Alec Baldwin leads an Oscar Worthy Cast with Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan in Thriller Crescent City from Filmmaker RJ Collins Premieres August 15
What’s the story? When a small southern town is terrorized by a serial killer everyone becomes a suspect… including the police. Experience a hypnotic thriller about what it takes to catch a killer.
As the body count rises and the dark mystery deepens, the chief detective becomes haunted by the horrors of his past. Academy Award Nominees Terrence Howard and Alec Baldwin star in a mesmerizing crime thriller about what it costs to catch a killer.
Today’s conversation with Filmmaker RJ Collins from “Crescent City” has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
Crescent City Filmmaker RJ Collins
Joe Winger:
It’s one of my favorite kinds of movies. Twists, turns, shocks, thrills. Phenomenal cast. What was your process like building this incredible cast, including two Oscar nominees?
RJ Collins:
Even two producers on the movie are Oscar nominated, which is phenomenal.
This small independent film [getting] Oscar buzz. It was a combination of the producers and myself knowing the cast that really helped escalate this to move fast during a SAG strike.
We got the waiver because we’re an independent company. We got the cast all in a specific window, and we crammed it in [between] everybody’s schedule.
We shot it in Little Rock, Arkansas in September of last year. The town just fit the look and style.
It was just a perfect storm.
Alec Baldwin leads an Oscar Worthy Cast in Thriller Crescent City
Joe Winger:
You crammed so much production value into this movie.
RJ Collins:
We were blessed because of the SAG strike, because a lot of the really high level crew and actors were all available more than normal. So it was a collaboration. Cast was coming together. We were raising the money all at the same time.
When we finally got the waiver, we only had two and a half weeks left to prep the film before we were shooting.
I flew in the day we got the waiver and I met Chris Crane, the film commissioner of Arkansas, and he was such a great guy and what a great film community.
It was a true 16 day shoot schedule with some second unit days. I’m very happy with how it turned out and the actors’ performances. Everybody came on the set together and everybody collaborated.
Everybody liked each other. There was no egos, none of that stuff.
It really showed on screen.
Alec Baldwin, for what his body of work, just to work with him and watch him do his thing; same with Terrence, Esai, Nicky. Michael Sirow playing the Pastor Lawson.
Joe Winger:
You mention your amazing cast. The tension, the moments, the explosions. Is there a scene in particular you really want us to pay attention to?
RJ Collins:
There’s so many moments that I would sit back and just go, wow, I’m having the scene happen right now in front of me.
One of the lead characters, Detective Sutter, Terrence Howard’s character. He’s sitting in the chapel and he’s questioning faith.
Another great scene is when all of the detectives (Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan) and Captain Howell (Alec Baldwin) are all together and there is an emotional moment where they find a [spoiler]. All this tension breaks loose and all the characters are going at each other and it’s just so much emotion. It was just so great to shoot it and watch it Nicky at the end of that scene, just her look, I had to stay on it for a second with the coverage.
It was like, yes!
The actors’ performances. The writing. We just don’t know who the killer is. We keep throwing left, right hooks. Nobody knows. Even to the end.
Joe Winger:
Because you brought up the script.
Can we do a shout out to the writer and your DP [Director of Photography] and talk a little bit about that process?
RJ Collins:
Rich Ronat is a phenomenal writer. He’s also a buddy of mine. We’ve partnered up many times together over the years. He’s so phenomenal with the story ideas and all the research he was doing on serial killers.
He wrote the script not knowing who he was going to choose to be the killer in the end himself, which is why it was portrayed so well.
Collaboration with the DP, Alex Salahi, was phenomenal.
I directed the performances and storytelling, but man, he’s the guy that makes the visuals what it is.
We had an all star team on this, but the DP had such a beautiful eye. We were talking about looks and tones and colors. He just took it and gave me even more than what I could have expected.
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Thanksgiving in Los Angeles: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe Inside]
This Thanksgiving, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
Holidays in Los Angeles: Dining in Beverly Hills: Mastro’s, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s
The Holidays in Los Angeles have never been more festive (or delicious) with holiday Dining at Mastro’s Beverly Hills, FYC Bar + Kitchen AND Holiday Tamales from Tito’s
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Hotel Amarano in Burbank
On Christmas Day from 3-10 p.m., FYC Bar + Kitchen at the luxury boutique Hotel Amarano in Burbank will be serving a special 3-course menu for just $70 per person (not including wine or cocktails).
