Hello, fellow culture enthusiasts! Today I’m gonna be talking about the fabulous night I spent at RiffRaff NYC's recent fundraiser showcase at the hip Nubox Theater in Hell's Kitchen. Get ready for the deets because it was an absolute blast!
This showcase is the first of many that RiffRaff is planning, and at the moment they are using these events to raise money for their first, full-scale, production, which was announced recently to be Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
Joe Staton and Dorothea Gloria, the creative masterminds behind RiffRaff NYC, are on a mission to amplify the voices of immigrant artists in the realms of both theater and film. And let me tell you, their showcase was like a sneak peek into the magic they're brewing for their first full-scale production.
Close your eyes and picture this: a mixtape of scenes, songs, and monologues from a plethora of Shakespeare plays, all intricately woven into a tapestry of talent. It wasn't just your run-of-the-mill night at the theater; it was an immersive journey into the world of the Bard, spun by a crew that's all about celebrating diversity.
What really struck a chord with me was the dedication to giving immigrant actors a stage. RiffRaff has promised a 50% immigrant cast for every production, and this particular showcase featured actors from the US, UK, Israel, Belgium, France, the Philippines, Mexico, and Italy.
Now, let's dive into the stars of the evening. Every actor was a showstopper, but here are a few personal faves that left me buzzing:
Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, a British/Israeli actor, was an absolute revelation. From the spine-chilling Witch 2 in Macbeth to the side-splitting Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream (sporting a bear onesie that deserves its own accolade!), she was a powerhouse. And can we talk about her heart-wrenching turn as Arthur in King John? This was particularly delightful, not least because King John is so rarely done, and yet she and her scene partner (Amandalyn Mclellan, who played Arthur in that scene, and also Helena in the Midsummer scene - she was an incredibly powerful presence in both cases) proved that King John deserves as much recognition as some of Shakespeare’s other, more popular plays. Congratulations!
Hraban Luyat, who played Lysander in the Midsummer scene, deserves a shoutout for bringing his own colorful flair to the stage – literally! Those boxer shorts were a riot, adding a playful touch to a fantastic performance.
In As You Like It, Mila Besson as Rosalind and Adriana Ellis as Celia were a dream team. Besson lit up the room, bringing Rosalind's wit and charm to life. The chemistry between these leading ladies was palpable and added a layer of realness to the whole production.
The Much Ado About Nothing crew – Gal Yosepov, John Rearick, Gabriel Saint Claire, and Joe Mosley – had me in stitches. The camaraderie was infectious, and a special shoutout to Gal Yosepov who nailed it as Claudio. What a stage presence!
Now, let's talk feelings. Chrysi Sylaidi and Patrick-Troy Brandt as Cassius and Brutus in Julius Caesar had me on an emotional rollercoaster. The way they handled Shakespeare's language was like poetry in motion. Seriously, I was hooked.
Gilda Mercado deserves major props for her powerful monologue from Henry V. She owned the stage, commanding attention and leaving an indelible impression.
Gwendolyn Fitz serenaded us with her ukulele, and I was transported to the 1950s with her dreamy voice. If you're into retro vibes, follow her on Instagram @gwendolynfitzmusic and check out her Spotify – you won't be disappointed!
Last but certainly not least, major kudos to Chloe Champken, the director who made the whole showcase flow and transition effortlessly, almost like a Shakespeare Cinematic Universe. Hopping from one mesmerizing scene to the next felt very natural - she’s certainly a director who knows what she’s doing and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
Again, every player deserves a shoutout for all the hard work that they brought to this project! The stellar cast included Max Johnsson, Justin Viz, Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, Joe Mosley, Patrick Troy-Brandt, Chrysi Sylaidi, Russel Legaspi, Juliana Wheeler, Benedetta Spinetti, Joel Watson, Joe Staton, Mila Besson, Dorothea Gloria, Taylor Hilliard, Adriana Ellis, Haraban Luyat, Gilda Mercado, Annasole Podesta, John Rearick, Gal Yosepov, and Gabriel Saint Claire, and Gwendolyn Fitz.
Oh, and guess what? You can still be part of the magic. Follow RiffRaff NYC on Instagram @riffraffnyc, and if you're feeling extra generous, toss a coin to their GoFundMe, which has recently been released: (https://www.gofundme.com/f/j7h9d-riffraff-nyc-presents-a-midsummer-nights-dream). Let's keep the spotlight shining bright on immigrant voices in the arts! ✨