Drama Queens Reviews

Carissa Matsushima and Producer and Performer, Sara Minisquero give us the poop

… um …

get to the bottom

… um …

seat us in the

… um …

crack down on the …

OH FORGET IT!!!!

 

Tell us about yourself as an artist.

Carissa: I’m a singer, dancer, actress who refuses to stick to one performance medium. I allow all my outlets to inform each other. I like to work closely with people in small groups to create socially conscious dance/theatre. But when I write music alone I’m usually tackling that age old topic of heartbreak. What can I say, I’m a big sap.

 

 

 

Sara: I consider myself a multidisciplinary theatrican. While acting has always been my strong suit, I find joy and fulfillment in BTS production work as an SM, designer, dramaturg and producer. And I’m discovering new performance mediums, like this performance being my burlesque debut

 

 

 

 

 

OK, here it is … why women’s tushies??? 

Carissa: An ass is not just an ass. It’s where my lovers rest their weary heads and thirsty hands. It’s what keeps me from grinding my sitting bones into the chair or the floor. It helps me balance while I stand. What’s more, the asses of women are the asses of half the population. Mightn’t we pay a little attention to these misunderstood, misused and precious parts of our flesh? To pay respect, to say I’m sorry on behalf of all the “assholes” out there, to let them know that they are loved and wanted.

Sara: Women’s bodies, in general, are heavily policed and sadly, still a political hot button issue. I work at the very venue Margaret Sanger was arrested in for starting a public forum about birth control. For the feminine tush- we don’t often get to discuss our butts in a non-sexualized lens- and I find that to be incredibly disconcerting. Women need a safe, encouraging, and inclusive forum just to celebrate a body part men have put on a pedestal since time immemorial. 

What’s it like tackling such a  topic as women’s bumms

Carissa: It makes sense that this is what I do with my time and talent. Butts are great fun and I believe in disguising serious matters in levity when it comes to performance.

Sara: Refreshing, to say the least. When we first gathered for a developmental forum with our cast, we swapped stories with painful memories and voiced our frustrations about societal norms, gender expression and internalized misogyny. I felt incredibly blessed to have blasted past the awkwardness of taboo and dove right into incredibly personal “secrets”- that weren’t foreign or bizarre experiences, we echoed each other with every revelation- and I think that’s why our show is going to find a very accepting audience of women ready for this kind of material. 

What the biggest obstacle you are facing with this show?

Carissa: My biggest obstacle doing music for this show is questioning whether or not I am doing the performers justice by what I’m giving back to them sound wise. 

Sara: Fundraising and logistics. We have a sizable cast and it’s old hat to expect scheduling around everyone’s dayjobs, personal lives, etc. is a mental gauntlet. Plus, we’re so committed to the ethos that every butt gets paid- the blood, sweat and tears of volunteer work just isn’t worth it in the long run when you’re expecting an exceptionally polished product. Begging for money puts you in a really vulnerable spot, but we are actively supporting the artists who have donated goods and services to our indiegogo by creating a Moon Market prior to showtime, giving them an exclusive vending opportunity for a huge audience. 

What’s the parable or moral of the story? 

Carissa: The moral of the story is that in order to grow into our most realized selves, we have to face that which is right in front of us. In this case, it’s our bodies and the bodies of others. It’s important to look at where we come from, critically analyze how we look at each other, and identify how we want to grow to become more inclusive, more understanding and loving and accepting, and then we actualize that knew paradigm by creating community and art around it.

Sara: I think our moral is about self love and acceptance, defiance of patriarchal norms, and bringing some care and attention to a shadowed part of ourselves- our “behind” but also our root, our past, our foundation. 

What is your opinion of indie film and theater? 

Carissa: Very microcosmic, maybe not reaching the masses, but it certainly influences the mainstream, so we must make it and make it good.

Sara: I adore the independent arts world for its bravery in the face of commercialism. Knowing full well your product might not suit the majority’s tastes- or making very bold statements, playing with avant garde mediums- yet valuing the freedom to stick to your guns. I admire that, and I think there’s a more supportive network once you can establish yourself and your message and get taken seriously for your creative choices.

 

Finally, my favorite, I’m sure you have both commercial and indie creds, so what’s its like being a woman in the NYC arts scene in the 21st century… commercial v indie. 

