“What kind of name is that? Is this the church of Scientology?”
“My dream come true would be,” a lively Kathy Griffin announced, “to end the show up here, alone, with no one left in the audience.”
Sorry to disappoint, Kathy, but there was not a single walk-out last night at the sold out Zeiterion Theater in historic downtown New Bedford, or as Kathy calls it: New-f*ck!ng-Bedford.
Some may call her humor vulgar, but to everyone at the performance, it was comedic gold.
The evening began with a busy downtown, there wasn’t a single free seat at Freestones, No Problemo, or Brick. Locals and visitors just in town for the show navigated the still-snow covered cobble stone streets and filled the lobby just before showtime. To the left of the main entrance Z members reunited over bites from Not Your Average Joe’s and craft cocktails in the VIP lounge.
Finally inside the theater, a group of twenty-something girlfriends discuss Kathy’s short stint as the host of Fashion Police, while an older couple sitting behind them marvel at the beautifully designed theater interiors. The colorful crowd was comprised of friends, families, fans, and a few grand parents. A great stage performance, whether it be comedy, music, or dance, has the power to bring together an incredibly eclectic group of individuals.
“Thank you for supporting live performance of any kind,” Kathy told the crowd.
The show opened with a montage of photos and video clips spanning her whole career and stormed the stage to “Bang Bang” by Jessie J and Ariana Grande. Taking time to discuss our recent snowmageddon and the local accent, Kathy’s humor reached a much more personal level than we’ve seen from her in a while. If you’ve missed the casual whip-smart humor from “Life on the D-List”, Kathy’s live performances are not to be missed. Her unapologetic humor rings true and she points out the funny side of just about everything, unafraid of consequences or judgement.
Her hyper-current approach to comedy might have alienated some of the audience if it wasn’t for expertly timed references to Susan Powter and Barry Manilow. But even through the borderline offensive content, the head-strong feminist took time to show support not only for women, but also veterans, the LGBT community, and the seventeen straight men who were dragged to the performance by their girlfriends. Her knack is her use of context, where she plays a joke only where there is humor, and not where there is intolerance, of any kind. Although her beloved mother, Maggie Griffin may continue to beg her to stop talking about the church, for Christs’ sake, she is careful to abide by equal-opportunity, poking fun at Catholics and Scientologists alike, and reality television stars as well.
But between the dick jokes, and stories about celebrities, she mentions, in passing, texting a photo of herself backstage to upcoming Z performer, Weird Al Yancovik. Look where I am, this place is awesome… she texts him. Our local stage has a reputation that reaches beyond Boston, clear cross country to the land of the fruits and nuts, Los Angeles.
When unavoidably discussing the late Joan Rivers, the evening could have easily taken a somber tone, but rather than lament, Kathy celebrated her good friend’s achievements by sharing personal stories the pair’s shenanigans. But under the real fur coats, and celeb-bashing, these two have paved the way for women’s equality in the entertainment world. Joan’s career began at a time when women were not taken seriously on the comedy stage, and today every icon in the industry knows that her shoes can never be filled. Kathy has taken the torch and continues in her late friend’s path, forging the future of unapologetic, outspoken women. “Take that, ‘girls-can’t-be-funny’”, she asserts.
After discussing her relationship with a younger man, the Kardashians, and stealing Harry Styles’ signature coat, Kathy closed the night with a private meet and greet with a select group of front of the house ticket holders. The VIP event was meticulously carried through, and guests left the theater with smiles on their faces and sore abs the next morning.
As the crowds dispersed and the crew began to break down the stage, the large theater seemed to still hum with laughter and applause.
For more of the iconic Zeiterion theater, check out their own upcoming performers at zeiterion.org to get in on the action.
Support your local theater, enjoy a night out on the town, and celebrate the best that New Bedford has to offer.
For more of Kathy Griffin, check out her website kathygriffin.net for upcoming performances.
New Bedford Guide launches South Coast Dining Guide
By Matthew Neumann
Like many Americans, the staff at New Bedford Guide loves food and we love eating local. The Greater New Bedford area has been recognized multiple times over the past five years, for various accolades, but one of the categories overlooked is dining. We boast some of the best and freshest seafood in the country, unmatched Portuguese offerings, authentic Italian, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese and so many more options. I can confidently sit behind my laptop and say that we’re a hidden gem in the dining community. Our establishments have been featured all over Phantom Gourmet, making the less fortunate observers left to drool, while we gorge ourselves and expand our waistlines.
