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by Liz Shannon Miller March 24 – April 29 Jane never understood her mother, or the best-selling romance novels she wrote. But after her mother’s sudden death, Jane finds herself in charge of finishing her mom’s last book. With a little help from the novel’s overly-passionate characters, and her mother’s inescapable ghost, Jane must find a way to honor her mother’s dying wish to bring romance into her life.
LIGHTS OFF, EYES CLOSED was written by SkyPilot resident playwright Liz Shannon Miller, who currently works as a writer on G4′s ATTACK OF THE SHOW. She has a BFA in screenwriting from USC, and since graduating has written dialogue for the U.S. Army, covered the online video world for the tech site GigaOM, and been published by the New York Times, Variety, Nerve and Thought Catalog. Produced theater works include SOMETHING BIBLICAL (Sight Unseen Theatre), IDEATION (3 of a Kind Theatre), NEGOTIATIONS (Black Box Theatre), JUDGEMENT and SAVE A HORSE (SkyPilot Theatre). Based in Los Angeles and a STAR TREK fan since birth, Liz found inspiration for LIGHTS OFF in her own mother’s career as a romance novelist. Directed by Meredith Berg, who earned her BFA at NYU Tisch in acting and directing. While in NYC, she directed several productions, including “Caesar” Off-Broadway, an update of the Shakespearean play for the York Shakespeare Company. She currently works in Los Angeles as a writer, director and comic-book editor. Her award-winning short film “Void” will soon be available on DVD from Amazon and iTunes. Starring Mary Burkin, Samatha Carro, JR Esposito, Chera Holland, Joanna Kalafatis, and Jason Kobielus LIGHTS OFF, EYES CLOSED is the second production in SkyPilot’s 2012 season, our second full year of exclusively producing world premiere plays. Last year’s critically acclaimed plays include THE EMANCIPATION OF ALABASTER MCGILL by Jeff Goode, the sold-out TO THE NEW GIRL by Samantha Macher, and 4 MURDERS by Brett Neveu. All three plays received rave reviews from the Los Angeles press. SkyPilot Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering new relationships with provocative playwrights to develop the most compelling, challenging and humorous new plays for the Los Angeles theatre going audience. March 24 thru April 29, 2012 T.U. STUDIOS 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood, CA 91602
Lights Off, Eyes Closed at T.U. Studios Let me be blunt: I liked this play. You should go see this play. It is very good. The play’s conceit is simple: when a mother (hilarious yet elegantly dry Mary Burkin) dies, she leaves her only daughter, Jane (a superbly nuanced Joanna Kalafatis), with the task of finishing her final romance novel. Jane is skeptical of the genre (she prefers Star Trek), disillusioned with life, and thoroughly inexperienced with love. Her pep-tastic roommate (Samantha Carro) and her studlier-than-thou high school crush (Jason Kobielus) are canoodling, and her mother’s agent (Chera Holland) is breathing down her neck. On top of that, she doesn’t know how she feels about her new maybe-boyfriend (JR Esposito), and all the while her mother’s ghost is heckling and advising from the side-lines. The play begins as the mother starts to write her novel and ends the second the daughter finishes it. But a simple plot summary does no justice to the hilarity or touches of deep thought present in every scene. From the opening announcements that read as a romance novel (‘they held hands in the dark…they muted their cell phones…’) to the final note (No spoilers, but I think the cast would agree it ends pretty ‘happily muthaf*cking after’) Light’s Off, Eyes Closed comes at you a laugh-a-minute and leaves each scene with cliffhangers that keep you wanting more. Director Meredith Berg is to be commended for keeping the action tight and making sure the actors hit every note spot-on. She