Sara: Being a woman in the NYC arts scene is more challenging than it is for men by far- part of what we address is SHE MOON is about the highly competitive and aesthetic driven nature of being an actress, how talent is of lesser consideration than the woman’s physical stats. I never really felt I fit a commercial “type” at all- the bafflement of many a professor or casting agent can confirm. Whereas in a more independent realm I defy all types and have been very lucky to be gifted with roles that may be a stretch of your expectation but allow me to showcase my legitimate skill as an actor. I’m humbled that I’ve been given challenging roles throughout my indie career- roles I never expected to book because they seemed “out of my ballpark”. I think indie directors are more willing to take chances, particularly given women voice where typically they are silent or overlooked. 

 

 

 

Sabrina Hernandez joins our list of

ONEs IN A MILLION.

One in a Million, a rousing off-Broadway musical, encompasses the teachings that the apostle Paul instructed to Timothy about wealth. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV). The play is set at the home of Wanda and Suzy Velez. They both host an annual Christmas party attended by several members of their church. The evening would test their convictions and reveal secrets about themselves. As the story unfolds, each character in the play – no matter how holy they purport to be – becomes tempted by the idea of how more money would make their lives better. Without careful consideration of the consequences, they all throw caution to the wind and find themselves gambling. One in a Million is produced and directed by Kevin Davis.

 

Tell us about yourself, Sabrina, as an artist.
I love to do all types of work: drama, comedy, musicals, films, especially films! Basically, if I have to act, I like to do it. I’m very lighthearted with my work, so I never fall in love with an idea of a character, or what I think a character should be. I believe that being this way makes it easier for directors to direct the way they want the character to function and act, and it helps me evolve the character beyond what I initially thought the character would be. I also like to find at least one thing that can tie me to my character, a common ground. This allows me to look at things from my character’s perspective a lot easier, and it helps me create the genuine emotions that character would feel. 

When dealing with pieces that delve into religious or spiritual matters, do you feel a stronger sense of responsibility in conveying the message?
I think it’s important to always convey the message of any artistic piece with accuracy, otherwise I’m not doing it justice. I feel a strong sense of responsibility, because I am a part of the artistic piece itself, and it would be terrible for me to be a hindrance to the delivery of it’s message. I don’t think I feel any stronger of a responsibility with religious pieces as I would with secular messages, because if I am helping convey the message it is because I agree with it, so it all has equal importance to me.

What role does independent theater play in the New York art scene ? 
The independent theater is a platform for fresh and new ideas to sprout wings. It’s more accessible to less “established” faces to gain opportunities to display their talent, whether it be on stage or behind the curtain. It also allows for more niche and obscure theatrical concepts to have a platform, which caters to an otherwise ignored audience. Perhaps these obscure concepts can make their way into pop-culture, and ultimately influence theater as a whole. It also allows people who don’t really have the resources to constantly see Broadway shows to access a less expensive, but just as entertaining, theatrical experience. It’s important to be able to have affordable artistic entertainment.

Dream role?
My dream role would be a strong, Latina female lead in a film or TV show, that doesn’t necessarily focus on stereotypical depictions of Latina women. Usually, roles for Latina women include passionate outbursts and feisty attitudes, as well as some sort of financial struggle or some subservient position in their professional life. I’d like to depict a Latina woman who has her life together and who doesn’t necessarily fall under these strict stereotypical depictions. Latinas can be shy, and we can react rationally to situations without having to slap someone in the face or yell in Spanish. This role can be a comedy or a drama, or even an action role.

COMING TO AMERICA

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY STEPHANIE SATIE

SUN 10/22 2:00PM

Stephanie Satie makes a triumphant return to the United Solo Festival with Coming to America, a stirring portrait gallery of women whose lives have been transformed, first by extraordinary events in their country of birth, then by their response to America.

Under the direction of Anita Khanzadian, Satie embodies women from diverse countries and ordeals: “Nine fascinating women, each character so distinctive you forget it’s the same actor.” – The Loyolan (USC). The engrossing work returning to United Solo for one-night only “… conveys the universal longing to break out of repression… [and] leaves an indelible impression.” – The Tolucan Times.

Opening before the Jewish High-Holidays, Ms. Satie hopes to secure a second performance from which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a woman’s charity.

