See PSYCHIC CAFE On-Demand

PSYCHIC CAFÉ  Written by Anthony Fusco
Directed by Anna Governali

A flamboyant NYC psychic hires an assistant to draw in new business. The new guy has no idea what he’s in for until he meets the quirky clients who reveal the most bizarre, over-the-top secrets.

Watch On Demand at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/psychiccafe

Each ON DEMAND Viewing counts as a vote for your play.

The play with the most On Demand Views wins a spot in the FINALS.

The Top 5 On Demand Plays will get extra votes added to the total votes in the festival.

Voting Ends July 26th at 8pm

The FINALS for the Strawberry One-Act Festival is on

Thursday, July 28th at 7pm at the Theatre at St. Clement's

423 West 46th St, NYC

For tickets go to https://www.therianttheatre.com/item.php?date=2016-07-28

PSYCHIC CAFE Program Information, Creative Team & Actors

PSYCHIC CAFÉ Written by: Anthony Fusco
Directed by: Anna Governali, Assistant Director: Anthony Fusco

Time: The Present.                           Place: A Psychic Café, NYC.
                   
                    Characters In Order Of Appearance
Lorenzo Duefacci.......................  Ran Levy
Anthony Fontana........................  Thaddeus J. Abbott
Marianna Napoli.......................... Amy Losi
Lisa Burnstein.............................. Jessica Carillo
Eleanor Pozzo.............................  Amy Losi
Lucinda Toldmeso......................  Sophia Mahmud
Jerome........................................  Brian Reilly

Who's Who

Thaddeus J. Abbott (Anthony Fontana) Hails from beautiful and bustling Atlanta, Georgia. Recent credits include Lame Ducks (Timmy), Hedda Gabler (George Tesman), and Spring Awakening (Otto). He received a BA in Theatre at the University of Georgia and is a member of the Falconworks Theatre Company. He is excited and grateful to be working on his second Triangle Theatre production. Thanks to all those who have given their love and support, especially you Mom & Dad!

Ran Levy (Lorenzo Duefacci) A graduate of the “Lee Strasberg Institute”. A NYC based actor who works in Theater (We Won’t Pay; Boy Gets Girl; Three Sisters; Removal; Private Lives; Other Desert Cities), TV (Gotham, Madam Secretary; Limitless) and Commercials (Optimum; The Lift; Jersey Mike Subs). Ran also serves as artistic associate for Brooklyn Repertory Theater. He worked along side terror survivors in Israel while volunteering at a suicide call center. Ran is thrilled to be part of this production and would like to thank all who is involved! You can also see him in The Waitress which is also part of the Strawberry Festival. You can find him @ www.ranmlevy.com

Amy Losi (Marianna Napoli, Eleanor Pozzo) Has appeared on stage in lead and supporting roles in 45 comedies, dramas, and readings. Favorite roles: Olivia de Havilland in Livvie and J. De Beau (Manhattan Rep), three comic women in Perfectly Normel People (NY Fringe Encores), the title role in And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (Regional), Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, ten women in The Dining Room, the abusive Mother Superior in Eclipsed: The Magdalene Laundries, and Gloria’s sidekick in The Gloria Glitter Show (18 months, Broadway Comedy Club). Other credits: commercials, film, web, TV Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; Celebrity Ghost Stories). Amy is thrilled to be working with Anthony for the third time!

Jessica Carillo (Lisa Burnstein) Is a native New Yorker and continues to call New York home. Jessica has studied acting at HB Studio in Greenwich Village, the Labrynth Theatre group and most recently The Neighborhood Playhouse.  In 2015 Jessica starred in Fade to Black at the Secret Theatre. Jessica also starred in Black Me Out at the Kraine Theatre in the East Village and also at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City in 2015.  In 2014 Jessica had a role in Shakespeare's Coriolanus at the ATA theatre group in NY City. Jessica is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Strawberry Festival and a cast member of Psychic Café.