The menu will include Butternut Squash Soup OR Radicchio Cup Mushroom Salad with avocado, chives & balsamic vinaigrette;
Apple Wood Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with jumbo prawns, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts OR Pistachio-Crusted Roasted Sea Bass with citrus sauce, mashed potatoes, baby carrots & Brussels sprouts – and desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake, New York Cheesecake, Apple Tarte Tatin or Crème Brûlée – along with coffee or tea.
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Mastro’s Beverly Hills
For classic Beverly Hills luxury, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving their fresh oysters, caviar, decadent seafood towers, steaks and sides galore, along with luscious desserts and handcrafted cocktails – even a succulent Rabbi’s Daughter Kosher Bone-In Ribeye 16oz Steak for anyone celebrating Hanukkah (or who just likes great steaks).
For the month of December, Mastro’s is offering a special holiday cocktail – Under The Mistletoe.
For those who want their holiday meal from the comfort of their own home, Mastro’s Beverly Hills will have their famously decadent side dishes to go this year!
The following sides will serve up to 4 people, and cost $62 each:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Sliced Almonds
Creamed Corn
Creamed Spinach
For a sweet limited time finish, Mastro’s will have a gorgeous Pecan Pie as well as a special Cinnamon + Pecan Butter Cake – a twist on their famed Butter Cake – both available now through December 30.
To order Mastro’s Sides, guests just need to call the restaurant to order from December 1-22 they can pick them up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Mastro’s will be open Christmas Eve from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Christmas Day from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, New Year’s Eve from 5:00 PM to Midnight and New Year’s Day from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.
You can find their full menu here & as you likely know, the ambiance at Mastro’s every evening is like a party, with live music and white glove service.
They also have 2 private dining rooms for large parties of 40-50.
The Holidays in Los Angeles at Tito’s Tacos
Lastly – we love the tradition of Christmas Eve tamales, but they take hours to make.
The beloved, family-owned since 1959 Tito’s Tacos offers both a succulent Chicken Tamale – cilantro grilled chicken and Anaheim green chiles wrapped in homemade corn masa & steamed in a corn husk OR a Veggie Tamale, fresh veggies and pinto beans, wrapped in homemade corn masa and steamed in a corn husk.
You can buy them individually or by the dozen and the best part is that you can get them delivered straight to your door.
For more info, go to www.TitosTacos.com
Orders can be placed online for delivery or pickup on or before December 23.
About Mastro’s Steakhouse Beverly Hills
Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills is a premier dining destination combining world class service with an elegant yet energetic ambiance, making it a popular choice for celebrities, locals and visitors.
Located at 246 North Canon Drive, Mastro’s features live music nightly, with signature menu highlights such as bone-in filet mignon, USDA Prime, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and True A5 Kobe steaks; lavish seafood towers featuring fresh oysters, shrimp, crab and lobster served in a swirl of dry ice mist, decadent lobster mashed potatoes, and Mastro’s famed Butter Cake, to name a few.
Open for dinner from 5:00 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more info, visit www.mastrosrestaurants.com
Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert
Palm Springs: Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of the Desert Play Ground
Executive Chef Michael Hung Unveils flagship restaurant, Navigator, New Elevated Dining Voyage in Heart of Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Surf Club announces the opening of their flagship restaurant, Navigator, on Friday, November 15th, 2024!
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
This innovative new dining destination bridges the worlds of desert living, hospitality, and surfing.
Guests will experience dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, explore the expansive 13-acre property complete with resort amenities, and marvel at the sights and sounds of surfing in the state-of-the-art wave pool.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Leading the Navigator team is acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Hung. As the Executive Chef of Navigator and Director of Food & Beverage for the Palm Springs Surf Club, Chef Hung brings his culinary artistry to this highly anticipated opening.
Executive Chef Michael Hung
Chef Hung’s impressive career spans from renowned New York kitchens Daniel and Aquavit, through San Francisco’s celebrated establishments, including the James Beard Award-winning team at Jardiniere, led by the renowned Chef Traci Des Jardins and Michelin-starred La Folie with Chef Roland Passot.
His culinary path has included Faith & Flower in Los Angeles which earned accolades from Esquire, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.
Hung’s talent continued to shine with Viviane at the Avalon Hotel, praised by Los Angeles Times esteemed food critic Jonathan Gold and renowned San Francisco Chronicle food critic, Michael Bauer.
