Completed projects
JOrdey The Christmas MOvie - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2023
Genre: Comedy/Family/Children
Filmed in 2019
Premiered in
Year
Film Festivals:
Jordey is back and gets to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season in his home and New York City. The movie is a follow up to Jordey's original short film, and this story would not be complete without another visit from his rival The Burglar who tries to steal all of the Christmas spirit from this cute and lovable dog. The movie was shot pre-pandemic in November/December 2019 and finally edited in 2023 right before Jordey's passing on September 6, 2023. Jordey is very much missed, but there couldn't be a better way to honor his memory than seeing him work his magic one more time in this Christmas film.
Jordey as Himself
Kristy DiPalma as The Voice of Jordey
Michael Thomas Cain as The Burglar
Kristy DiPalma as Mommy
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Story by Kristy DiPalma and Michael Thomas Cain
Screenplay by Michael Thomas Cain
Cinematography/Edited by Michael Thomas Cain
Produced by Forgotten Artist Productions, Michael Thomas Cain, and Kristy DiPalma
Filmed in 2019
Premiered in
Year
Film Festivals:
Jordey is back and gets to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season in his home and New York City. The movie is a follow up to Jordey's original short film, and this story would not be complete without another visit from his rival The Burglar who tries to steal all of the Christmas spirit from this cute and lovable dog. The movie was shot pre-pandemic in November/December 2019 and finally edited in 2023 right before Jordey's passing on September 6, 2023. Jordey is very much missed, but there couldn't be a better way to honor his memory than seeing him work his magic one more time in this Christmas film.
Jordey as Himself
Kristy DiPalma as The Voice of Jordey
Michael Thomas Cain as The Burglar
Kristy DiPalma as Mommy
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Story by Kristy DiPalma and Michael Thomas Cain
Screenplay by Michael Thomas Cain
Cinematography/Edited by Michael Thomas Cain
Produced by Forgotten Artist Productions, Michael Thomas Cain, and Kristy DiPalma
Not Approved for Cancer Treatment - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2022
Genre: Drama/Experimental
Filmed in 2022
Premiered in
2023
Film Festivals:
-Nomination-Best Drama Short. Austin Revolution Film Festival. Austin, Texas. 2023.
-Nomination-Best Editing Short (Christopher Hart). Austin Revolution Film Festival. Austin, Texas. 2023.
-Nomination-Best Actor Short (Chaz McCormack). Austin Revolution Film Festival. Austin, Texas. 2023.
-Nomination-Margaret Ann Garza Actor Of The Year Premiere Award (Chaz McCormack). Austin Revolution Film Festival. Austin, Texas. 2023.
-Honorable Mention. LA Underground Film Forum. Los Angeles, California. 2023.
-Honorable Mention. Experimental Forum. Los Angeles, California. 2023.
-Official Selection. The Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Cleveland, Ohio. 2023.
-Official Selection. The Chelsea Film Festival. New York, New York. 2023.
-Official Selection. Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Film Festival. Las Vegas, Nevada, 2023.
“Not Approved For Cancer Treatment” follows an elderly man, with his wife of 50 years, who finds out from his doctor that he has cancer. A new treatment has been discovered that cures all cancers, but the FDA will not approve it for cancer treatment, which means Medicare will not pay for it. The couple could pay out of pocket, but they cannot afford to, forcing them to choose a more common treatment that may or may not work.
Chaz McCormack as Tim/Husband
Gloria Sangirardi Jung as Donna/Wife
Eureka Nakano Grimes as The Doctor
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Screenplay by Michael Thomas Cain
Cinematography/Edited by Chris Hart
Produced by Forgotten Artist Productions
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment (Play) - A THEATRE PRODUCTION BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS -
May 2022
Forgotten Artist Productions Presents
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment
at the New York Theater Festival
May 5th – 8th / Teatro Latea (NYC)
Tickets $ 25 (General Seating); $ 45 (VIP Seating)
For tickets visit innovationtickets.com/product/not-approved-for-cancer-treatment/
This May, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the one-act play NOT APPROVED FOR CANCER TREATMENT, written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, as part of 2022 Spring/Summerfest at the New York Theater Festival (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Tim, Gloria S. Jung as Donna, and Eureka Nakano Grimes as the Doctor.
Location: Teatro Latea in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 8:30 PM
“Not Approved For Cancer Treatment” follows an elderly man, with his wife of 50 years, who finds out from his doctor that he has cancer. A new treatment has been discovered that cures all cancer, but the FDA will not approve it for cancer treatment, which means Medicare will not pay for it. The couple could pay out of pocket, but they cannot afford to, forcing them to choose a more common treatment that may or may not work.
Forgotten Artist Productions is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre and film. FAP has produced critically acclaimed plays and award winning films such as WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), 15 MINUTES WITH ELLEN (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), “Jordey The Movie” (short film), “Thumb Wrestler” (short film), and “Jazz John” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about writer and director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Together their onstage chemistry reeks of commitment to these odd characters…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”
Danielle Boss of Drama Queens Reviews says this about Fifteen Minutes with Ellen, produced by Forgotten Artist Productions and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, “This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performances that move you to tears…truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.”
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment
at the New York Theater Festival
May 5th – 8th / Teatro Latea (NYC)
Tickets $ 25 (General Seating); $ 45 (VIP Seating)
For tickets visit innovationtickets.com/product/not-approved-for-cancer-treatment/
This May, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the one-act play NOT APPROVED FOR CANCER TREATMENT, written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, as part of 2022 Spring/Summerfest at the New York Theater Festival (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Tim, Gloria S. Jung as Donna, and Eureka Nakano Grimes as the Doctor.
Location: Teatro Latea in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 8:30 PM
“Not Approved For Cancer Treatment” follows an elderly man, with his wife of 50 years, who finds out from his doctor that he has cancer. A new treatment has been discovered that cures all cancer, but the FDA will not approve it for cancer treatment, which means Medicare will not pay for it. The couple could pay out of pocket, but they cannot afford to, forcing them to choose a more common treatment that may or may not work.
Forgotten Artist Productions is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre and film. FAP has produced critically acclaimed plays and award winning films such as WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), 15 MINUTES WITH ELLEN (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), “Jordey The Movie” (short film), “Thumb Wrestler” (short film), and “Jazz John” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about writer and director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Together their onstage chemistry reeks of commitment to these odd characters…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”
Danielle Boss of Drama Queens Reviews says this about Fifteen Minutes with Ellen, produced by Forgotten Artist Productions and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, “This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performances that move you to tears…truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.”
Outta This World - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2022
Genre: Comedy/Sci-Fi
Filmed in 2021
Premiered in
2022
Film Festivals:
-2nd Place Winner-Best Short Comedy. The 27th Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Cleveland, Ohio. 2022.
-3rd Place Winner-Best Short Sci-Fi. The 11th International Horror Hotel Film Festival and Convention. Cleveland, Ohio. 2022.
-Honorable Mention. Absurd Film Festival. Milan, Italy. 2022.