COMING TO AMERICA will perform at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, New York City. TICKETS, with a price of $35 (plus a $2.25 Theatre Restoration Charge) are available at the Theatre Row Box Office and online through Telecharge at www.telecharge.com. You may also call Telecharge at 212-239-6200. When placing your reservation, please provide: the FESTIVAL name (United Solo Theatre Festival), the name of THEATRE (Theatre Row – The Studio Theatre), and the specific DAY and TIME of SHOW you would like to see.

Ms. Satie is an inspiration. An artist who connects her work to the world, and who wants nothing more than to educate, enlighten, and of course, entertain.

Tell us about yourself as an artist. I’m an actor/writer/onetime dancer, a former New Yorker, but still one in my heart. My career has been eclectic, performing on and Off-Broadway, in regionals, in L.A. theatre, and internationally and now, as a solo performer.  I’ve studied languages and traveled and I think, maybe because I was an only child and first generation American, I liked morphing into other people. I began writing for myself as a way to use my abilities and interests and to play roles no one was writing for me.

Your last one, I’m told, was about children of the Holocaust. powerful topics you choose! Is there a more powerful responsibility when working with such material? I’m very interested in the way catastrophic events affect ordinary people. Their lives become extraordinary. I feel a huge responsibility when working with such material and interviewing, for example, child survivors of the Holocaust. Some of the women I interviewed brought a lot of humor to their stories and yet audiences are reticent to laugh at such a serious subject. Humor is a survival tool but with a subject like the Holocaust, the viewer needs to feel safe that I am not trivializing the lives of survivors and that they are not being disrespectful. It’s a fine line. In both Silent Witnesses and Coming to America, the play I’m bringing to United Solo Festival in October, the danger is always appropriating lives or making one person appear “representative” of an entire group and that’s not possible nor should it be. Sometimes a 2-3 hour interview becomes just a five minute monologue. How do I retain the intent and quintessential character of the person I interview while shaping their story for dramatic effect. It’s always a balancing act.

What is the draw to the one-woman show format? I love the one-person format. I love doing it and seeing it. I love the characters I speak to onstage and speak as; the chance to constantly morph from one character to another of different ethnicity, size, sometimes gender and to expand who I am as both an actor and a human. My world becomes larger. My first inspiration was Anna Deveare Smith and I’ve seen so many other wonderful solo performers.  Also, I think it is empowering as you can create your own work and be a little less dependent on someone hiring you for their project.

 

 

What do we, the viewer, need to come away with from your show? I hope people who see Coming to America will immerse themselves in these powerful stories. We’re so bombarded by sound bites, articles, the internet, television; our nervous systems are constantly being manipulated and it’s exhausting. To sit in the quiet, sacred space of a theatre and witness lives unlike our own can make us once again remember what America has been for so many who have come here or yearned to come to our shores, when once they were welcome.

 

 

NJ AMBONISYE appearing in ONE IN A MILLION, the musical:

With dreams of playing Nala in the Lion King, Nj shared a few theatrical thoughts.

I am a dancer first,  actor second, and singer third. I actually think I am many more things before a singer, LOL. Stage is where I began and I will always do it but recently I am branching out to writing, directing, choreographing, producing. That is the plan.  To create narrative for people as weird as me! I treat [every role] with the same care as I do other pieces that have strong messages; all the research and exploration that it requires to convey the message (s) and entertain in the way that only I can. 

[Independent theater]’s role is as the training and maintenance for an artist, as the inspiration of any great show, as a way for creators without money or a popular idea to birth a show.

One in a Million, a rousing off-Broadway musical, encompasses the teachings that the apostle Paul instructed to Timothy about wealth. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV). The play is set at the home of Wanda and Suzy Velez. They both host an annual Christmas party attended by several members of their church. The evening would test their convictions and reveal secrets about themselves. As the story unfolds, each character in the play – no matter how holy they purport to be – becomes tempted by the idea of how more money would make their lives better. Without careful consideration of the consequences, they all throw caution to the wind and find themselves gambling. One in a Million is produced and directed by Kevin Davis.

One in a Million, a rousing off-Broadway musical, encompasses the teachings that the apostle Paul instructed to Timothy about wealth. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV). The play is set at the home of Wanda and Suzy Velez. They both host an annual Christmas party attended by several members of their church. The evening would test their convictions and reveal secrets about themselves. As the story unfolds, each character in the play – no matter how holy they purport to be – becomes tempted by the idea of how more money would make their lives better. Without careful consideration of the consequences, they all throw caution to the wind and find themselves gambling. One in a Million is produced and directed by Kevin Davis.