Chef Hung brought his expertise to the luxury hotel and hospitality scene in Palm Springs as the Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels, where he revamped menus at The Colony Club at The Colony Palms and SO.PA at L’Horizon Resort and Hermann Bungalows, earning a Michelin Guide listing for The Colony Club.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Now, at the Palm Springs Surf Club, he applies his expertise to both Navigator and the larger resort’s food and beverage offerings, promising an elevated dining experience rooted in a global culinary perspective.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Navigator’s Menu will highlight modern American cuisine infused with influences from renowned surf locales, including flavors inspired by Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii. Each dish is crafted with the finest local ingredients, blending global flavors with a California sensibility.
Signature offerings include Olive & Herb Dinner Rolls with Tomato Jam, Crispy Wagyu Beef Cigars, Hawaiian-style Garlic Shrimp, and large-format dishes such as a Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout or the 20-oz Ribeye with Bone Marrow Gremolata. Chef Hung’s thoughtfully curated Vegan options,Sides, and inventive Desserts like the Crème Catalan Parfait and Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse promise an array of flavors for every palate.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
The Wine List, curated by Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty emphasizes California’s finest labels, while Dougherty’s Bar Menufeatures a refreshing selection of Handcrafted Cocktails and a robust Tap Beer program highlighting local producers.
Photo Credit: Oscar Flink
Service will be led by renowned restaurateur, Cameron Hirigoyen, who for 30 years owned and operated San Francisco’s classic Basque restaurant, Piperade. Cameron brings her graceful poise and deep knowledge to Navigator’s dining room.
Navigator’s design pays homage to the oceanic heritage of South Pacific navigators—surfers who traversed seas by the stars, currents, and wildlife. The restaurant’s décor reflects this maritime inspiration, with custom teakwood furniture, woven textile ceiling treatments, and a hand-carved outrigger canoe serving as a focal point for the dining room. The ambiance combines nautical aesthetics with a luxurious, natural warmth, creating an upscale, intimate setting for guests to relax and dine in style.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Hung to the Palm Springs Surf Club family,”
Colin O’Byrne
managing partner
“His creativity and expertise are an ideal match for Navigator and our overall vision at the Palm Springs Surf Club, which is to offer guests an elevated dining experience and amenities alongside the world’s premier surf pool.”
Navigator at the Palm Springs Surf Club officially opens for Dinner on Friday, November 15th, 2024, and will be open every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Navigator serves Weekend Brunchevery Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Happy Hour menu is available from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or reservations at Navigator, please visit www.NavigatorPS.com or call Navigator directly at 760.205.3634.
Navigator
Palm Springs Surf Club
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92264
T: 760.205.3634
About Palm Springs Surf Club: The Palm Springs Surf Club is an unparalleled destination, blending state-of-the-art wave technology with luxurious resort-style amenities. Guests can enjoy various attractions, from a winding lazy river to private cabanas by the wave pool, creating a perfect oasis in the heart of Palm Springs. With three bars, two restaurants, and dynamic event spaces, the Palm Springs Surf Club offers distinctive culinary and beverage programs, designed to cater to every taste and every occasion.
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Hollywood entertainer Cat Ce On Staying Physically & Mentally Fit In Hollywood
Hollywood entertainer Cat Ce On Staying Physically & Mentally Fit In Hollywood
“It’s all about balance”
All round entertainer and producer Cat Ce is a familiar face and name in Hollywood circles.
Known for Producing sold out comedy shows every month at The Ice House, The World Famous Comedy Store etc. She also is a fan favorite guest star on leading shows at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club Las Vegas.
When not doing stand up comedy, she is a working actress and just celebrated her 50th popular Podcast, which is on spotify and iheart radio.
Cat Ce is definitely productively packing her days with her creativity and manages to stay fit and radiant. She is also a certified Pilates teacher – which explains the body!
Physical stamina is a must for her busy schedule
Her work out regime is very specific to her needs and she swears by swimming to keep her body toned and mind relaxed.
Anyone who has been backstage at a comedy show or eaten at a comedy club will tell you there are specific comfort foods that may not be the healthiest if eaten on a nightly basis. Who doesn’t love pizza or chicken wings and fries at 11pm?
Well, Cat Ce for one stays away from the temptations as much as she can.
“I try to eat healthy & balanced meals.