It’s because of our love for all things food that we are proud to announce the launch of our South Coast Dining Guide. The South Coast Dining Guide is unique in that our guide is not only for all the residents of our beautiful area, but also for the restaurants themselves.
Users are able to navigate our beautiful and easy-to-use layout to find the best dining options, both on their desktop and mobile phones. Our clients (restaurant owners, managers, marketing reps, etc.) are able to enjoy the many features our dining profiles offer, as well as other marketing opportunities with New Bedford Guide, and our incredible growth and traffic (view our analytics and company information here).
Here is a list of features that are offered in the South Coast Dining Guide (version 1.0):
Google Maps API – You are able to quickly locate restaurants addresses through the built in Google Maps API. In addition, users can pull up the location directly on their mobile phone for easy access to GPS directions.
Built-in Social Media – Once a restaurant claims their listing, all applicable social media profiles are linked and featured on their profile. This allows users quick and easy access to view specials, discounts, coupons, photos, news and more.
Mobile Friendly – How people access information is changing, the majority of us get all of our information via our smartphone. This is why it was important to make sure the dining guide had responsive design built-in. As of January 2014, 58% of Americans owned a smart-phone. Making your website mobile friendly is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Our beautiful and easy-to-use dining guide has been designed, developed and optimized for your smart phone.
Video Spotlight – One of the benefits of working at New Bedford Guide is the access businesses give us. We are able to show our users a glimpse into the every day operation of businesses that other media companies simply don’t have access to or aren’t interested in. It’s this personal look into businesses that truly connect the business with their customers. With our built in video feature, restaurants can receive a New Bedford Guide video spotlight, and integrate it right into their dining profile.
Dining Blog – We love to write, and we love to write about food. We’ve been fortunate enough to be invited into some of the best restaurants in the area to spotlight and/or write reviews. We’ve enjoyed some truly incredible meals that even the perfect adjective(s) can’t quite describe and need to be experienced personally. With our dining blog, users are able to read our first hand, unbiased accounts of dining in the south coast.
Dining Amenity Tags – One of my favorite features of the dining guide is our tagging/filter system. Once a restaurant claims their listing, we go through all the amenities they offer. This allows the user to engage our filter system to find the exact dining experience they are looking for. Users can look for locations that offer free Wi-Fi, accept the UMass Pass, have outdoor seating, as well as many other options.
With every new product we launch at New Bedford Guide, the strategy behind it always looks to the future. So what features can users and businesses expect in version 2.0?
Online Food & Drink Menus – From a pure consumer stand point, nothing annoys me more than not being able to window shop before I buy. When making the all important decision on where I’m going to eat breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, a glance at the menu before choosing is a must. I’ve spoken to friends, family and New Bedford Guide fans, and one thing they all agree on is that the dining guide has to have menus.
Over the next month, we will be working to develop and integrate food and drink menus into our listings. We’ve set a very ambitious goal of adding 300 menus by the end of 2015.
Events – Trivia question of the day: Does anyone know how New Bedford Guide got its start? The answer is, as an online event system called Local Oracle (some of you might recognize that name). Local Oracle featured the events of numerous New Bedford area businesses, and also the embarrassingly awkward The Dating Game (high five if you were ever on it). As Mike Silvia and I noticed a demand for a broader range of information, we closed the doors of Local Oracle and launched New Bedford Guide, the rest is history.
With that being said, our number one clients on Local Oracle were restaurants. From live music, to trivia, jam sessions and even arm wrestling matches, there is always something to do, on any given day in the South Coast.
With that in mind, we are developing an event system to integrate into each dining profile. This will allow our clients to market their events, and for users to plan out their week. Look for that in the second quarter of 2015.
Do you have an idea for a dining guide feature? Contact us
We are very excited for the launch of the South Coast Dining Guide, and we hope our fans and businesses are also excited. If you are a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, franchise, etc. and want to become a partner of the South Coast Dining Guide, please click here to submit a listing or locate your business and claim it.
Thanks for your continued support of New Bedford Guide and enjoy the brand new South Coast Dining Guide.