does a lot with a minimalistic set and lighting, which give the play a slightly unpolished and ‘small theater’ feel that only makes the quality of the script and acting more outstanding. My only criticism was that the audience was often left sitting in the dark for what seemed like ages during scene changes—hopefully this will get cleaner as the production goes on. It’s rare to find a play with the irreverent humor, nuanced characters, wicked pacing, and deep heart of Lights Off, Eyes Closed. Thank you, Sky Pilot Theatre. Lights Off, Eyes Closed is performed Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 7:00 pm, and runs through April 29th, 2012. T.U. Studios is located at 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood CA 91602
by SkyPilot Resident Playwrights January 21 – February 26 SkyPilot Theatre Company’s 2nd annual “One-act, one location” production featuring ten short plays all set in an airport and featuring the writing talents of SkyPilot’s resident playwrights and acting ensemble. Written by Nicole B. Adkins, Jeff Goode, Adam Hahn, Julianne Homokay, Samantha Macher, Liz Shannon Miller, Brett Neveu, Jonathan Price, Mike Rothschild, Dave Ulrich and Chana Wise Directed by Mary Burkin, Brett Fleisher, Dave Florek, Eric Curtis Johnson, Jeff Goode, Samantha Macher, Liz Shannon Miller, Jonathon Price, Morry Schorr and James Sharpe Starring Mary Burkin, Samantha Carro, Kareem Cervantes, Germaine De Leon, Dante Dumas, Mackenzie English, Frank Ensenberger, J.R. Esposito, Jude Evans, Jennie Floyd, Tony Franchitto, Ashley Fuller, Chera Holland, Joanna Kalafatis, Henry Kemp, Jason Kobielus, Brett Koontz, Sara Kubida, Morgan Lariah, Monica Lawson, Lindsey Mixon, Niki Nowak, Rosina Pinchot, Heather Roop, Amelia Rose, Bob Rusch, Shane Spalione, Morry Schorr and Nathaniel Stanton SkyPilot Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering new relationships with provocative playwrights to develop the most compelling, challenging and humorous new plays for the Los Angeles theatre going audience. January 21 thru February 26, 2012 T.U. STUDIOS 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood, CA 91602
In one storyline discussion centers around how those of a certain age remember when travel use to be fun and exciting. Now it has been reduced to invasive questions and constant suspicion. Another story that works very well shows us a bomb-toting conspiracy laden woman who is convinced the airport is covering up a secret plot with deadly underground tunnels. Very good writing in this story and a special note to the actor playing head of operations, J.R. Esposito. He is at ease with the character and elicits a strong presence. A real natural on stage. Overall, this production accomplishes what it sets out to in this ambitious theatrical endeavor. Combining some of the story lines might give it a stronger hold on the audience, however, there is very little to correct here. The strong acting ability of a veteran cast with some smart newcomers, this production is fun to watch. As usual, the acting at SkyPilot is top notch and keep an eye on future productions with Lindsay Mixon and Amelia Rose. Their wonderful singing voices were a highlight to the ‘Reel People’ act that pokes fun at those Hollywood types we all love to hate. Each of these ten short plays were written and directed by different individuals. Please don’t miss this production. It has a short run at the T.U.Studios, 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood, CA 91602, and January 21-February 26, 2012. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at www.SKYPILOTTHEATER.com.
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 7pm to 2am T.U. STUDIOS 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood, CA 91602
presents the West Coast Premiere of by Brett Neveu Directed by James Sharpe October 15 – November 20 Death is easy…when requested.