Smoothies, fruits, veggies, fish or lean meat with great protein are my main nutrients…”
reveals Cat Ce
“…I try to do everything in moderation. I don’t completely cut out bread, I just try to minimize the intake of carbs, get enough protein, and never deprive myself. I have a balanced lifestyle. Staying active with daily exercise, and swimming is my daily routine. A solid workout will obviously help you stay in shape, but also helps me manage stress.
Cat Ce wears many hats and works out regularly to stay fit
I keep physically strong, which leads me to feeling mentally strong, this also guarantees a good night sleep — which is also key.
The simple basic fundamentals of taking care of ourselves is my mantra, this will lead to success. I believe.”
Something tells me Cat Ce is right!
To catch Cat Ce performing check out her upcoming shows in Los Angeles Hollywood Improv Jan 15th and 19th, the Comedy Store Jan 15th and Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas on Jan 20th!
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Halloween in Hollywood: Halsey and Catherine O’Hara Share the Spotlight in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Hollywood Bowl
Halloween in Hollywood: Halsey and Catherine O’Hara to Alternate as Sally in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Hollywood Bowl.
Halsey joined the production of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” coming to the Hollywood Bowl for just three nights prior to Halloween, as the role of Sally on the first two nights of the engagement, then the movie’s original voice actor, Catherine O’Hara takes it over on the third.
The dates Halsey will appear are Oct. 27-28.
On Oct. 29, O’Hara will not only play Sally but also step into the role of Shock, which will be sung on the previous two nights by Riki Lindhome.
Although it’s a short part in the live-to-picture production, Sally has been a plum one for pop stars in recent years. Phoebe Bridgers did it last December in London for a two-night “Nightmare” concert engagement at London’s OVO Arena Wembley. The last time a concert engagement of “Nightmare” happened in Los Angeles, two years ago at Banc of California Stadium, Billie Eilish was in the cast to sing “Sally’s Song” for that two-night stand.
Other performers have been announced.
Fred Armisen will singi the role of Lock. Ken Page returns as Oogie Boogie.
Of course Danny Elfman will reprise the starring role of Jack Skellington, as he has done at the Bowl for many years.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” has been presented at the Bowl in 2015, 2016 and 2018. The Banc of America show in 2021 included Paul Reubens in one of his final live appearances.
This concert version is produced by Laura Engel and Richard Kraft of Kraft-Engel Productions and Alison Ahart Williams, Tim Fox & Georgina Ryder of AMP Worldwide in association with Disney Concerts.
John Mauceri will return as the conductor of a full orchestra playing Elfman’s score live-to-film. Also returning is Sandy Cameron as guest violinist for the “Skeleton Trio Entr’acte.” Randy Crenshaw, Angie Jarée, Baraka May, Greg Proops and Fletcher Sheridan will complete the live voice cast.
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Performance and Spirit: ‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio Fri-Sat nights only thru Feb 2024
Performance and Spirit Stand out with “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio.“Lovers and Other Strangers” runs at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio Fri-Sat nights only through February 2024. The Taylor Acting Studio is an indie theater that hosts actors workshops, classes and shows at 2401 W. Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, CA.
Cast attends Grand Opening of play “Lovers and Other Strangers” at The Taylor Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 17th, 2024
Starring cast of Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
For those unaware of “indie theater”, it’s a typical “black box” theater. What it lacks in production budget, it makes up for in spirit and talent. It’s a place where you discover hidden gems. And tonight, we found several.
Singer Vanessa Bejine attends Grand Opening of play “Lovers and Other Strangers” at The Taylor Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 17th, 2024
Publicist / comedian Christine Peake at Opening Weekend of “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
The concern was how well would a risque 1970s sex comedy play in LA’s woke 2024.
Let’s find out…
Lovers and Other Strangers at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
I didn’t walk into the show thinking of it as a “Girls Night Out”, but tonight it definitely played in that direction. The packed theater was 70% women, who laughed, giggled and gasped throughout.
Charly Taylor, Bradley Holzer, “Lovers and Other Strangers” at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
Scene 1: Brenda & Jerry
Starring Charly Taylor, Bradley Holzer
What if your best and worst date was the same date? Holzer’s “Jerry” tries to make his date night a little sexier while Taylor’s Brenda terrorizes him with naive or not-so-much wishy-washy responses.
Taylor’s Brenda is electric as she walks on stage against Holzer’s kinetic energy. It’s a high energy, flirty scene that stays fresh thanks to the performer’s chemistry.