If you are a business owner or manager and would like to discuss a plan and/or claim your listing, please contact Charles Turay at charles@newbedfordguide.com
Do you see a business missing from the dining guide? Contact us and let us know what restaurant(s) we missed.
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Featured Job of the Month – Reinhart Food Service
A unique combination of advantages:
Competitive pay, corporate stability, great benefits and a $4,000 sign-on bonus:
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Widely respected as an employer of choice, Reinhart Foodservice is the nation’s fourth-largest U.S. broadline distributor, and the largest family-owned distributor in the U.S. In addition to excellent pay, we offer the size, strength, stability, and resources to help you succeed; and with local routes that get you home daily, you’ll enjoy the quality work/life balance you want, and the competitive compensation you deserve.
CLASS A CDL DRIVERS – New Bedford, MA
Transporting products from our distribution center to our customer locations, the individuals we select will conduct pre/post-trip inspections, unload cased products from trailers to desired locations, and handle other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Current, valid Class A CDL for interstate commerce.
A minimum of one year’s professional driving experience or equivalent military driving experience.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to operate a Tracscan unit and lift/move up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
A clean MVR.
21+ years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
The ability to pass a post-offer-letter drug test, DOT physical, and background check.
Food distribution/delivery experience, preferred.
In addition to competitive wages, we offer options for medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D, disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), and home/auto insurance.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the nature of our business in regard to such things as delivery schedules, order inputs, selection, and Department of Transportation Hours of Service, overtime, attendance and punctuality are essential job functions. Should an individual in this classification not be able to adhere to this requirement due to a disability, they should contact their Human Resources department to see what, if any, reasonable accommodation may be made.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled – Drug Free Workplace.
New Bedford Guide and Advanced Eye Centers partner for eye health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Matthew Neumann, New Bedford Guide
508-369-3942
Eric Abrantes, Advanced Eye Centers
508-717-0270
NEW BEDFORD GUIDE AND ADVANCED EYE CENTERS TEAM UP
Two local companies form a partnership to promote community eye health
NEW BEDFORD, MA (6.16.2014) – New Bedford Guide and Advanced Eye Centers have partnered up in 2014 to promote the importance of eye health.
In 2014, New Bedford Guide’s Michael Silvia and Matthew Neumann are striving to make the promotion of health in our community a key focus. Their first move was to partner with the premier eye health care center in the region, Advanced Eye Centers. With four locations throughout the southern coast of Massachusetts, Advanced Eye has become synonymous with patient care, eye health & education, and being at the forefront of eye care technology.
“When forming any type of partnership, Mike and I want to look for businesses with a strong sense of community. After a few meetings, it was clear to us that not only does Advanced Eye Centers have strong community ties, but every patient interaction is one that matters to them,” said Matthew. “This can be seen by the strong reviews that they receive and my observance of their day to day operations. It was a no brainer for us to partner with them.”
Eric Abrantes, marketing director for Advanced Eye Centers echoed Matthew’s thoughts on the importance of community, “Advanced Eye Centers chose to partner with New Bedford Guide because they are an extension of our local Community. At least a dozen of our employees and 70 of my friends already follow them. It’s not everyday you can create something for the community and people you know. We do not take that responsibility lightly. We look forward to the feedback everyone has.”
Eric had the following thoughts on eye health, “Vision is an awesome thing, and it is not something we think about often. Our goal is to create educational content about health, technology advances, and awesome products that have been developed in the last few years.”
The partnership will include interesting and informative articles and videos about eye health. Articles will be written by Dr. Irene Lee of Advanced Eye Centers. Dr. Lee graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College in 1999 and received her Doctorate of Medicine from New York University in 2004. She is a certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Her expertise will be essential to the partnership.
Advanced Eye Centers has locations at 500 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, 1741 President Ave, Fall River, 854 Purchase Street, New Bedford and 1 Washington Street, Taunton. They specialize in general eye care, cataracts, laser vision correction and all types of eyewear.
CrossFit for Hope at Whaling City CrossFit
Whaling City Cross Fit, or WCCF is the first full-time CrossFit training facility in New Bedford and the SouthCoast. They CrossFit training for all fitness levels and ages. No matter what your current fitness level or previous fitness experience, whether Grandma or student, athlete or couch potato, WCCF is endeavoring to raise your fitness.