by Brett Neveu Directed by James Sharpe October 15 – November 20 Written by SkyPilot resident playwright Brett Neveu, known for such critically acclaimed productions like RED BUD at the RoyalCourtTheatre, London, England, GAS FOR LESS at The Goodman Theatre, Chicago, IL, OLD GLORY at the Victory Theatre, Burbank, CA and AMERICAN DEAD at the Rogue Machine Theatre Company, Los Angeles, CA. “4 MURDERS was written as an exploration of modern urban fear and what horrors lay in the shadows of our darkened city streets.” says Brett. Directed by James Sharpe, who directed SkyPilot’s critically acclaimed productions of SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO by David Mamet, and THE END OF CIVILIZATION by George F. Walker. Starring Eric Curtis Johnson, Heather Roop, Germaine De Leon, Morgan Lariah and Guy Mack. 4 MURDERS is the fourth production in SkyPilot’s first season of exclusively producing premiere plays, including the critically acclaimed YES SVETLANA, THERE IS A GRANDFATHER FROST and THE EMANCIPATION OF ALABASTER MCGILL, both by Jeff Goode, and just recently, the sold-out TO THE NEW GIRL by Samantha Macher. SkyPilot Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering new relationships with provocative playwrights to develop the most compelling, challenging and humorous new plays for the Los Angeles theatre going audience. October 15 thru November 20, 2011 T.U. STUDIOS 10943 Camarillo St. North Hollywood, CA 91602
Eric is a founding member of SkyPilot and acted in our late-night production REWIND, as well as THE END OF CIVILIZATION; DEATH & THE MAIDEN, TAKING SIDES and JERRY & TOM. He also directed SkyPilot’s productions of HELLCAB, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT and this year’s THE EMANCIPATION OF ALABASTER MCGILL. Other recent stage credits include WATSON at Sacred Fools, as well as many episodes of MAGNUM OPUS and SERIAL KILLERS, also at the Fools. Eric starred in playwright Brett Neveu’s first play, OUTLAWS IN FRAMES, and has worked with him subsequently in notorious Chicago productions like THE CLOWNY PLAYS, PUP AT THEATRE: HIDDEN SURPRISE SHOWS, and PUP AT THEATRE: P.IMPS SHOW (the first-ever puppet improv show.) FILM/TV credits: DIRTY SEXY MONEY; VICTORIOUS; CUPID; KWIK STOP. www.ecurtisjohnson.com
A Georgia peach living in Los Angeles. For many years Heather has taken her passions for singing and dancing on the road, performing in numerous national musical theater tours, including CAMELOT with Robert Goulet and SOUTH PACIFIC with John Cullum. Soon after moving to Los Angeles, Heather landed the role of Jamie in Fred Parnes’ A MAN IS MOSTLY WATER and a role in the film THE HANGOVER. She recently finished shooting the Michael Winnick film, GUNS, GIRLS AND GAMBLING starring Christian Slater, Gary Oldman and Dane Cook and look for Heather as the lead role in the upcoming independent feature, THE SACRED. To reach Heather, please contact Emily Rose at Mosaic Management.
Morgan received her AA from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has studied with Pasty Rodenburg, Martha McFarland and Lisa Robertson. 4 MURDERS marks Morgan’s second show with SkyPilot Theatre Company. Other theater highlights include: THE HAUNITNG OF HILL HOUSE, HENRY V, JULIUS CAESAR, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, THE WAY OF THE WORLD, THE BACCHAE, TOP GIRLS, REWIND and DEUTCHLAND: EIN WINTERMÄRCHEN which was performed in German in Germany. Film credits include THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES and such independents as WAITING IN BLUE, HOT CASA, INVITATION, and DEAR DAD. Her short film, 2-STAR (www.2starfilm.com) is currently making the film festival circuit. Morgan can seen in the upcoming webseries, LOST HEROES, as well as the feature film, SMALL CRIMES. When she is not acting, Morgan enjoys exhibiting her paintings and updating her website (www.morganlariah.com).
Guy is excited to be a member of SkyPilot Theatre Company and to be a part of the west coast premiere of 4 MURDERS. He is an Actor, Musician (Trumpet Player), Singer, Arranger, Composer, Producer. He has studied, worked on and performed in numerous projects and programs in New York City, Washington D.C./Kennedy Center and Los Angeles. Most notables: ABC TALENT AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, GENERAL HOSPITAL, (Dr. Patrick O’Connor, 3-yr. contract regular), LETHAL WEAPON 2, (Richard Donner, director). Guy has just finished shooting on two independent films and is in pre-production on a third.