-Nomination. People's Choice Award. Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival. Brooklyn, New York. 2022.
-Official Selection at the End of Days Film Festival (Orlando, Florida/2022).
-Official Selection at the Shockfest Film Festival. 2022.
Missy Blaustein’s misery index has just hit an all time high. She’s just been dumped by her ex and spilled chunky style Chili over her favorite top. Unfortunately, her world will be rocked once again in, of all places…her local dry cleaner.
Can Missy’s top be saved?
While on her journey, a tough, no-nonsense “Garment Detective” from the 38th precinct, Sam Crease, stops Missy on the street; he confronts her with a tale of conspiracy and opportunism, culminating in one crazy, unimaginable claim…ALIENS FROM SPACE ARE AMONG US AND DOING OUR DRY CLEANING!!!!
Why on earth are space aliens doing our dry cleaning? What do they want? Are their rates reasonable? Do they have Sunday Hours? Is their ultimate goal world colonization? And, possibly the most important question of all, will these inter-galactic suds-peddlers zap Missy’s best blouse into a zillion unwearable bits?!!!
Outta This World is a new, sharp sci-fi satire that gives new meaning to the term, “outsourced.”
Aubrey Clyburn as Missy
Ron Barba as Sam Crease
Sal Real as Tim
Eureka Nakano Grimes as Barbara
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Screenplay by Mark Levitt
Cinematography/Edited by Chris Hart
Sound by Kalsang Rinchen
Opening Graphics by Shelly Toscano
Music by Raise Hell Over The Summer
Producers: Mark Levitt, Monica Gordon, and Forgotten Artist Productions
Extras: Chaz McCormack, Amira Appleblossom, Michael Thomas Cain and Mark Levitt
OATMELIO's - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2021
Oatmelio's
Genre: Comedy
Filmed in 2018
Premiered in
2022
Film Festivals:
-3rd Place Winner. Best Short Comedy. The 27th Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Cleveland, Ohio. 2022.
-Honorable Mention at the Australia Film Festival (Australia/2022).
Johnson Wood believes that oatmeal is not just for breakfast anymore.
So, despite skepticism of friends and family, Johnson launches “Oatmelios,” a restaurant proudly serving oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fussy foodies be damned!
Aided by his brilliant chef, Buzzy, and spurred on by his new Shrink/girlfriend, Vajuna, Johnson creates a menu to set the NY Chelsea dining scene aflame! Glowing reviews follow. He is hailed as the next Wolfgang Puck.
Alas, in life, as in any good bowl of oatmeal, there are always some lumps along the way…Johnson’s success leads to competition and copycats. Soon, his whole neighborhood morphs into one big collection of eateries vying for control. Everything comes to a boil when Johnson finds himself challenged to an oatmeal duel-to-the-death by the only chef with the skillet skills to match him, Ron Breakfastino.
Adversity tests the true measure of a man. When challenged, will Johnson rise to the occasion, spoon-swinging?…will he falter.. when he stares down at the bottom of the “oatmeal bowl of life,” will emptiness stare back or will he dig down deep and somehow find the “Grit” to survive?
Mark Parsia as Johnson Wood
Ceren Zorlu as Vajuna Riley
Chaz McCormack as Buzzy Rolenda
Ron Barba as Ron Breakfastino
Ed Altman as Judge Wyclef James
Enid Breis as Mom/Debbie
Amira Appleblossom as Lu-Ann/Waitress
Mark Levitt as The Attendant
Michael Thomas Cain as The Announcer
Greig Roselli as Voices/Laughter
Director: Michael Thomas Cain
Screenwriter: Mark Levitt
Cinematographer/Editor: Christopher Hart
Sound: Kristy DiPalma
Produced by Mark Levitt and Forgotten Artist Productions
Crew: Greig Roselli
Jazz John - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2020
Jazz John
Genre: Comedy
Filmed in 2019
Premiered in 2021
Film Festivals:
-2nd Place Winner-Best Short Comedy. The 26th Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Westlake, Ohio. 2021.
-Runner-Up-Best Concept. The Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Fest. Jersey City, New Jersey. 2021.
-Nomination-Best Director (Michael Thomas Cain) Comedy. The Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Fest. Jersey City, New Jersey. 2021.
-Nomination-Best Comedy. The Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Fest. Jersey City, New Jersey. 2021.
-Nomination-Best Actor (Mark Parsia) Comedy Short. The Brightside Tavern Shorts Film Fest. Jersey City, New Jersey. 2021.
-Nomination-Best Writing in a Short Film (Mark Levitt). The Shorts Film Award. South Orange, New Jersey. 2021.
Nomination-Best Editing in a Short Film (Christopher Hart). The Shorts Film Awards. South Orange, New Jersey. 2021.
-Official Selection at the Lit Laughs International Comedy Film Festival (Harrogate, Yorkshire, England/2021).
-Honorable Mention at the Australia Film Festival (Australia/2022).
-Honorable Mention at the International Film Festival Manhattan (New York, New York/2021).
-Best Idea at the Night of Comedy Shorts Film Festival (Milano, Italy/2023).
As struggling Jazz Musicians, Dez Delmonico and his trio knew they would have to start at the bottom. But, being booked to play the men’s bathroom of Ricky’s Jazz Club might have been one of the strangest back channels to fame the jazz world had ever seen! Munson, Ricky’s greedy, exploitative owner, promised Dez’s Band the world, but what he really offered was a dark, stinky crap-hole with leaky pipes for a stage. What should the guys do? Do they forget appearances, ignore the noble jazz traditions of Duke Ellington and Count Basie only to hold their noses and pull up a stall? …What would Miles or Trane do? …Well, one thing for sure…if an ambitious jazz band goes and makes a deal with the devil in the bathroom, they better make him wash his hands first!
The Dez Delmonico Trio:
Mark Parsia as "Dez"
Robert "Maddadan" Wilson as "Reggie"
Mark Levitt as "Lucas"
Ed Altman as "Nergis"
Chaz McCormack as "Munson"
Ceren Zorlu as "Sally"
Ron Barba as "Scaramouch"
Director: Michael Thomas Cain
Screenplay: Mark Levitt
Cinematography: Chris Hart
Sound: Kristy DiPalma
Produced by: Mark Levitt & Forgotten Artist Productions
Crew: Greig Roselli, Amira Appleblossom
JORDEY THE MOVIE - SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2019
Jordey The Movie
presented by
Forgotten ARtist Productions
Jordey The Movie
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Family/Children
Filmed in 2018
Premiered in 2019
Film Festivals:
-Silver Medal-Best Animal Actor. Global Independent Film Awards. 2020.
-3rd Place Winner-Best Family Film. The 24th Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Medina, Ohio. 2019.
-Finalist. Global Independent Film Awards. 2020.
-Finalist-Best Children/Family Category. Various Artists Independent Film Festival. Chicago, Illinois. 2019.