Husband and Wife team, Erik and Tess Hedblom, opened Whaling City CrossFit in April 2012. “Erik had been wanting to get into the fitness business for a long time,” recalls Tess, “and when we discovered CrossFit, he knew he had found what he’d been searching for.” Not long after beginning the CrossFit program himself, Erik became a Level 1 Trainer and Tess his first student. Now, as a trainer team, they are very passionate about helping others change their lives with CrossFit.
What is this CrossFit program that seems to be spreading across the globe? According to CrossFit HQ’s website (crossfit.com), the CrossFit program “delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.
The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience. We’ve used our same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change programs.
The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree not kind. Our terrorist hunters, skiers, mountain bike riders and housewives have found their best fitness from the same regimen.”
Currently, there are over 3,500 CrossFit affiliates operating “small box” gyms worldwide, with new ones popping up every day. “CrossFit ‘boxes’ are completely different from traditional gyms,” Erik says. “There are no machines where you can leisurely read the tabloids while getting your workout in. In CrossFit, we teach functional movements; movements that, done correctly, can improve your ability to do anything, from getting out of a chair to climbing Mt. Everest.” Types of exercises found in CrossFit includes running, rowing, biking, gymnastics, weightlifting, and kettlebells.
But CrossFit is also more than a fitness program, according to Erik, its a community. And the CrossFit community is coming together on June 9th to help St. Jude and children suffering from Cancer. If you’d like to make a donation to help WCCF reach their fundraising goal, please visit https://hope.crossfit.com/sponsor?id=A3700. 100% of the proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
And, if you’d like to find out more about CrossFit, or would like to give it a try, visit http://whalingcitycrossfit.com.
An Interview with Local Ninja Luis Moço
by Matt Neumann
“American Ninja Warrior” is an obstacle course competition based on “Sasuke”, the original Japanese version known as “Ninja Warrior” in the U.S. and other countries. For the past three years “American Ninja Warrior” has culminated with a mere ten Americans competing in Japan. This year a new format was introduced keeping the entire competition in the U.S. Six regional preliminary rounds were held with approximately 125 competitors in each region. Each region ran its own six obstacle preliminary course with the top thrity times advancing to a nine obstacle semi-final course, narrowing the field to fifteen finalists from each region. Ten “Wildcard” contestants were chosen at producer’s discretion to join the ninetyregional finalists in Las Vegas, which consisted of a grueling, 4-stage final obstacle course.
The Prize for achieving “Total Victory”: $500,000 and eternal bragging rights as the 1st American Ninja Warrior “Grand Champion.” American Ninja Warrior premieres the first of the six regional preliminary rounds on Sunday, May 20th at 9pm on the G4 channel. Regional semi-final rounds will air the following night at 9pm on NBC.
A triumphant Luis Moco!
Athletes with diverse backgrounds as well as professionals from non-sport related careers have run the course. “American Ninja Warrior” requires speed, strength, agility, confidence, and the ability to think and react in the moment. Many Parkour athletes, or Free-Runners do very well on the course due to their training which normal consists of running, jumping, climbing, and general body awareness. Confidence is a key ingredient to success in any sport, and Parkour inherently teaches you to be confident in your own abilities at a moment’s notice and strive to push your limitation to become a better athlete.
Luis Moço, a professional Stunt Performer from New Bedford, MA competed for the third time this year in the Northeast region’s event. Episodes are tentatively scheduled to air June 3rd and 4th. I had a chance to sit down with our local Ninja and stuntman extraordinaire to discuss being on American Ninja Warrior and his experience working on movies and TV shows as a stunt performer.
1.) You went through the whole American Ninja Warrior process last year, why did you want to be part of American Ninja Warrior 2012?
It’s just too much fun to stop! You meet other athletes and keep in touch when you’re not competing. It’s a great community to be a part of. We all want each other to succeed. It’s less of a competition and more of a social gathering with and obstacle course to play on.
2.) Are you happy with your performance in this years American Ninja Warrior? How much training did you put into this years competition?
I’m very happy with how I did this year. I’ve been training specifically for ANW 2012 since January; building replica obstacles and working on my upper body strength. I was way more prepared this year than last.
3.) How did your background in stunt work help you with the competition?
For his day job Luis likes to play chicken with cars ... the cars usually win.