Mariela Perez, anther one of the ones ion a million spotlighted here at Drama-Queens shared a few minutes and a few words with us:

Tell us about yourself as an artist.

As an artist I am grateful that the arts exist. I do not consider the arts a job, I consider them an escape. I am especially appreciative of acting because it allows me to view the world from another point of view.

 

When dealing with pieces that delve into religious or spiritual matters, do you feel a stronger sense of responsibility in conveying the message?

I believe that in terms of religious beliefs people have to find their own way into what they want to believe, therefore, when dealing with religious ideologies, my goal it is not to influence nor educate the audience about such ideologies but to demonstrate how they fit into the character’s life.

 

What role does independent theater play in the New York art scene ?

I believe independent theater plays an important role in the New York art scene. It gives starting actors an opportunity to be part of something important and lets them have a taste of the responsibilities that come with being part of the arts.  

 

Dream role?

My dream role would be anything with action. I especially love science fiction movies that depict other worlds or futuristic ideas.

 

 

Why do we have two in one spotlight – they’re playing twins!

UVX, the newest and most daring production … no, not just a production but an entertainment event, presented by Luxury Universal e[X]perience, is hitting New york by storm. Their opening party includes taking contest winners on a cruise around New York; they are a major sponsor of events at ComicCon and they have taken one of the largest off-Broadway houses for the thrill ride called UVX.

We grabbed Katelyn Leveille first … not playing favorites … then Erica and heard what members of the cast of this wild theatrical experience thinks of the arts.

Tell us about yourself as an actor.

I started acting when I was in elementary school. I always knew that’s what I waned to do when I grew up. I went to college in Connecticut and received my BA in Musical Theater. My favorite genre is comedy, but preforming in Holme was a great opportunity to test out my more serious side.

How was it to be part of a new cinematic experience. What’s different about it? Is this the wave of the future?

It was a lot of fun to be apart of a new cinematic experience. It was actually 110% more fun than any film I have ever worked on.

Tell us the difference – to you – between acting on film and acting on stage? What’s better?

There are a few differences between acting on stage and acting for film. Acting on film is much more up close and personal with a camera in your face. You also have more than one chance to try different things. On stage you are live and only have one opportunity to do your best. You also have to do everything bigger and louder so that everyone in the audience can see and hear you. My degree is in musical theatre so I grew up mostly doing stage, it will always be my dream to be on Broadway, but I don’t think that one is better than the other. I thoroughly enjoy both.

What do you imagine UVX and Holme will accomplish?

I hope that people will be able relate to the stories and overall just have a fun time.

What’s next for you?

As of right now I am still doing some work for LUX, but I’m also out auditioning, hopefully I will still be acting, I’d love to work on another movie or be in a musical.

… and a word from Erica Twiss

 

Tell us about yourself as an actor.

Wow. I’m not even sure where to start. What an open ended question. I started acting at  an early age and have known it was what I wanted to do for a career ever since. My concentration in college was actually vocal performance, so I have a music degree and that classical musical theatre world is kind of my wheelhouse. Before Holme I had recently come off of a production of My Fair Lady playing Eliza, so the film was a big change of pace. It was actually my first feature film (thanks LUX) so I was really excited to jump at the project.

How was it to be part of a new cinematic experience? What’s different about it? Do you think it’s the wave of the future?

It was amazing! Our saying at LUX is that it’s 110% more fun and I think that says it all. As for what’s different, well, you’ll have to come by our screenings and see. I don’t want to spoil anything but it very well could have the potential to be the wave of the future.

Tell us the difference-to you-between acting on film and acting on stage. What’s better?

Well the stage is my first love. There is something so rewarding about being in the same room with your audience. You all get to experience the same story with the same characters together. I don’t really know of anything in the world quite like that. When you go to the cinema (at least before UVX) you get to bond as an audience but you have a disconnect from the performers. In the theatre that doesn’t exist so much. If something goes wrong there’s no editing room. You all get to experience that together; everyone is in on the joke. All that being said though, film has it’s own rewards. It’s demanding in a different way. I don’t know if I could honestly quantify which experience is better.

What do you imagine UVX and Holme will accomplish?