-Finalist. Peak City International Film Festival. Apex, North Carolina. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Family Short. Action on Film International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. World Premier. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Children’s Film. Action on Film International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. World Premier. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Family Short. Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Children’s Film. Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
Jordey (also referred to in life as Little Jordey, Jordey Pocket Pants, Little Buddy, Tiny Dancer, etc.) is a rescue dog who’s living life and enjoying it! Most of the time. As the protector of the house, Jordey also has to chase off any unwanted burglars, and there's one pesky burglar who frequently visits. What happens one day when Jordey is forced to square off against his cornball rival?
Jordey as Himself
Kristy DiPalma as The Owner
Kristy DiPalma as The Voice of Jordey
Michael Thomas Cain as The Burglar
Michael Thomas Cain as The Letter Carrier
Story by Kristy DiPalma and Michael Thomas Cain
Written by Michael Thomas Cain
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Kristy DiPalma-Assistant Director
Michael Thomas Cain is the Director of Photography and Editor
Genre: Comedy/Drama/Family/Children
Filmed in 2018
Premiered in 2019
Film Festivals:
-Silver Medal-Best Animal Actor. Global Independent Film Awards. 2020.
-3rd Place Winner-Best Family Film. The 24th Indie Gathering International Film Festival. Medina, Ohio. 2019.
-Finalist. Global Independent Film Awards. 2020.
-Finalist-Best Children/Family Category. Various Artists Independent Film Festival. Chicago, Illinois. 2019.
-Finalist. Peak City International Film Festival. Apex, North Carolina. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Family Short. Action on Film International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. World Premier. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Children’s Film. Action on Film International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. World Premier. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Family Short. Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
-Nomination-Best Children’s Film. Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writer’s Celebration. Las Vegas, Nevada. 2019.
Jordey (also referred to in life as Little Jordey, Jordey Pocket Pants, Little Buddy, Tiny Dancer, etc.) is a rescue dog who’s living life and enjoying it! Most of the time. As the protector of the house, Jordey also has to chase off any unwanted burglars, and there's one pesky burglar who frequently visits. What happens one day when Jordey is forced to square off against his cornball rival?
Jordey as Himself
Kristy DiPalma as The Owner
Kristy DiPalma as The Voice of Jordey
Michael Thomas Cain as The Burglar
Michael Thomas Cain as The Letter Carrier
Story by Kristy DiPalma and Michael Thomas Cain
Written by Michael Thomas Cain
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Kristy DiPalma-Assistant Director
Michael Thomas Cain is the Director of Photography and Editor
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Press For Jordey The Movie in Las Vegas!
Short-Film “Jordey The Movie” to be Screened at “Action On Film 15th Annual International Film Festival” in Brenden Theaters Inside The Palms
July 27, 2019 by VegasNews.com
Forgotten Artist Productions, a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for film and theatre, will screen its short-film “Jordey The Movie,” written by husband and wife team Michael Thomas Cain and Kristy DiPalma, as part of the Action On Film 15th Annual International Film Festival and Writer’s Competition and the 3rd Annual Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writer’s Competition.
Both festivals run Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – Saturday, July 3, 2019 at the Brenden Theaters inside the Palms Hotel and Casino, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103. Individual tickets are $10.00. Screens in Theater 2 during the 6:00 PM Block on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. The film is nominated in two categories, Best Family Short and Best Children’s Film.
“Jordey The Movie” is also directed by Michael Thomas Cain and stars Jordey, a ten pound, ten- year-old rescue dog from New York with a lot of love to give. Jordey is a faithful companion and has quickly become an important member of Michael and Kristy’s family. It only seems natural to develop a story around Jordey’s normal behaviors and everyday events in order to emphasize the importance of rescuing animals and the joy that these pets can still bring to human lives. Cain also plays the Burglar in a scene which pays tribute to Charlie Chaplin, the silent film era, and black and white films.
Jordey (also referred to in life as Little Jordey, Jordey Pocket Pants, Little Buddy, Tiny Dancer, Little Peanut, etc.) is a rescue dog who’s living life and enjoying it! Most of the time. As the protector of the house, Jordey also has to chase off any unwanted burglars, and there’s one pesky burglar who frequently visits. What happens one day when Jordey is forced to square off against his cornball rival?
Forgotten Artist Productions and Michael Thomas Cain have also produced the award-winning films “Eliminated” (written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain) and “Thumb Wrestler” (directed by Michael Thomas Cain).
The London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival writes that the short-film “Thumb Wrestler” is a, “Funny, well-made film.”
nytheatre.com writes this about writer and director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”
Danielle Boss of Drama Queens Reviews says this about Fifteen Minutes with Ellen, produced by Forgotten Artist Productions and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, “This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performances that move you to tears…truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.”
© 2019, VegasNews.com. All rights reserved. All content copyrighted or used with permission. All rights reserved. This content may not be distributed, modified, reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission from VegasNews.com
ELIMINATED - THE SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2017
Eliminated
Presented by
Forgotten Artist Productions
Eliminated
Genre: Experimental Drama
Filmed in 2016
Premiered in 2017
Film Festivals:
-Award Winner at The 22nd Indie Gathering International Film Festival (2017)
-Semi Finalist at the Colorado International Activism Film Festival (2017)
-Honorable Mention at the LA Underground Film Forum (2017)
-Honorable Mention at the Experimental Forum (LA/2017)
-Official Selection at the Chelsea Film Festival (New York City Premiere/2017)
-Official Selection at the BLOW-UP International Arthouse Film Festival (Chicago/2017)
A working class, married couple are coerced and locked in their own home by a soldier in order to be routinely questioned, but as they move through this strange and absurd circumstance, James and Mary are tricked into admitting guilt for living their daily routine, and as a result, it is the soldier’s job, duty, and responsibility to make sure that these blue collar workers are eliminated because of their class in life and as a result of new government laws. What price will be paid for attempting to live the American dream in the shadows of a corrupt power?
Mark Parsia as James
Ceren Zorlu as Mary
Chaz McCormack as Soldier
Jordey as The Dog
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Christopher Hart is the Director of Photography, Editor, and Assistant Director
Genre: Experimental Drama
Filmed in 2016
Premiered in 2017
Film Festivals:
-Award Winner at The 22nd Indie Gathering International Film Festival (2017)
-Semi Finalist at the Colorado International Activism Film Festival (2017)
-Honorable Mention at the LA Underground Film Forum (2017)
-Honorable Mention at the Experimental Forum (LA/2017)
-Official Selection at the Chelsea Film Festival (New York City Premiere/2017)
-Official Selection at the BLOW-UP International Arthouse Film Festival (Chicago/2017)
A working class, married couple are coerced and locked in their own home by a soldier in order to be routinely questioned, but as they move through this strange and absurd circumstance, James and Mary are tricked into admitting guilt for living their daily routine, and as a result, it is the soldier’s job, duty, and responsibility to make sure that these blue collar workers are eliminated because of their class in life and as a result of new government laws. What price will be paid for attempting to live the American dream in the shadows of a corrupt power?