When I’m on set and the Director calls “ACTION”, its go time. If something goes wrong I have to adapt and make it work, I can’t just stop and ask to do it again. I have to suppress any doubt and be confident that my training will get me through the scene. ANW is very similar; you’re waiting on the starting block, looking down the course, waiting for your chance to run and when it comes you have one shot. No second chances, no “take two”, you either succeed or fail. You have to adapt in the moment and be confident.
4.) Speaking of your stunt work, favorite stunt you’ve ever done? favorite actor/actress you’ve worked with? and, favorite movie/tv show you’ve worked on? and why?
Favorite stunt would have to be my first car hit. It was the first stunt I did after moving to NY in 2010 on a show called “Blue Bloods.” It went great, everyone was impressed and the stunt community heard about it quickly, which helped me get more work.
Favorite actor would be Robert De Niro. I did a small scene with him in a movie called “Being Flynn”; he comes to my door with a bat with nails sticking out of it and when I opened the door he swings it at my head. Real bat, real nails, and we rehearsed this 15-second scene for 10 minutes just to make sure he didn’t hit me, very professional.
Favorite film was a movie I worked on for a few months this past winter called RIPD. Shot completely in Boston, I learned so much from just being on set every day. Most of the time I work a day or two on a project and that’s it. It was nice to know I had work the next day.
5.) If you could work on ANY upcoming film, what would it be? What role would you want to have in the film?
I would love to work on a superhero movie just to wear the costume. If I could double Batman or Captain America that would be a dream come true.
Luis playing a tough guy on TV.
6.) American Ninja Warrior is not for the faint of heart. Do you have any advice for any aspiring Ninja’s out there?
If you’ve seen the show and think you’ve got what it takes, submit a video and try out. Find a gym with ANW specific obstacles in it and give it a try, especially the Quad Steps. For those of you who don’t know, the Quad Steps are usually the very first obstacle you’ll have to face, and I’d say 30-40% of people fail them. It’s easy to underestimate an obstacle that looks simple on TV. I’ve done it and failed. Give every obstacle 100% of your attention, worry about the next one when you get to it.
7.) Speaking of Ninja’s, pretty cool being a Ninja?
Ha, I wouldn’t consider myself a “Ninja”, but I am a competitor and an athlete. I do watch the show and when I see myself running the course I do think its pretty cool.
8.) You got injured training for this years American Ninja Warrior, how are you feeling? Will you do it again next year?
Unfortunately, I tore the ACL and Meniscus in my left knee training, it’s a huge set back and I’m having surgery to repair it now that the competition is over. I’m pretty upset about it, but I know I’ll be back in shape for next years competition.
9.) Final question, any projects on the horizon and where can people look for you on TV and in the movies (past or present)?
Everything is on hold for a few months now that I’m having surgery but I did work on Men in Black 3, which should hit theaters soon. I was recently featured on an episode of “Gossip Girl”. I worked on a subway fight scene with Bradley Cooper in “Limitless” that you could find online. I had a small part in “Whaling City” which filmed here in New Bedford as well. I’ve worked on several TV shows that film in NY but most of the time you can’t see my face so it’s hard to tell where I am. I really don’t care about seeing myself on screen anymore, but doing a great stunt is always exciting!
Check out G4’s What it Takes to be An American Ninja Warrior video for more details!
As the city of New Bedford prepares for the fast-approaching screening of local director Jay Burke’s film “Whaling City” on September 24, NewBedfordGuide.com talked with the film’s star, PJ Sosko, about his work on the film. In addition, he talked about his roots as an actor and where he hopes his career takes him in the future.
New Bedford Guide: What or who originally inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
PJ Sosko: Two things stick in my mind here. First, when I was a kid, I distinctly remember going to see “Hook,” the Spielberg take on “Peter Pan,” and leaving that theater just f***ing happy. I remember (it was strong enough to stay with me all these years), this feeling of how excited and happy the audience was. I want do that: have a room full of strangers feel awesome after seeing a story I just helped to tell. Then in college at the University of Rochester, after quitting cross country because the coach was an a-hole, I decided to audition for this guy that was taking over the theater department, who was from London, and had worked with the RSC and had a very distinguished background. [His name is] Mervyn Willis. Well, he took me under his wing and cast me in his first production of Dickens’ “Nicholas Nickelby,” all eight hours as Nicholas, and that was the beginning of our mentor/student relationship that lasted through school, a 3-month Russian tour of The Brothers Karamzov, and several productions at La Mama, off-Broadway in New York City, before I branched out on my own to see if anyone else would hire me. As it turned out, Mervyn was not alone in his belief in me, but I’ll never forget the lessons I learned from Mervyn, that little British leprechaun calling out from the darkness of the Todd Theater, “I don’t believe you PJ!” And me trying to find a different way to “be more real.”