Germaine was born in San Francisco, CA and has been a SkyPilot Theatre member since November 2010. De Leon moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, where at the behest of a friend started doing independent movies. This quickly lead to a string of art house films such as “Hunting of Man”, “The Aura”, and “Marriage of Charlie Johnson.” At the same time, Germaine worked as a print model for clothing companies such as “WESC” and “Hot Topic” to give him the time and financial stability to do the art house films he loved for little to no money. He eventually won an acting award at the Method Fest Film Festival in Burbank, CA which lead to his signing with a manager and agent. De Leon made his first professional acting debut doing a national Honda commercial with Micheal Andretti. Immediately, De Leon began working regularly as a guest star on the major television shows “CSI:Miami”, “CSI:NY”, “The Closer” and many more. In 2006 De Leon had his first film break through with a lead role in 2006′s “Walkout” for HBO and then another lead role in the popular Dimension horror film “Buried Alive” in 2007. Currently Germaine has completed half of season 6 of Showtime’s Emmy Award winning series “Dexter” coming out Fall 2011 and had a supporting role in the comedy “Here Comes the Boom” for Sony Pictures which comes out in theaters the summer of 2012. “To The New Girl” To The New Girl from the former Mrs._____: Sound Advice for my Husband’s Wife or Mistress features ten different women, from all walks of life, giving advice to the “other woman (or man, in one case)” on the proper “care” of their former mates.
GO TO THE NEW GIRL
The trophy wife (Niki Nowak) of a prominent televangelist considers divorcing and/or exposing her husband for his affair with a gay man. A spoiled matron (Ashley Fuller, alternating with Jennie Floyd) berates the pretty young housekeeper who has complained of her spouse’s sexual harassment. A woman who has suffered multiple miscarriages (Monica Lawson) excoriates her mate’s new lover and casts a curse on the child they are expecting. An elderly woman (Rosina Pinchot), happily married for 57 years, shares the story of her marriage with her Alzheimer-stricken husband’s new companion, a woman he fell in love with in a nursing home. Directed by Jeanette Farr, playwright Samantha Macher’s script relays the stories of ten betrayed or forsaken women, each of whom speaks to the paramour who has ensnared her beloved’s affections. To the credit of the playwright and the company, Macher wrote this play at the request of this company’s members to counterbalance the overwhelmingly male-oriented perspective of their past productions. Not all the narratives are equally developed – some trail off without sufficient resolution — and some performances are of a notably higher standard than others. Still, Macher’s writing reflects the humor and detail of an insightful storyteller. Pinchot captures the spotlight with a heartrending portrayal of a lost and cherished love. Also notable are Tifanie McQueen as an abused wife livid enough to murder her rival, and Shelby Janes as a pregnant gal bidding a welcome good riddance to her crackhead boyfriend. Skypilot Theatre Company at T.U. Studios, 10943 Camarillo St., N. Hlywd.; Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; thru Sept. 18. (800) 838-3006. skypilottheatre.com (Deborah Klugman)
Theater review: ‘To the New Girl …’ at T.U. StudiosAugust 18, 2011 | 2:50 pm “To the New Girl,” presented by SkyPilot Theatre Company at T.U. Studios, is a bracing blitz of pure estrogen that might make you rush out and organize a charity bake sale. The full title of Samantha Macher’s new play is “To the New Girl From the Former Mrs. _____; Sound Advice for My Husband’s New Wife or Mistress.” Directed by Jeanette Farr, this entertaining evening consists of 10 monologues from various women scorned who directly address their exes’ new wives and lovers. Monologue plays are standard theatrical fare in which the playwright can trowel on an overriding theme without worrying overmuch about dramatic cohesion. Although she breaks little new ground in this familiar format, Macher handles the exercise with considerable panache. Things start off on a kinky note as a young woman (Mackenzie English) addresses the “other woman,” who is now accommodating her ex-boyfriend’s singular fetish. The evening comes full circle with the final monologue, a wrenching piece in which an elderly woman (Rosina Pinchot, in a moving turn) turns over the care of her Alzheimer’s sufferer husband to his new “girlfriend” at the nursing facility. From the profane to the poignant, the opening and closing scenes effectively frame the other monologues, which show Macher’s impressive range. The performances are all solid, but standouts include Niki Nowak as a sardonic Southern belle married to a gay television evangelist and Shelby Janes as an abused pregnant woman who has grown a steel backbone. The staging is emotionally astute, but Farr should have trusted her material more. The monologues are too frequently interrupted when extraneous performers troop onstage to perform business that seems mostly unnecessary, an unfortunate glitch that distracts from the otherwise engaging performances.
– F. Kathleen Foley “To the New Girl…” T.U. Studios, 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays. Ends Sept. 18. $20. (800) 838-3006. www.skypilottheatre.com. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes. |
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