Mark Parsia as James
Ceren Zorlu as Mary
Chaz McCormack as Soldier
Jordey as The Dog
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Christopher Hart is the Director of Photography, Editor, and Assistant Director
THUMB WRESTLER - THE SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2017
Newt "The Digit" Feldenstein was a world renowned thumb wrestler. The best poker and flicker the sport has ever seen: Adoring ringside crowds, luxurious lifestyle, and the green eyed envy of a world who-at very best- must remain contented to use their thumbs for the purposes of hailing cabs or showing approval at something.
But the quick hand of time spares no one...not even a famous "thumbsman." So, after years at the top of the game, a grim medical prognosis forces Newt into a career tailspin...he is sidelined, shunted aside, and forced to bear the taunts of any random, hungry, thumb-wrestling wannabee who strives to snatch the last vestige of Newt's thumb wrestling crown.
Broken in mind and body, Newt must make a choice... Quit the fight game outright, turn to performance enhancing drugs, or should he accept, adapt, and boldly embrace whatever life throws at him ... no matter whose thumb lies in wait for him at the other side of that next ring.
So whattaya say?, get out that popcorn, flex those fingers, and let’s get ready to thumble!!!!!!
Mark Parsia as Newt “The Digit” Feldenstein
Chaz McCormack as Rutager The Coach
Ceren Zorlu as Vanna Reynolds
Ron Schnittker as Tommy Feldenstein
Mark Levitt as “Gritty” McGraw
Ron Barba as Sam “Greenthumb” Jackson
William Sours as Mitch Clydehopper
Linda Alago as Lola
Michael Thomas Cain as Don Donaldson
Andrew Selig as Ron Renaldi
Michael Thomas Cain as Nick Nova
Greig Roselli as the Ring Announcer
Written by Mark Levitt
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Director Christopher Hart
Cinematography Christopher Hart
Editing Christopher Hart
Production Sound Recordist Kristy DiPalma
Produced by: Mark Levitt, Monica Gordon, Forgotten Artist Productions, Michael Thomas Cain.
THUMB WRESTLER II (The Sequel) - THE SHORT FILM BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS - 2018
CHAZ MCCORMACK-BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR NOMINATION-SHORT FILM-THE 24TH INDIE GATHERING INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL-THUMB WRESTLER 2
Second chances are tempting, but some come at a cost… the second installment of the Thumb Wrestler Series finds injured thumb wrestling champ, Newt “The Digit” Feldenstein, bored with conventional life…twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines.
A new scientific breakthrough, a prosthetic Smart-Thumb Technology, suddenly offers Newt hope and another shot at the big-time.
Enter Antoinette Legume…vivacious, retired Olympic Gold-Medalist in Skiing. Like Newt, her career was cut short by a horrible accident during competition. But now, through Prosthetic limb-replacement surgery, this former amputee has “legs for days” and knows how to use them!
What’s Newt’s next move? Should he embrace technology and go under the knife? Is he risking too much? Will using a new fake thumb compromise the soul of the sport? Does a man with a busted thumb just go and risk everything on a dream?!
As one passes through life, some transitory passions may fade, but can the true fighting spirit of a thumb wrestler ever really be broken?
Mark Parsia as Newt "The Digit" Feldenstein
Ceren Zorlu as Vawna Reynolds
Chaz McCormack as Rutager
William Sours as Mitch Clydehopper
Mark Levitt as Gritty McGraw
Raquel Powell as Antoinette Legume
Ed Altman as Dr. Rangoon
Brent Bruckner as Louie "Trigger Finger" Nelson
Michael Thomas Cain as Don Donaldson
Andrew Selig as Ron Renaldi
Howard Weintraub as Dr. Roarke
Greig Roselli as The Ring Announcer
Jason A.K. George as Officer Pesto
Written by Mark Levitt
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Cinematographer/Editor/1st Assistant Director:
Christopher Hart
Production Sound Recordist
Kristy DiPalma
Produced by: Mark Levitt, Monica Gordon, Forgotten Artist Productions, Michael Thomas Cain.
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN - Full-Length Theatre Production -
Forgotten Artist Productions/Planet Connections Theatre Festivity - 2017
Forgotten Artist Productions/Planet Connections Theatre Festivity - 2017
The nominees were announced for the 9th Annual Planet Connections Awards at Theatre Row/42nd Street/NYC, and we would like to Congratulate our dear friends and colleagues Chaz McCormack for his Best Actor Nomination and William "Bill" Sours for his Best Supporting Actor Nomination in FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN. Both nominations are well deserved, and we're very proud of both of them.
The Awards Ceremony took place on Monday evening, September 18, 2017, and William Sours won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack. Congratulations Bill!
www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Chazz-Palminteri-Sachi-Parker-Misha-Osherovich-and-More-Win-2017-Planet-Connections-Awards-20170925
The Awards Ceremony took place on Monday evening, September 18, 2017, and William Sours won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack. Congratulations Bill!
www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Chazz-Palminteri-Sachi-Parker-Misha-Osherovich-and-More-Win-2017-Planet-Connections-Awards-20170925
A Powerful “Fifteen Minutes” Posted on June 26, 2017
Performance Review: Fifteen Minutes with Ellen by Andrew Selig
Written by: Danielle Boss
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is an emotionally charged spectacle written by Andrew Selig and directed by Michael Thomas Cain. Presented by Forgotten Artist Productions, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen makes its premiere at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The world of the play takes place in a nursing home where Walter Weatherington, (Chaz McCormack), waits for his niece, Molly, to finally visit him as promised. The play opens with Walter sitting with title character, Ellen, portrayed by the lovely Luna Alago. The two characters bond over their shared agony waiting for their loved ones to finally come visit them. As the title suggests, Walter is only allowed to visit Ellen between fifteen minute intervals before the nurses catch them, as it is not allowed for residents of the nursing home to visit each other. It is revealed that Walter suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, as he sometimes mixes up the name of his nurse with his daughter, Molly, blaming it on the fact that they both look so similar. Walter’s condition worsens as the play progresses since he refuses to take his medication. Asides from Ellen, Walter’s loneliness is assuaged by the company of nurse Mandy, (Ceren Zorlu), and his only friend Jack (William Sours). While Walter’s Alzheimer’s intensifies, the line dividing imagination and reality begins to blur to the point that Walter struggles to decipher what is real and what is not.
In New York City — where an abundance of plays are being written and performed every day, from the streets of Broadway to off-off Broadway — Fifteen Minutes with Ellen sets itself apart. This wonderful play offers us a unique and rare storyline that details the lives and perspectives of the elderly living in a nursing home — tackling a social issue that many do not wish to face. This play explores the universal themes of love, existential crises and existence, suffering from incurable mental and physical illnesses, pain, guilt, betrayal, and loneliness. With very little representation of the elderly in media and close to no depiction of the trials and grave loneliness in which the elderly face living within the confines of a nursing home, Fifteen Minutes with Ellencouldn’t be a more important play. Fifteen Minutes with Ellen tells an untold story and gives a voice to a voiceless and often overlooked group. Fifteen Minutes bring to light the heartache that plagues the loved ones having to deal with a family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. What is also great about a play like Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is that its casting offers opportunities for actors of an older age group. In theater and film alike where young actors are more desired and youth still emphasized, it is heartening to know that playwrights such as Andrew Selig are breaking out of this circle of exclusion to offer employment opportunities for older actors. Like all shows performed at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen benefits a charity of their own choice and collects donations for their cause after the performance. Appropriate for the themes of the play, Fifteen Minutes is benefitting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a charity that provides aid, services, and employment opportunities for those aged fifty-five and older.
