from the quaint confines of Irving’s story. Since Rip fell asleep in the hills before the American revolution and then woke up years after it was over–some interesting possibilities are raised. Revolutions are more interesting than long naps. In our show, the revolution becomes the engine–or, horsepower– propelling the whole story. Although Rip is still a lead character, It became more of a story about how the revolution affected him and his small town in the Catskills.

Impossible But True is different from other shows that deal with the American Revolution–like 1776 or Hamilton—it’s not about the Washingtons, Jeffersons and Hamiltons—it’s about ordinary small-town people who carried out the groundwork during a great historical change. And through that process, what seemed impossible–became possible.

We had to make it clear from the beginning of the show that this is not going to be quite the Rip Van Winkle story you’re used to. We did it like this: our acting troupe welcomes the audience into the bar where you’re seeing the show. The character of Nicolaus Vedder is in charge. He’s introducing the characters and thinks the show is going to start with a song from Rip. But we discover that Rip’s wife, Rebecca, has rewritten the script. She’s given herself the opening song, which she proceeds to sing. In fact, she also leads the final song of the whole show–so if you want, you could look at this as the story of Rip Van Winkle and the American Revolution–as told by Rebecca, his wife.”

Mr. Furman would like people to leave the show with the message that one change can produce a wonderful and positive domino effect leading to bigger and better things in this world.  “I’ve been a political activist for most of my life. There are always people who say that fundamental change, let alone revolution, isn’t possible. We grow up in American schools learning about the founding fathers–these great enlightened men who framed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and tend to assume that if we were all living back then, of course we’d be for the revolution, right? Well, no. It started out as a minority. If you grew up in a small town in the Catskills in the mid-1700s, you might think it was insane to take on the British army.”

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, many of us found ourselves temporarily trapped in our homes and apartments, contemplating the world outside our windows–and we didn’t always like what we saw. To those who said the American revolution was impossible, this show has an answer: as soon as we start to change the world, new things we could not have imagined can become possible. After a night full of music, dance, tragedy and comedy, this is the message that we want the audience to walk out the door with.”

Covid is still present, but Mr. Furman agrees that the timing was right to see the return of the performing arts.  “I think it’s time to open back up. Unless there is a significant upsurge, we will notbe requiring negative COVID tests or proof of vaccination. Everyone should look out for their own safety, and certainly wear a mask if they like.”

Post-Covid Mr. Furman thinks that we should dispense with the tunnel vision of the past and embrace inclusivity in all aspects of theater.  “Coming out of the pandemic, I think theater should continue the movement toward inclusiveness in casting and what is produced. I do not  think we should throw out the Western canon–but this is a great time to break free of the limitations and narrowness we’ve inherited from the past.”

There is no sleeping on the job for this talented artist who has plenty in the works for the future of the Brooklyn Tavern Theater and beyond.  “Brooklyn Tavern Theater premiered The Joe Hill Revival last fall and I would like to bring this show to a larger venue. It is a revival of the story of Joe Hill–a retelling of the story of the union activist and songwriter Joe Hill in the light of what’s going on in the world today. There’s real activity going on in working class politics now and I think it’s a good time for this show.”

“I’ve also been working with director Christopher Noffke on The Proust Virus, a musical about video game characters who come to life inside a young woman’s computer. This is a much more contemporary show than Impossible But True!–one that we’d like to workshop and move towards a production.”

“But Impossible But True is a really fun and moving show to do–so we’ve discussed making it a regular Fall tradition of Brooklyn Tavern Theater if we can find the venues and financial support to do so.”

Noy Marom Interview Part I by Jen Bush

Say Shalom to Noy Marom!  Hailing from Israel, she came to New York to pursue film and theatre opportunities.  Ms. Marom honed her craft on two continents and is a graduate of the prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting.  Ms. Marom is an advocate for female voices in the performing arts via her all-female theatre company which she will discuss in more depth during the interview.  In October you’ll be able to see her perform in a piece she co-produced called Yerma.  That is just one of several exciting projects she has in the works. 

Ms. Marom’s passion for performing and visual arts began at a young age.  She feels the strongest pull toward acting and has worn the hat of a producer in recent years.  Ms. Marom feels that there is magic in storytelling.  “I always felt the arts calling my name. Ever since I was very little. I used to spend all my waking hours creating and immersing myself in art- acting, dancing, singing and just performing and creating. I also loved drawing and painting- I guess you could say that even then I loved choosing the different colors in which I paint my reality- and honestly, I think that’s the way I still see my artistic voice now- just using everything in my toolbox to paint pictures and tell exciting and raw stories.”

“I am first and foremost- an actor. That is my absolute favorite thing to do in the whole entire world.  My passion is to tell stories through words and through movement and through complex and raw characters. During my acting career, I was lucky enough to take part in a variety of different projects: films, theater productions, commercials, music videos, photo shoots and more.”

“In recent years, I also find a lot of joy in producing and having a broader control over the projects that I take part in. I started this path when I co-created the Virago Ensemble – an International all-female theater company, striving to empower women’s voices by sharing old and new works created by female-identifying writers. We started working together in 2017, fresh out of acting school and produced a number of successful projects performed in NYC.”

“I absolutely love that I have both options- to bring different characters created by talented writers and creators to life and give them a voice, and also, to carry that voice while taking part in establishing the broader image and agenda of the project and contributing to its general success.”

“I’ve also always loved writing and being that a lot more these days since the pandemic.  To describe it in a few words- I am a storyteller.”

There is a recognition among creatives that certain geographical locations provide abundant opportunities in the arts.  New York is considered a prime place for that.   All the wonderful elements were in place for Ms. Marom to make a life in this vibrant artistic city.  “I always loved New York and the artistic life in it, shining from every street corner. It always felt larger than life to me, and after calling it my artistic home in recent years, I have come to know just how true this statement is.”

“Everything is always happening at once, in high-speed and there are countless challenges to face, but also countless opportunities to discover.”

“I knew that with my passion for acting and on my constant journey towards living a beautifully full artistic life, New York would be the right choice for me, and it proved to be right. The minute I got to this intense city I knew that I’ve arrived home. The people, the energy, the art, the atmosphere, the industry- it speaks to my heart and it nurtures my passion to create.”

 Ms. Marom was inspired to act by watching movies from a young age.  There was not only an interest in the stories and the characters but a level of self-discovery through viewing them.  Producing not only gives her more control over projects but provides further opportunities to work on projects.  “I vividly remember myself as a very young girl, sitting in the living room at my parent’s house and constantly watching movies. It was my favorite thing to do.”

“I remember that I was constantly in awe as to how invested I was in these stories and characters, and I got to know myself and understand things about myself and about the world through the work of these actors and the creators behind the stories.”

“It gave me a language and an outlet to the world around me. I also loved going to the movies. Something about the presence of a single character (actor) on this larger-than-life screen and having it move me, or amuse me or shift something from within, just made me fall in love with it. As I started developing it and taking classes, I also realized that I can actually be good at it and then I knew that I have found my thing.”

“The producing part came along later and I am very thankful to be able to have another creative outlet and to simply be artistically active and constantly involved in projects I am passionate about.”

Part II in the pages of Showtones