Sophia Mahmud (Lucinda Toldmeso) Sophia Mahmud is a Consultant Cardiologist, who is currently pursuing her life-long dream of acting. She is being trained by reputable Acting coaches. She has recently received awards for Script writing& Audience Choice award for her play “The Ticking Clock" which was performed at the Watermelon Festival Maryland. She has been in plays, on TV in "Blacklist" in 9 Trailers of feature films & multiple theatre plays. Her Web Series “COOP" won an award for best comedy series earlier this year. She loves her role of “Lucinda" in the play “Psychic Cafe" Written & Directed by Anthony Fusco. She feels honored to be performing in The Strawberry Festival in July of year 2016.

Brian Reilly (Jerome) Brian has performed in numerous off and off-off Broadway plays and is glad to be back on stage in this one. A few favorite roles have been Jason in Medea, Dupereet in Marat/Sade and Lee Finch in Meredith Oakes Faith. You might see him in the next year in some films in certain festivals. He is a graduate of Fordham University, with degrees in Theater Performance and Studio Art.

Anthony Fusco (Playwright, Assistant Director) Anthony is very excited to have his new play PSYCHIC CAFÉ presented as part of the Summer SOAF 2016. He was inspired to write this short comedy based on his past experiences working at the Psychic Cafe in Greenwich Village several years ago. The role of Lorenzo Duefacci is partly based on the owner and talented psychic Gabe Frattalone. He recently had two plays compete in the Thespis Theater Festival Summer 2015, as well as the VENUS ADONIS festival Winter 2016 in NYC. His one act psychological thriller titled FIXATION was nominated as one of the best four plays, at the Strawberry One Act Winter 2015 festival. He won best director award for his one act drama RUSH HOUR MADNESS, in the Strawberry One Act festival winter 2013. Anthony wants to thank his family, Anna, and his entire cast for making this happen! His other credits include, Crossing Verrazano, Confessions of a Bad Boy, Sole Mates, The Handbag Click Clack Girls, Str8 Men are Bitches too! Contact Anthony @ Triangletheatre@gmail.com

Anna Governali (Director) Is a New York based Playwright. She obtained her B.A. in English at Marymount Manhattan College in 2004. Credits include: Farwell King Carter, Farewell (Fresh Fruit Festival, 2015),Thirteen and A Half (Dream Up Festival, 2014), KINGS (Downtown Urban Theatre Festival, 2012 and Nuyorican Poet’s Café, 2013), Confessions of Compulsive Daters (John Chatterton’s Short Play Series, 2011), An Encounter With An Angel on the 42nd Street Platform While Contemplating Suicide (Strawberry Festival, 2011) and The Tupperware Convention  (Manhattan Repertory Theatre, 2010). Governali made her debut directing A Life In Slow Motion. She wants to thank Anthony and the wonderful cast for making this play come to life!
Hope Governali (Costumes Designer/Stylist) – Hope has a B.F.A in fashion design from F.I.T. She has a passion for working very closely with directors and performers to capture their vision in costume. Previous theatre credits -The Tupperware Convention (Manhattan Repertory Theatre), The Black Moon Theatre Company adaptation of Oscar Wilde- Salome (The Flea Theatre), An Encounter with an Angel on the 42nd Street platform (Strawberry Festival), KINGS (The Downtown Urban Theatre Festival & the Nuyorican Poets Café) Spare Change Production of Chekhov’s The Seagull and Don Nigro play Marina/Mata Hari.

PSYCHIC CAFÉ by Anthony Fusco

A flamboyant NYC psychic hires an assistant to draw in new business. The new guy has no idea what he’s in for until he meets the quirky clients who reveal the most bizarre, over-the-top secrets.