William Sours shines in his role as Jack, who is Walter’s sarcastic and acerbic companion whom consistently derides and mocks not only the nurses, but also the other seniors in the home. Sours’ portrayal of the snarky character is brilliant and finite with the detail of his facial expressions, his affected hoarse mocking laugh, his specific body movements, and incredible line delivery. Every movement of Sours’ body was so distinct and in character—no movement he made was ever random, it always held purpose to the role. Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy also had a striking performance. She nailed the role with her animated facial expressions, astute reactions, vocal quality, and her quick switches from a caring to a condescending nurse. Chaz McCormack and Luna Alago as star-crossed lovers Walter and Ellen delivered a poignant and emotional performance that can bring any audience member to tears. McCormack and Alago’s portrayals of Walter and Ellen’s pain, distress, and confusion is poignant and their acting so effective to the point that their character’s emotional states are palpable. McCormack and Alago’s performances were realistic, believable, and heart wrenchingly touching. The entire cast of Fifteen Minutes with Ellen did a marvelous job in working together to represent these colorful characters in such a beautifully touching play. With very minimal set design, the performance of Fifteen Minutesemphasized dialogue, characters, and storyline. The simple lighting and sparse use of props accurately reflects the dismal and emptiness of the nursing home in which the story takes place. The interaction between the characters is a spectacle of itself with heavy focus on dialogue. All of the characters seem to have dull and unnoticeable costumes that reflect this world as well—with Mandy’s standard blue scrubs and Jack and Walter’s simple pants and t-shirts. The only character whose costume is colorful and stands out is Ellen’s, with her floral dress, white veil, and her choice to be barefoot rather than wear shoes. This choice shows how Ellen is different from the others in the home and how she is captivating for Walter in his state of loneliness and despair. Ellen offers refuge for Walter in his desperate and lonely wait for his precious daughter to keep her promise in paying him a visit. The dialogue in the play is so incredibly memorable and profound, with lines such as, “I’m only as smart as you make me,” and “I’d rather have a blurry TV than a blurry conscience.” Fifteen Minutes truly delivers with such a well-written and woven plot and stunning performance by the actors and tech team.
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen opened to the public with its first performance on June 14th and will be running throughout the festivity until its final performance date on July 3rd. This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performance that move you to tears. Fifteen Minutes is truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.
https://dramaqueensreviews.wordpress.com/2017/06/26/a-powerful-fifteen-minutes/
Performance Review: Fifteen Minutes with Ellen by Andrew Selig
Written by: Danielle Boss
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is an emotionally charged spectacle written by Andrew Selig and directed by Michael Thomas Cain. Presented by Forgotten Artist Productions, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen makes its premiere at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The world of the play takes place in a nursing home where Walter Weatherington, (Chaz McCormack), waits for his niece, Molly, to finally visit him as promised. The play opens with Walter sitting with title character, Ellen, portrayed by the lovely Luna Alago. The two characters bond over their shared agony waiting for their loved ones to finally come visit them. As the title suggests, Walter is only allowed to visit Ellen between fifteen minute intervals before the nurses catch them, as it is not allowed for residents of the nursing home to visit each other. It is revealed that Walter suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, as he sometimes mixes up the name of his nurse with his daughter, Molly, blaming it on the fact that they both look so similar. Walter’s condition worsens as the play progresses since he refuses to take his medication. Asides from Ellen, Walter’s loneliness is assuaged by the company of nurse Mandy, (Ceren Zorlu), and his only friend Jack (William Sours). While Walter’s Alzheimer’s intensifies, the line dividing imagination and reality begins to blur to the point that Walter struggles to decipher what is real and what is not.
In New York City — where an abundance of plays are being written and performed every day, from the streets of Broadway to off-off Broadway — Fifteen Minutes with Ellen sets itself apart. This wonderful play offers us a unique and rare storyline that details the lives and perspectives of the elderly living in a nursing home — tackling a social issue that many do not wish to face. This play explores the universal themes of love, existential crises and existence, suffering from incurable mental and physical illnesses, pain, guilt, betrayal, and loneliness. With very little representation of the elderly in media and close to no depiction of the trials and grave loneliness in which the elderly face living within the confines of a nursing home, Fifteen Minutes with Ellencouldn’t be a more important play. Fifteen Minutes with Ellen tells an untold story and gives a voice to a voiceless and often overlooked group. Fifteen Minutes bring to light the heartache that plagues the loved ones having to deal with a family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. What is also great about a play like Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is that its casting offers opportunities for actors of an older age group. In theater and film alike where young actors are more desired and youth still emphasized, it is heartening to know that playwrights such as Andrew Selig are breaking out of this circle of exclusion to offer employment opportunities for older actors. Like all shows performed at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen benefits a charity of their own choice and collects donations for their cause after the performance. Appropriate for the themes of the play, Fifteen Minutes is benefitting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a charity that provides aid, services, and employment opportunities for those aged fifty-five and older.
William Sours shines in his role as Jack, who is Walter’s sarcastic and acerbic companion whom consistently derides and mocks not only the nurses, but also the other seniors in the home. Sours’ portrayal of the snarky character is brilliant and finite with the detail of his facial expressions, his affected hoarse mocking laugh, his specific body movements, and incredible line delivery. Every movement of Sours’ body was so distinct and in character—no movement he made was ever random, it always held purpose to the role. Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy also had a striking performance. She nailed the role with her animated facial expressions, astute reactions, vocal quality, and her quick switches from a caring to a condescending nurse. Chaz McCormack and Luna Alago as star-crossed lovers Walter and Ellen delivered a poignant and emotional performance that can bring any audience member to tears. McCormack and Alago’s portrayals of Walter and Ellen’s pain, distress, and confusion is poignant and their acting so effective to the point that their character’s emotional states are palpable. McCormack and Alago’s performances were realistic, believable, and heart wrenchingly touching. The entire cast of Fifteen Minutes with Ellen did a marvelous job in working together to represent these colorful characters in such a beautifully touching play. With very minimal set design, the performance of Fifteen Minutesemphasized dialogue, characters, and storyline. The simple lighting and sparse use of props accurately reflects the dismal and emptiness of the nursing home in which the story takes place. The interaction between the characters is a spectacle of itself with heavy focus on dialogue. All of the characters seem to have dull and unnoticeable costumes that reflect this world as well—with Mandy’s standard blue scrubs and Jack and Walter’s simple pants and t-shirts. The only character whose costume is colorful and stands out is Ellen’s, with her floral dress, white veil, and her choice to be barefoot rather than wear shoes. This choice shows how Ellen is different from the others in the home and how she is captivating for Walter in his state of loneliness and despair. Ellen offers refuge for Walter in his desperate and lonely wait for his precious daughter to keep her promise in paying him a visit. The dialogue in the play is so incredibly memorable and profound, with lines such as, “I’m only as smart as you make me,” and “I’d rather have a blurry TV than a blurry conscience.” Fifteen Minutes truly delivers with such a well-written and woven plot and stunning performance by the actors and tech team.