I mean, they’re revolutionizing cinema as we know it. Nothing should ever be the same. I think people will wonder how they went so long without a cinematic experience like this one.

What’s next for you?

I’m still privileged to be working with LUX in certain capacities but as far as what happens after that? Who knows. I’m doing the actor auditioning thing and I’m starting to coach dialects on the side. Hopefully Holme opens some professional doors for me as well. Every actor hopes that each new project they do will beget more work so that’s pretty much where I’m at right now.

 

Luxury Universal e[X]perience
brings you 
FUTURISTIC ENTERTAINMENT TODAY!
Friend us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luxury-Universal-Experience-349189402205351/?ref=br_rs
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PropertyofLUX

The U.V.e[X]perience!
THIS COULD BE THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE!
Combining live-action with film and music in an interactive format, the U.V.X is a world beyond 3-D – YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE FILM WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SEAT! 
SEE + BE part of the ultimate viewing experience complete with our team of Ushers and FUN Enforcers!

Luxury Universal e[X]perience turns fantasy into reality in HOLMÉ
The FILM: HOLME: Where You Go When Reality Doesn’t Work
starring Katelyn Leveille, Erica Twiss, and Jason W.D. Morris as twin sisters and their adopted brother; Mario Claudio (LINE) as their deceased father; and Theresa McCarthy (HOUSE OF CARDS) as their delusional mother.

LUX presents Holmé in UVX
ABRONS ART CENTER
466 GRAND ST, NEW YORK CITY, OCTOBER 13 – NOVEMBER 5.
Tickets: http://www.luxuryuniversalexperience.com/

 

A fan favorite on our site for many years is Rev. Mary Elizabeth Micari. Winner of two Drama-Queens Theatre Goddess Awards, Mary has conquered live theatre, concerts and recordings, and now she is joining the fine art of cabaret by honing her fabulous GRANNY’S BLUE-MERS, a show devoted to the brilliance of 1930s “risque” lyrics by sirens like Sophie Tucker and Mae West to Bessie Smith and Barrelhouse Annie.

Mary Elizabeth Micari, a NYC native, is known for her distinctive comedy and singing styles from stage works dating back to the 80s to her latest creation, Granny’s Blue-Mers, an act she premiered a year ago. Mary has been an active entertainer all her life in many aspects of theater, opera, jazz, blues and even teaching others to do the same. Granny’s Blue-Mers is the latest in a long list of creative endeavors she has produced as well starting with None of the Above Theater Company (straight out of college), to Genesis Repertory Ensemble (over 100 shows) to the creation of a new teaching method for her students (The PATH Method) at her M Center for Arts which encompasses her other passions of healing through sound, meditation and herbal work.

So Rev, you’re a singer, musician, actress, director, designer, AND producer! WHEW! 

 

No Spotlight on NYC Lady-Artists is complete without Glory Kadigan.

Ms. Kadigan founded Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and served as the Producing Artistic Director for six seasons. Under her leadership, Planet Connections has raised over six figures for 303 different charitable organizations including Safe Horizon, City Harvest, Amnesty International and more. Although no longer the Producing Artistic Director of the entire festivity she still serves as the Artistic Curator and Executive Producer of the renowned Playwrights For A Cause benefit. Under “Playwrights For A Cause” she has presented world premieres by Regina Taylor, Dominique Morrisseau, Israel Horovitz, Erik Ehn, Halley Feiffer, Wendy MacLeod, John Patrick Shanley, Winter Miller, Neil LaBute, Jose Rivera, Lyle Kessler, Penny Jackson and Catherine Filloux.

She is a freelance stage director and is an alum of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, La Mama Directors, and Playwriting Symposium and of The Labyrinth Theater Company’s Master Class. Kadigan is recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award in Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She is also a playwright who has been presented in New Zealand, Singapore, Italy and London.

Ms. Kadigan is on-the-move right now, getting ready for PC’s 2017 Awards Ceremony at the Acorn on the dazzling Theatre Row so we’re thrilled to get a quote from her.

“I’ve always been interested in entertaining theater inclusive of social justice issues.

I founded the festival as a way of combining those passions. Every production in the festivity benefits a different social cause of the artists selection.  I’m nurturing activist artists and have been doing so for close to a decade.” 

 

Look for a follow-up article written by Jay Michaels after the awards show.