Thursday, July 14th at 9pm

Saturday, July 16th at 5pm
Sunday, July 17th at 3pm

For tickets go to https://www.therianttheatre.com/item.php?id=252

At the Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46^th Street, NYC
The Riant Theatre’s Strawberry One-Act Festival

PSYCHIC CAFE: Is The Future Written in Your Cards? By Aimee Teplitskiy

By Aimee Teplitskiy

Fortune cookies, horoscopes, Magic 8-balls, palm readings, tarot cards; we all immerse ourselves in a culture, in a society that is always looking to the future. We want to know what will happen tomorrow, or in a few weeks, or in ten years, and in the scramble for the future we often forget to live in the present.

        The play The Psychic Café, by Anthony Fusco, delves into the idea that perhaps we let fortune telling, and our obsession with always moving forward, dictate how we live our lives. The protagonist, Anthony Fontana, lives his life strictly by his tarot cards. If it is in the cards, it must be so. He allows psychic readings to dictate his every decision, and in doing so, he renders himself blind to the things going on around him.

        But Anthony is not alone in making this mistake. In fact, finding a balance between this cultural aspect of our society and the reality of the world around us is a struggle we all face. Take Nancy Reagan for example.  The former First Lady is known to have used an astrologer as a consult in very significant affairs during her husband’s presidency including the timing of the Presidential debates, military tactics, as well the date of his cancer treatment. Considering the fact that Nancy Reagan had so much pull in the White House, this could arguably be an inappropriate decision on her part. Should she really have allowed astrology to dictate the decisions that were made by the White House?

        Even looking beyond literal psychic readings, we face the struggle of future versus present in the scientific field as well. In the advanced, technological age we live in today scientists are constantly striving to uncover what the future holds, and in doing so, to prevent diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Gene mapping, the process of identifying the genes present in peoples’ DNA, is becoming a growing field of interest in the medical world. People want to be able to know the diseases that are embedded in their DNA, and that have a potential of being triggered in the future. In theory, gene mapping would help prevent the development of many hereditary diseases, and would also give scientists the ability to learn more about getting rid of these diseases altogether. However, if gene mapping is made more accessible, we need to consider the question of how will this affect the way we live in the present?

       If I got my genes mapped and found out that I have a chance of getting a disease, I could either go on living my life as I normally would, or I could structure the rest of my life around this slim chance that I might get this disease. I would have to decide if it is worth it to alter my life choices, so that I might evade triggering that disease.

        This is a concern that many different professionals have expressed on the topic of gene mapping. We need to consider how gene mapping results might affect patients’ mentalities, and if this process should be made accessible to the public in the face of these risks. But at the same time, how can we deny people the right to know what potentially lies in their future?

        I think that The Psychic Café has a very in depth way of portraying how much we let fear and anticipation of the future shape our life choices. I think too often we worry about how what we do will affect us later on, and do not stop to consider how much we are missing out on when always airing on the side of caution. We need to understand the importance of finding the balance between thinking ahead, and still enjoying the present moment. And the next time you sit down for a tarot card reading ask yourself: How much should we let the future dictate what we do in the present?

Let us know what you think below!!

The Psychic Café will be playing in the Strawberry One-Act Festival on July 14 (Thursday) at 9PM, July 16 (Saturday) at 5PM, July 17 (Sunday) at 3PM. The performance will take place at the Theatre at St. Clement’s at 423 West 46^th Street, NYC, between 9^th and 10^th avenue. Tickets can be purchased online at www.therianttheatre.com.

PSYCHIC CAFÉ by Anthony Fusco

A flamboyant NYC psychic hires an assistant to draw in new business. The new guy has no idea what he’s in for until he meets the quirky clients who reveal the most bizarre, over-the-top secrets.