NBG: Before becoming an actor, how did you make a living?
PJS: Luckily I’ve been able to make a living for quite some time now from all the various sources of employment out there [available] to actors: voice-overs, industrials, commercials, video games, and, of course theater, TV, and film. Before I was able to pay all my bills I was a bartender, but I was the bottle-flipping/flaring/dancing around bartender. I figured if I had to do it, I’d at least make it like “Cocktail,” that silly Tom Cruise movie. It was fun, a great life experience and there were many lessons learned, but I was very happy to tell the latest coke-sniffing club owner to take his job and shove it as soon as I was able.
NBG: Why did you choose the life of an actor?
PJS: Let me put this simply: I love what I do and that alone is infectious to other artists and to audiences. I think the most powerful tool we have is our imagination and this job allows me to wield it in ways that are incredibly powerful. There is a responsibility you have as an artist, without sounding all highfalutin about it, that is often overlooked. There have always been storytellers, from back when it was about painting on walls and grunting about it. [There is] a sense of community, a rare thing shared between the audience and the storyteller, in all its forms, that allows us to leave our own worries and problems and get wrapped up in someone else’s.
PJ starred as McMurphy in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Whether it means shared tears or laughter, we need this release and we need to further our understanding of human nature. I get to do that and that is why I chose this life: to help enlighten us about ourselves. People trust me to take them on a journey. I don’t take that lightly. I want it always to be a fun and thought-provoking ride, going places you didn’t necessarily expect. But ultimately, it’s a quest for truth and I’m all in on that quest. Hopefully, “Whaling City” will be an example of that.
NBG: What are some films or TV programs you’ve worked on in the past?
PJS: As far as TV goes, I slowly worked my way up the “Law & Order” ladder. What had been my first job with a couple lines ended with being cast in my third episode as the killer of the episode on a really important show that dealt with abortion in the best way: exploring all sides. I’ve also been on “Royal Pains,” “Gravity,” and also happened to host an Emmy-winning documentary called “Looking to the River.” I just wrapped another indie called “Surviving Family.” And right before I started “Whaling City,” I filmed my first small role in a big feature called “Premium Rush,” directed by David Koepp and staring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Shannon of “Boardwalk Empire,” as well as a bunch of short films, including the lead in Allan Knee’s “Film Noir.” Allan wrote the original script that “Finding Neverland” was based on.
NBG: Since becoming an actor, can you tell me about one experience so far that stands out to you, for any reason?
"We're dazzled by Brother John and by PJ Sosko's riveting performance." - Variety on the February 2010 NYC premiere of the play ReEntry
PJS: For the last three years or so I’ve been involved with a Docu-play called “ReEntry.” It’s all about the struggle Marines have coming home and assimilating into society, taken from interviews with the real deal. Five actors, each of us play a couple different roles, but it’s direct address so the audience is the interviewer and we’re speaking straight to them, no-holds-barred, about all these true feelings these soldiers have, unedited. It was intense: we went through a boot camp; one of the actors was a Drill Sargent in the Corps for three years, it was a truly amazing experience. We did “ReEntry” off-Broadway and at a couple regional theaters and most importantly we got invited into veteran hospitals and onto actual Marine bases like Quantico to perform for the soldiers. Four-star generals were watching me portray something I had never had a connection to before working on this show.