Painfully relatable. Hilarious. And it sets the tone for the night. Laughing. Squirming. Following these characters through a maze of love, romance, disgust, bitterness.
Phillip Latini, Elizabeth Kyokwijuka
Scene 2: Hal & Cathay
Starring Phillip Latini, Elizabeth Kyokwijuka
Do you love dialogue? Phillip Latini and Elizabeth Kyokwijuka clearly love their dialogue and are having so much fun.
Like a tennis match where they volley their bleeding hearts (and heartache) back and forth. Heartbreak, swing, betrayal, swing, jealousy, embrace. Then repeat. Latini offers a sneering performance demanding Kyokwijuka’s intensity and delicious she delivers. Great scene!
Art Santoro and Eugenia Kuzmina at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio
Scene 3: Johnny & Wilma
Starring Art Santoro and Eugenia Kuzmina
If you’ve seen Kuzmina’s work on the big screen before you know how easily she holds her stage presence.
Tonight Kuzmina’s “Wilma” steals the scene in the first few moments with a quiet confidence and a misbehaving perfume bottle. Then like a cat and mouse game, she taunts, teases and plays Santoro’s Johnny until he can’t take it anymore. He’s a mountain of a guy who’s gentle until he’s not. When Santoro fires back it becomes a chess match. Physically, emotionally, psychologically. Tossing and turning – the more they fight, the more their chemistry builds and what does that say about love?
Charly Taylor and Nathaniel Wyatt
Scene 4: Susan & Mike
Starring Charly Taylor and Nathaniel Wyatt
In tonight’s opening scene, Taylor is electric. Now she visits us again. In this scene she shows another side – calmly keeping pace while Wyatt takes the spotlight burning through his dialogue. He bares his soul with vulnerability, angst, anger, desperation.
Nathaniel Wyatt has leading man relatability. Think Tom Hanks in 1984’s massive hit “Splash”. If he and Charly Taylor aren’t pitching themselves (Hanks and Darryl Hannah, respectively) to the studios for a remake, the movie-loving world is missing out.
Sergio Lopez, Jordan Whitney
Scene 5: Bea, Frank, Rickie & Joan
Starring Eugenia Kuzmina, Sergio Lanza, Sergio Lopez, Jordan Whitney.
Throughout the night we’ve seen couples wrestling with every quirk and detail of relationships, healthy and not. Here we see two married couples, one older, one younger – and how both couples are dealing with all of romance’s issues.
Sergio Lopez should win acclaim for his performance in this scene. In a room full of bombastic characters, your eyes keep going back to him as he makes the subtlest of feelings quake the entire theater.
Sergio Lanza brings heart to the room and a baseline to Lopez’s reactions. Lopez and Lanza should work together more often. As Lanza’s internal boiling builds, he fills the room with emotion that all of the actors play off in the second half of the scene. The ensemble harmony is so flavorful and fun.
Cue Jordan Whitney’s entrance who brings sunshine on a cloudy day. Moments later, she informs Kuzmina’s performance in one of the highlights of the evening.
Eugenia Kuzmina reveals herself as a character actress
Eugenia Kuzmina reveals herself as a character actress. You know her best from several turns in Hollywood blockbusters, most notably gangsters and spies in big-budget Guy Ritchie movies.
But tonight she’s having a blast playing against type. She’s moody and vulnerable. Playing a lowly housewife with a lifetime of regrets. A woman in the audience goes from sobbing to full-on guffawing within seconds thanks to Kuzmina’s heartbreaking monologue in the second half of the scene.
One specific beat is so raw, honest, yet bitterly funny. Kuzmina captures the mood.
It’s the perfect scene to end the show on.
Eugenia Kuzmina
Indie Theater at Burbank’s Taylor Acting Studio is a fun date night
Why is indie theater important? Because in a town like LA, you can be sure these guys aren’t doing it for the money or the fame. They’re performing for you tonight because they love it.
Director Jennifer Taylor from Taylor Acting Studio
Years ago, I was sitting in a black box theater and after the show I noticed an Oscar-winning filmmaker getting up from his seat in the back row. On the walk out, I nudged him about why he was there. He replied, “Eh, I had a tough week. Got me cynical. These kids helped remind me that I love storytelling.”
Joe Winger at the premiere weekend
If you love storytelling, give indie theater a try. Pick a restaurant within walking distance. Make it as date night.