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen opened to the public with its first performance on June 14th and will be running throughout the festivity until its final performance date on July 3rd. This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performance that move you to tears. Fifteen Minutes is truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.
https://dramaqueensreviews.wordpress.com/2017/06/26/a-powerful-fifteen-minutes/
Aging is difficult, but being kept from your true love is harder.
Forgotten Artist Productions was proud to present our theatre production as part of the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity during the summer of 2017!
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
written by Andrew Selig
Mr. Weatherington struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?
Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington
Linda Alago as Ellen
Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy
William Sours as Jack
Directed by
Michael Thomas Cain
Tickets (were) on Sale Now!
http://planetconnections.org/2017-full-productions/fifteen-minutes-with-ellen-presented-by-forgotten-artist-productions/
www.planetconnections.org
The Flamboyan Theater in
The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street
NYC 10002
Lower East Side
Wed., June 14 @ 7:15 PM
Sat., June 17 @ 5:00 PM
Mon., June 19 @ 9:00 PM
Sun., June 25 @ 2:30 PM
Sat., July 1 @ 9:30 PM
Mon., July 3 @ 9:30 PM
$18
The Charity that we worked for during the festival was the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
According to their website
http://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/retired-and-senior-volunteer-program
"Created in 1966 by the Community Service Society, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits, trains, and places volunteers at community-based organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of CSS has nearly 3,000 volunteers 55+ at hundreds of nonprofit agencies throughout New York City. The strength of our program is three-fold:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472/[email protected]
Forgotten Artist Productions Presents
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity
June 12th – July 9th / The Flamboyan Theater (NYC)
Tickets $18 (for tickets visit www.planetconnections.org)
This summer, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the full-length play FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN, directed by Michael Thomas Cain/written by Andrew Selig, as part of the 9th Annual Planet Connections Theatre Festivity (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington, Ceren Zorlu as Mandy/Nurse, Linda Alago as Ellen, and William Sours as Jack.
Location: The Flamboyan Theater in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Wednesday, June 14, 7:15 - 8:45 PM
Saturday, June 17, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Monday, June 19, 9:00 - 10:30 PM
Sunday, June 25, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Saturday, July 1, 9:30 - 11:00 PM
Monday, July 3, 9:30 - 11:00 PM
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN follows Mr. Weatherington who struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?
Forgotten Artist Productions is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre and film. FAP has produced WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), and “Thumb Wrestler” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Together their onstage chemistry reeks of commitment to these odd characters…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”
The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially conscious not-for-profit arts festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances and events, the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a festive atmosphere forming a community of like-minded artists. At the heart of the Festivity are like-minded individuals striving to create professional, meaningful theatre, music and film, while supporting organizations which give back to the community at large.
###
Bios. for cast, crew, production team, etc.:
Michael Thomas Cain (Director, Producer, Dramaturg) is a writer, director, producer, and sometimes actor working mostly in and around New York City. Recently, he wrote and directed WHERE ART LIVES (performed at UNDER St. Marks Theater) and “Eliminated” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre) for the stage. “Eliminated” has been turned into a short film and is currently being submitted to film festivals. Also in 2016, Michael directed the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” also being submitted to film festivals, and 2 Marlin Thomas plays titled “I Never Heard Such Silence” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and the 13th Street Repertory Theatre) and “Germaine and Diane” (performed at the Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival). In 2012, Michael wrote, directed, and produced ENOUGH’S ENOUGH at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club as part of the NY International Fringe Festival. In addition, Michael is the founder of Forgotten Artist Productions and has earned an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from Adelphi University and a B.A. in Communications/Theatre from Augusta College. www.forgottenartistproductions.com
Andrew Selig (Playwright) is a writer of fiction and plays and earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. He is also a College educator in and around New York City and recently started a new position as the Director of Academic Success at a well-respected College in the New York City area.
Chaz McCormack (Walter Weatherington) recently played Ed in “Ed & Mo” at Dixon Place, Buck in VICTORIA WOODHULL at Theater for the New City, Grandpa in “Grandpa and the Gay Rabbi,” a Samuel French OOB Festival Winner, Father in “Daddy’s Little Girl” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Soldier in “Eliminated” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Nathan Mauer in THE BODY IS A LEGAL DRUG as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, and Art in WHERE ART LIVES at UNDER St. Marks Theatre. In 2016, Chaz played the Soldier in the short film “Eliminated” and Rutager in the short film “Thumb Wrestler.” Through the years, Chaz has also appeared in Law and Order, Bonfire of the Vanities, A Stranger Among Us, Other People’s Money, and Malcom X. Chaz has also trained with Austin Pendleton, Ann Jackson, Michael Moriarty, and Ernie Martin.
Ceren Zorlu (Nurse Mandy) was born in Ankara, Turkey but has been a New Yorker since she had enough teeth to bite the big apple. Being bilingual has made her a very versatile actress. She has studied filmmaking at NYU SCPS and stumbled into the world of acting at the insistence of her instructors who saw her as “raw talent.” Since then, she has studied the Meisner technique with JoAnna Beckson and completed improvisational comedy training at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City. In 2016, Ceren played Zoe in “I Never Heard Such Silence” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and 13th Street Repertory Theatre, Mary in the short film “Eliminated,” Vawna Reynolds in the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” and Diane in “Germaine and Diane” at Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
Luna Alago (Ellen) leaves behind twenty plus years in management to pursue her lifelong passion to become a working actor. Luna has studied at HB Studio and was later accepted into an apprenticeship program at The Barrow Group, studying with Lee Brock and Seth Barrish. Her taste for stage acting came when she performed her first Monologue showcase. Luna realized then that theatre was something she was interested in. Luna considers herself a student of the dramatic arts, and she will continue her studies in Performing Arts.
Luna words- life is empty if you're not doing what you love, to accomplish great things you must dare to dream and overcome your fears. You must always trust yourself…
William Sours (Jack) has returned to the New York stage after having lived the "other life;" of late, he was James Tyrone in Long Day's Journey into Night, produced by Hard Work Productions, the Cardinal in "the Cenci," and Cliff in "the Shadow Box." In his 20's, he worked extensively in NYC and regional theaters such as the Arena in DC; he worked touring shows and many dinner theater venues. In commercial TV advertising, he was the principal actor in two commercials, was nominated for Clio awards, and has done various voiceover work in regional radio. He studied acting at HB Studio in the late 70's, including scene study with Uta Hagen and comedy with Charles Nelson Reilly. After having lived the nightmare of a conventional life, he is overjoyed to be once again living in the reality of the stage.