While at a huge Post-traumatic stress disorder conference in San Diego, in an auditorium filled with about a thousand soldiers of all ranks, their doctors and therapists, and their associated families, two incredible moments occurred. Towards the beginning of the show my character, who is a real ball-buster alpha type with four deployments, who eventually goes through a suicidal episode, is saying in his blunt fashion why he joined the Marines. And I tell you what would seem to be the entire place yelled in unison “OOO-RAH!” [It happened] in a fashion that shook the rafters and me to my inner core. After that show, at a talkback with the audience, a lady got on the mic and professed to me and another actor how we had reminded her of her two sons, both of whom she had lost to the war. I took this moment to leap off the stage and run down to this woman and hug her because I knew everyone in the audience was feeling the same damn thing and I was in the enviable position to do something about it. Sometimes with what we do we get to be kind of transcendent. And when the real thing, people who have actually walked in the shoes you’re trying to portray, come back at you with this overwhelming energy of appreciation and connection and understanding, well, anyone who tries to tell me that there is no power in theater can pretty much kiss my ass.
NBG: Here’s my final question before we move onto your experience with “Whaling City.” Where do you hope to take your career?
PJS: Ideally I want to continue to work in all mediums. I’ll never stop working the boards, because live theater is an incredible rush, but I’m enjoying my film and TV work as well. Being on camera is a very different beast, one small blink and something can seem untrue or fabricated so you’re tapping into a whole different skill set of creativity and craft, and that’s really exciting. In a “this is a journey not a destination” kind of way I’m constantly learning more and honing my craft to be able to tap into whatever I need to, to get the job done. Ultimately I’d like to work with the best in the business because I feel like I have a lot to offer at that table, where we all get to play pretend at a really high level.
NBG: The city of New Bedford, Mass. has been patiently waiting for their first opportunity to see Jay Burke’s “Whaling City.” Now that the local screening is on the horizon, I’d like to get your side of what the whole experience was like. So for starters, how did you become involved with “Whaling City?”
PJS: A friend recommended me. What I love about what I’ve been able to do in the city is surround myself with a bunch of like-minded artists, writers, actors, directors, and we continue to create. There are workshops and readings and getaways to the woods to work on a piece. This stuff rarely sees the light of day or by the time it does they have to cast some TV star to get the thing produced off-Broadway. One of these friends, who I’d known for years, who had actually been in the first small play I had done in the city, thought I should be seen for the role of Sean, the same one he happened to be going in for as well. I owe him one, because they called me back and the rest is history.
NBG: What was your initial reaction to the script during your first read-through?
PJS: I loved the blue-collar working class aspect of it, the human experience that these guys are being forced to go through to make a living. You could tell the writer had something in his mind he wanted to share and it was full, and rich, and I felt like I “got” Sean. I liked him. I understood him. It was just a good fit. I’d never seen this background, the fishing culture, expressed in a film in this manner. It was gritty, [but] not a big budget disaster film, and it seemed the zeitgeist was open to and interested in this kind of story, what with the success of shows like “Deadliest Catch” and the like, it felt like this was the right time to tell the tale.
NBG: Tell me about your personal process for creating and preparing your character before shooting began.
PJS: Well that’s like a magician revealing his tricks but I’ll tell you this: I think all the answers, or at least a lot of them, are found in the text of the script. There’s always more work to be done and things that you as a person bring to the character, but it’s usually a meeting in the middle of you and this other version of you. Different parts call for different preparation. I’m not going to approach a Shakespearean character and Sean in the same manner. There are different tools to use, different places to tap. I’m glad I got a chance to spend a weekend out here before filming began, so I could get a smell for the place, a feel for the people, and where they were coming from. That kind of stuff kept the search in the right direction for sure.
NBG: When you were shooting the film, how did the city of New Bedford make you feel?
PJS: Welcome. The entire city was our film set. It was awesome. New Bedford has such a distinct feel to it and it truly is a character in the film all its own. We got to show the real nuts and bolts of the fishing industry and the town because all these businesses opened their doors to us. By using the real thing, including having some of the locals in the actual film, people like Charlie Chicken and Big Bergie, it allows the film to be more on-target in depicting the real thing successfully. Keep in mind that Jay has worked on this piece for over ten years so some of the issues have changed slightly over the years. By involving these guys in the process, we were able to alter certain lines on the fly to be more reflective of the real issues today. I think were accurately depicting the whole situation because it came straight from the source.
NBG: During shooting, did you spend time out in the community, experiencing the city?
PJS: Funny story. Towards the end of the shoot, one of the producers told me of an encounter he had with one of the locals, this random guy had said to him, “You’re doing that movie with ‘the fisherman’ in it,” like I was this newly crowned character in the town. “The Fisherman,” my superhero alter ego from the docks! Another time, some locals, who had been playing extras in the film happened to be drinking that day in the establishment where we were filming and decided to include me in a round of shots at the end of the day because they thought I was the real deal. I’d say there was definitely a connection with them.