Thursday, July 14th at 9pm

Saturday, July 16th at 5pm

Sunday, July 17th at 3pm

For tickets go to https://www.therianttheatre.com/item.php?id=252

PSYCHIC CAFE by Anthony Fusco. The Creative Team, Cast & Tickets

The Creative Team:

Anthony Fusco (Playwright, PSYCHIC CAFÉ, Director) Anthony is very excited to have his new play PSYCHIC CAFÉ presented as part of the Summer SOAF 2016. He recently had two plays compete in the Thespis Theater Festival Summer 2015, as well as the VENUS ADONIS festival Winter 2016 in NYC. His one act psychological thriller titled FIXATION, was nominated as one of the best four plays, at the Strawberry One Act Winter 2015 festival. He has been writing plays since 2006. He won best director award for his one act drama RUSH HOUR MADNESS, in the Strawberry One Act festival, winter 2013. His other credits include: CROSSING VERRAZANO, CONFESSIONS OF A BAD BOY, SOLEMATES, THE HANDBAG CLICK CLACK GIRLS, STR8 MEN ARE B**CHES TOO. 

Anna Governali (Director) Is a New York based Playwright. She obtained her B.A. in English at Marymount Manhattan College in 2004. Credits include: Farwell King Carter, Farewell (Fresh Fruit Festival, 2015),Thirteen and A Half (Dream Up Festival, 2014), KINGS (Downtown Urban Theatre Festival, 2012 and Nuyorican Poet’s Café, 2013), Confessions of Compulsive Daters (John Chatterton’s Short Play Series, 2011), An Encounter With An Angel on the 42nd Street Platform While Contemplating Suicide (Strawberry Festival, 2011) and The Tupperware Convention  (Manhattan Repertory Theatre, 2010). Governali made her debut directing A Life In Slow Motion. She wants to thank Anthony and the wonderful cast for making this play come to life! 

Gus Ferrari/Julia Genoveva (Lights & Sound) Contact: Genovevaproductions@gmail.com

The Cast

Ran Levy (Lorenzo Duefacci) A graduate of the “Lee Strasberg Institute”. A NYC based actor who works in Theater (We Won’t Pay; Boy Gets Girl; Three Sisters; Removal; Private Lives; Other Desert Cities), TV (Gotham, Madam Secretary; Limitless) and Commercials (Optimum; The Lift; Jersey Mike Subs). Ran also serves as artistic associate for Brooklyn Repertory Theater. He worked along side terror survivors in Israel while volunteering at a suicide call center. Ran is thrilled to be part of this production and would like to thank all who is involved! You can also see him in The Waitress which is also part of the Strawberry Festival. You can find him @ www.ranmlevy.com

Ryan Gregorio (Anthony Fontana) Ryan Gregorio is elated to be making his debut in The Strawberry One-Act Festival this year. A recent William Esper Studios graduate, he is currently writing and producing several short films with his brother. Previous roles include "Boo Piercy" in Album, "Timmy Cleary" in The Subject was Roses, and "Andy Price" in Billboard.

Amy Losi (Marianna Napoli, Eleanor Pozzo) Has appeared on stage in lead and supporting roles in 45 comedies, dramas, and readings. Favorite roles: Olivia de Havilland in Livvie and J. De Beau (Manhattan Rep), three comic women in Perfectly Normel People (NY Fringe Encores), the title role in And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (Regional), Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, ten women in The Dining Room, the abusive Mother Superior in Eclipsed: The Magdalene Laundries, and Gloria’s sidekick in The Gloria Glitter Show (18 months, Broadway Comedy Club). Other credits: commercials, film, web, TV Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; Celebrity Ghost Stories). Amy is thrilled to be working with Anthony for the third time!

Jessica Carillo (Lisa Burnstein) Is a native New Yorker and continues to call New York home. Jessica has studied acting at HB Studio in Greenwich Village, the Labrynth Theatre group and most recently The Neighborhood Playhouse.  In 2015 Jessica starred in Fade to Black at the Secret Theatre. Jessica also starred in Black Me Out at the Kraine Theatre in the East Village and also at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City in 2015.  In 2014 Jessica had a role in Shakespeare's Coriolanus at the ATA theatre group in NY City. Jessica is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Strawberry Festival and a cast member of Psychic Café.