Nikoleta Mountanos (Stage Manager & Light/Sound Board Operator) is a rising junior at Gettysburg College, majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Music with a Vocal Concentration. She is delighted to work on her first production with Forgotten Artist Productions! She has previously been a Light Board Operator for Dark Matter and, You Got Older at Gettysburg College and a Sound Board Operator for A Midsummer Night's Dream at Gettysburg College as well.
Forgotten Artist Productions was proud to present our theatre production as part of the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity during the summer of 2017!
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
written by Andrew Selig
Mr. Weatherington struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?
Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington
Linda Alago as Ellen
Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy
William Sours as Jack
Directed by
Michael Thomas Cain
Tickets (were) on Sale Now!
http://planetconnections.org/2017-full-productions/fifteen-minutes-with-ellen-presented-by-forgotten-artist-productions/
www.planetconnections.org
The Flamboyan Theater in
The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street
NYC 10002
Lower East Side
Wed., June 14 @ 7:15 PM
Sat., June 17 @ 5:00 PM
Mon., June 19 @ 9:00 PM
Sun., June 25 @ 2:30 PM
Sat., July 1 @ 9:30 PM
Mon., July 3 @ 9:30 PM
$18
The Charity that we worked for during the festival was the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
According to their website
http://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/retired-and-senior-volunteer-program
"Created in 1966 by the Community Service Society, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits, trains, and places volunteers at community-based organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of CSS has nearly 3,000 volunteers 55+ at hundreds of nonprofit agencies throughout New York City. The strength of our program is three-fold:
- We provide life-changing opportunities for volunteers ages 55 and over.
- We help meet the critical needs of communities by mobilizing tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service.
- We strengthen public and nonprofit agencies by matching skilled volunteers with vital programs and services."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472/[email protected]
Forgotten Artist Productions Presents
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity
June 12th – July 9th / The Flamboyan Theater (NYC)
Tickets $18 (for tickets visit www.planetconnections.org)
This summer, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the full-length play FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN, directed by Michael Thomas Cain/written by Andrew Selig, as part of the 9th Annual Planet Connections Theatre Festivity (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington, Ceren Zorlu as Mandy/Nurse, Linda Alago as Ellen, and William Sours as Jack.
Location: The Flamboyan Theater in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Wednesday, June 14, 7:15 - 8:45 PM
Saturday, June 17, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Monday, June 19, 9:00 - 10:30 PM
Sunday, June 25, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Saturday, July 1, 9:30 - 11:00 PM
Monday, July 3, 9:30 - 11:00 PM
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN follows Mr. Weatherington who struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?
Forgotten Artist Productions is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre and film. FAP has produced WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), and “Thumb Wrestler” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Together their onstage chemistry reeks of commitment to these odd characters…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”
The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially conscious not-for-profit arts festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances and events, the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a festive atmosphere forming a community of like-minded artists. At the heart of the Festivity are like-minded individuals striving to create professional, meaningful theatre, music and film, while supporting organizations which give back to the community at large.
###
Bios. for cast, crew, production team, etc.:
Michael Thomas Cain (Director, Producer, Dramaturg) is a writer, director, producer, and sometimes actor working mostly in and around New York City. Recently, he wrote and directed WHERE ART LIVES (performed at UNDER St. Marks Theater) and “Eliminated” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre) for the stage. “Eliminated” has been turned into a short film and is currently being submitted to film festivals. Also in 2016, Michael directed the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” also being submitted to film festivals, and 2 Marlin Thomas plays titled “I Never Heard Such Silence” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and the 13th Street Repertory Theatre) and “Germaine and Diane” (performed at the Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival). In 2012, Michael wrote, directed, and produced ENOUGH’S ENOUGH at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club as part of the NY International Fringe Festival. In addition, Michael is the founder of Forgotten Artist Productions and has earned an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from Adelphi University and a B.A. in Communications/Theatre from Augusta College. www.forgottenartistproductions.com
Andrew Selig (Playwright) is a writer of fiction and plays and earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. He is also a College educator in and around New York City and recently started a new position as the Director of Academic Success at a well-respected College in the New York City area.
Chaz McCormack (Walter Weatherington) recently played Ed in “Ed & Mo” at Dixon Place, Buck in VICTORIA WOODHULL at Theater for the New City, Grandpa in “Grandpa and the Gay Rabbi,” a Samuel French OOB Festival Winner, Father in “Daddy’s Little Girl” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Soldier in “Eliminated” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Nathan Mauer in THE BODY IS A LEGAL DRUG as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, and Art in WHERE ART LIVES at UNDER St. Marks Theatre. In 2016, Chaz played the Soldier in the short film “Eliminated” and Rutager in the short film “Thumb Wrestler.” Through the years, Chaz has also appeared in Law and Order, Bonfire of the Vanities, A Stranger Among Us, Other People’s Money, and Malcom X. Chaz has also trained with Austin Pendleton, Ann Jackson, Michael Moriarty, and Ernie Martin.
Ceren Zorlu (Nurse Mandy) was born in Ankara, Turkey but has been a New Yorker since she had enough teeth to bite the big apple. Being bilingual has made her a very versatile actress. She has studied filmmaking at NYU SCPS and stumbled into the world of acting at the insistence of her instructors who saw her as “raw talent.” Since then, she has studied the Meisner technique with JoAnna Beckson and completed improvisational comedy training at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City. In 2016, Ceren played Zoe in “I Never Heard Such Silence” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and 13th Street Repertory Theatre, Mary in the short film “Eliminated,” Vawna Reynolds in the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” and Diane in “Germaine and Diane” at Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
Luna Alago (Ellen) leaves behind twenty plus years in management to pursue her lifelong passion to become a working actor. Luna has studied at HB Studio and was later accepted into an apprenticeship program at The Barrow Group, studying with Lee Brock and Seth Barrish. Her taste for stage acting came when she performed her first Monologue showcase. Luna realized then that theatre was something she was interested in. Luna considers herself a student of the dramatic arts, and she will continue her studies in Performing Arts.
Luna words- life is empty if you're not doing what you love, to accomplish great things you must dare to dream and overcome your fears. You must always trust yourself…
William Sours (Jack) has returned to the New York stage after having lived the "other life;" of late, he was James Tyrone in Long Day's Journey into Night, produced by Hard Work Productions, the Cardinal in "the Cenci," and Cliff in "the Shadow Box." In his 20's, he worked extensively in NYC and regional theaters such as the Arena in DC; he worked touring shows and many dinner theater venues. In commercial TV advertising, he was the principal actor in two commercials, was nominated for Clio awards, and has done various voiceover work in regional radio. He studied acting at HB Studio in the late 70's, including scene study with Uta Hagen and comedy with Charles Nelson Reilly. After having lived the nightmare of a conventional life, he is overjoyed to be once again living in the reality of the stage.
Nikoleta Mountanos (Stage Manager & Light/Sound Board Operator) is a rising junior at Gettysburg College, majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Music with a Vocal Concentration. She is delighted to work on her first production with Forgotten Artist Productions! She has previously been a Light Board Operator for Dark Matter and, You Got Older at Gettysburg College and a Sound Board Operator for A Midsummer Night's Dream at Gettysburg College as well.
Eliminated - A Theatre Production by Forgotten Artist Productions - October 2015
Manhattan Repertory Theatre, in association with Forgotten Artist Productions, presented a production of the one-act play "Eliminated" as part of The October Event 2015.
Wednesday, October 21 at 9 PM
Friday, October 23 at 8 PM
Location:
Manhattan Repertory Theatre
303 West 42nd Street at 8th Avenue
6th Floor
New York, New York 10036
$ 20
Tickets can be reserved at http://manhattanrep.com/ticket-reservations/
A working class couple is brought in by a soldier for routine questioning, but as they move through this strange and absurd situation, the married couple finds out that they are in the hot seat as a result of new government laws. How close are you to being eliminated?
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Chris Hart, Assistant Director
Mary/Wife: Jennifer Suter
James/Husband: Mark Parsia
Soldier: Chaz McCormack
A True Story About Somebody I Know Well:
The day after the first rehearsal for “Eliminated” I heard about something terrible. A good, decent, hard-working, caring husband and father will lose half of his pension. He’ll only receive half of the money that’s entitled to him each month. From here on out. He’ll lose half of his reward and income after sacrificing 38 years of his life for a company while raising a family and putting kids through college on a working class salary. He did his part as a loyal employee and man, but the powers that be turned their backs on him. Now what is he going to do? Now how is he going to survive when it’s too late to go back and start over? He, and millions of other workers, had a legal contract that guaranteed what’s entitled to him in retirement, but “they” didn’t want to, or couldn’t, honor that agreement anymore, so “they” went to the government and asked if they could renege on their deal, and the government allowed this to happen (neither championed any legislation to renew a law that honored this pension contract). Both of these powers took control (by law) of the situation. Leaving this average guy high and dry. In this case, nobody’s looking for a free handout. All that’s wanted is what has been earned as a result of doing the right things. All that’s wanted here is a chance for the average guy to survive in this world without being taken advantage of or destroyed by others who have more power. “They” have gotten out of control, and it’s only getting worse. No one is looking out for these average citizens anymore. What will happen to them in the long run? As a result of this situation, in a sense, he’s being eliminated. This average, working class guy is being eliminated as a result of what “they” want and need. And it isn’t right.
There have been times when I have been criticized for writing about far-fetched, fictional, and futuristic ideas that aren’t real and would never happen, but I observe situations all around me every day that show me that these ideas are possible, so I write about them. I believe that some of my “far-fetched” creative ideas could very much come true in the future. In my opinion, they’re presenting themselves more and more every day. This example of this real life person is a perfect example. And it may be the kind of thing that you don’t see overnight, but what will life be like for people 10, 20, 50, or 100 years from now. All major changes in society happen over a period of time until they become the norm.
I write about and reveal this because it concerns and worries me, and I’ve expressed these anxieties in the play “Eliminated.”
Here’s a recent brief synopsis of the play that I posted long before I heard this person’s story:
A working class couple is brought in by a soldier for routine questioning, but as they move through this strange and absurd situation, the married couple finds out that they are in the hot seat as a result of new government laws. How close are you to being eliminated?
A few lines from the play:
SOLDIER
The upper class governs everything now. And technology does the rest. The middle class hangs on to make sure everything keeps running, but who knows. What’ll happen. In time. I’ll admit it, I’m no better than they are.
JAMES
The wrong group of people are being eliminated. Where’s the justice.
SOLDIER
Alive and well.
JAMES
Right now, it doesn’t look like it.
SOLDIER
Two points of view.
…
JAMES
This is crazy. The money and power of a few people can’t destroy an entire society.
SOLDIER
But they have.
If this situation and synopsis/sample from the play gets to you, leaves an impression on you, peaks your interests, and/or concerns you, “Eliminated” is something that you’d be interested in. It’s a reflection of real life and/or what life is turning into for millions of people. This production isn’t just about presenting a piece of theatre or begging you to come see a play or piece of theatre. This production and the meaning behind it is part of a bigger expression and human picture, and it comes from a very sincere place. I hope it’s only the beginning of a journey for me and for Forgotten Artist Productions to protect basic human rights.
If everything and everyone is unfairly treated like a business and regulated by laws, how does the average guy survive in this world, now and in the future? What’s his or her place in society?
Here are two articles. One explains the actual situation. The second offers a solution from people who are still working to resolve the issue. If you’re interested in or you have the authority to make a difference, I encourage you to get involved. The future of our society may depend on it. What if a major shift or change like this opens the doors for others to follow; millions of innocent people could be affected and destroyed?
1.
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/teamsters_rank_and_file_digging_in_against_possible_pension_benefit_cuts
2.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/07/business/teamsters-pension-fund-warns-400000-of-cuts.html?src=mv&_r=0
-Michael Thomas Cain (Writer and Director of “Eliminated,” and creator of Forgotten Artist Productions)
In addition, Forgotten Artist Productions will turn this script into a short film. Our goal is to use the play production as groundwork for shooting the film.
"Eliminated" Photos
WHERE ART LIVES - A Theatre Production by Forgotten Artist Productions - March 2015
Video/Scenes from WHERE ART LIVES
1. Opening and Scene 1
2. Scene 3
3. Scene 5
4. Scene 8
5. Scene 9
6. Scene 10
7. Curtain Call and Credits
WHERE ART LIVES Production Photos
WHERE ART LIVES Rehearsal Photos
WHERE ART LIVES, the first theatre production by Forgotten Artist Productions, opened on Thursday, March 19, 2015!
Can a family survive a lifetime of lies or will it crumble like the broken down blue collar factory town around them? WHERE ART LIVES takes its audience on a twisted ride with a family who is trying to keep its head above water while everything they know and the life they have built can be taken from them at any moment. The play explores how the economic downfall of middle America effects everyone around it. Follow Art and his family’s struggles in WHERE ART LIVES.
Chaz McCormack as ART
Sandra Lucas as RUTH
Mark Parsia as BARRY
Colin Murphy as NICK
Mark Levitt as MAX
Natalie Margiotta as KAREN
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Directed by Christopher Hart
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 PM
Performance Space:
UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Place
NYC 10009
(Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
Can a family survive a lifetime of lies or will it crumble like the broken down blue collar factory town around them? WHERE ART LIVES takes its audience on a twisted ride with a family who is trying to keep its head above water while everything they know and the life they have built can be taken from them at any moment. The play explores how the economic downfall of middle America effects everyone around it. Follow Art and his family’s struggles in WHERE ART LIVES.
Chaz McCormack as ART
Sandra Lucas as RUTH
Mark Parsia as BARRY
Colin Murphy as NICK
Mark Levitt as MAX
Natalie Margiotta as KAREN
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Directed by Christopher Hart
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 PM
Performance Space:
UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Place
NYC 10009
(Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
Promo Video - WHERE ART LIVES