Sophia Mahmud (Lucinda Toldmeso) Sophia Mahmud is a Consultant Cardiologist, who is currently pursuing her life-long dream of acting. She is being trained by reputable Acting coaches. She has recently received awards for Script writing& Audience Choice award for her play “The Ticking Clock" which was performed at the Watermelon Festival Maryland. She has been in plays, on TV in "Blacklist" in 9 Trailers of feature films & multiple theatre plays. Her Web Series “COOP" won an award for best comedy series earlier this year. She loves her role of “Lucinda" in the play “Psychic Cafe" Written & Directed by Anthony Fusco. She feels honored to be performing in The Strawberry Festival in July of year 2016.

Brian Reilly (Jerome) Brian has performed in numerous off and off-off Broadway plays and is glad to be back on stage in this one. A few favorite roles have been Jason in Medea, Dupereet in Marat/Sade and Lee Finch in Meredith Oakes Faith. You might see him in the next year in some films in certain festivals. He is a graduate of Fordham University, with degrees in Theater Performance and Studio Art.

PSYCHIC CAFÉ By Anthony Fusco
Lorenzo Duefacci, a flamboyant, renowned psychic in NYC, needs to hire an assistant to help draw in new business.  He hires Anthony Fontana as the new weekend tarot card reader.  Anthony has no idea what he’s in for until he meets the most unique clients he has ever read, with the most bizarre over-the-top confessions.  Get the inside look at the most intimate of conversations people have with their psychic.

Thursday, July 14th at 9pm
Saturday, July 16th at 5pm
Sunday, July 17th at 3pm

BUY TICKETS NOW CLICK HERE

Thursday, July 14th at 9pm
Playing with:

THE G69 TRIPLE X-TREME OSCILLATOR By Peter M. Carrozzo
Directed by James Kim
A couple’s discussion about the arrival of a newly purchased sexual device is complicated by the wife’s accidentally misplacing the instructions.  Their search for the whereabouts leads them into several unanticipated discoveries.

CROCKETT’S LAST STAND By George Cameron Grant
Directed by Joy Kelly
Aqueduct Productions, Inc.
Following his political career-ending speech before the House of Representatives, Colonel David Crockett encounters an escaped slave boy named Joseph, who teaches him that there is more to courage than flowery words, fancy shooting, and overblown legends.

NIGHTS ON THE COUCH By Matt Fotis
Featuring:  Bryson Bruce & Stephanie Juergens

One man’s journey from child to parent, told through five nights spent on the couch.

Saturday, July 16th at 5pm
Playing with:

LUCILLE ZANZIBARZ By Don Rosenthal

A one-act play diving into the emotions of a tormented man that may have murdered his wife.  You will cherish the moments of laughter that relieve you from the raw emotion.

REVOLVER By Paul Trupia
A social commentary involving the reality of guns. The reality of protection.

A VIEW FROM THE BACK By Yi Shi
Who contemplates the questions of love and death in a taxi?  A mosquito.

 

Sunday, July 17th at 3pm
Playing with:

SIXTY SHADES OF GREY By Amanda Ortega
A romantic comedy with a twist.  It’s a short play about a young single woman Lily rushing to meet her first “normal” match.com date, but her plans come to a screeching halt when she gets stuck in an elevator with a man she wants nothing to do with.  This cute story makes you realize your match might be closer than you think, you just have to pay a little more attention.  

FAMILY GOOGLING By Mark D. Tjarks
Jacqueline and Frank invite an old friend over for dinner, hoping she will influence Jacqueline’s daughter’s decision about her first teenage love.  The play takes place as they prepare the table for dinner and ends when they are finished.  They come to regret their decision to force the daughter, Becca (a Hebrew name meaning a trapper), to stay engaged in their conversation while she continues to text her lover on the phone (otherwise she will have to put her smartphone away). Having a smartphone at the ready during a conversation of old friends turns out to be a dangerous thing, as the daughter starts researching their stories through the internet.  They come to reveal and to learn more about themselves during the setting of the dinner table than they ever imagined.

A VIEW FROM THE BACK By Yi Shi
Who contemplates the questions of love and death in a taxi?  A mosquito.