NBG: What were some of your favorite aspects of New Bedford?
PJS: Just the way in which the whole town seemed to be so supportive of the project. I will come back here again and again just because of the lasting impression this experience of shooting here as been for me. I met lots of locals who were so supportive and excited for this project during our shoot. So, I look forward to sitting in the Big Z [Zeiterion Theater] and sharing all our hard work with everyone.
NBG: The film stalled for a while due to financing issues. What did that mean for you?
PJS: Apparently as a result of a stall in the funding, I was found to play the lead in the film so, inadvertently, it was awesome for me. Having come to the project late in the process and with no real rehearsal and only three weeks to prepare, I had my hands full bringing Sean to life. I didn’t mix in with the initial producing process, though I have to say I feel really close with this project. I put lot into it and I’m really proud of how it has turned out.
NBG: What do you hope local audiences will take away from the film?
PJS: I hope that people feel that we’ve nailed it, that we’ve not only told the story truthfully, but that we’ve shed a light on a forgotten beautiful place of hardworking people that possess a unique flavor all their own, as well as having opened up a conversation about what to do about the problems these men and women face on a daily basis.
NBG: Tell me what you think the film will offer audiences outside of New Bedford and the South Coast.
PJS: Look this is a story of the human struggle to try to continue to make your nut in a world that doesn’t seem to want to let you anymore. These old industries: the farmers, the fisherman, the real working class of this nation, for whatever reasons, are being overlooked. This is a feeling everyone shares in many businesses, especially in this time. The specialness of this story is where it happens: New Bedford. [It is also about] how this story unfolds under the confines of the fishing industry of today and all the unique hardships within that culture. It also presents all sides of an issue without saying who is right and who is wrong, so we can let people make up their own minds about things, and have real opinions about all these characters and what they have to do to get by.
NBG: What direction do you hope the film goes in, after its premier?
PJS: I’d love the film to really get seen in the big festivals. I’ve never had a project that I felt so strongly about and also felt proud of my work in it, go the Sundance and Tribeca film festival route. I think it really has a legitimate chance to be seen in these type of venues. And if that happens, I’d be surprised if we didn’t get the chance to be released nation-wide. I mean why not hope for the best? Otherwise we never should have made it in the first place. But we did make it and I think it turned out pretty damn good. Hopefully this screening is the beginning of really fun ride.
A public screening of Whaling City will be shown at the Zeiterion Theater starting at 8 p.m., Saturday September 24th. Details can be found here and tickets can be purchased on the Zeiterion’s website. Keep up-to-date on the film by subscribing to the Whaling City Facebook page or by visiting their website.
Whaling City Trailer
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Whaling City Film at Zeiterion Theatre (24 Sept)
by Eric Tripoli
For over 10 years, Dartmouth native Jay Burke has been working to complete his first feature-length film, Whaling City. What began as a script he wrote as a student at Columbia Film School, Whaling City is finally nearing completion. The film is set in New Bedford, Massachusetts in the rapidly changing world of the modern fishing industry. It tells the story of Sean, a third-generation independent commercial fisherman, struggling to keep a grasp on his way of life, and a long-held family boat. While developing an unlikely relationship with a marine biologist, he is tempted to do whatever it takes to keep his boat.
Jay Burke wanted to make the film as authentic as he could, so he shot it in and around the New Bedford area, using local actors and crew members when possible. Principle photography has been complete for almost a year, and as the post-production process rolls on, anticipation for the film’s completion is building all over the city. This multi-year project could not have been possible without the help of the local community and those who had a hand in its creation have been patiently waiting for the film’s release.
On September 24th, 2011 at 8pm, the Zeiterion Theatre will play host to the official New Bedford screening of Jay Burke’s Whaling City. Tickets are on sale now at the theater’s Box Office. Here is a break down of the ticket prices:
$49.00 Tickets include: VIP Seating, 1st Edition DVD/1st Edition Soundtrack, Autographed Photo of Cast/Director, Admission to Private Pre Party at the Zeiterion.
In the weeks leading up to the film’s screening, New Bedford Guide will be bringing you exclusive articles and interviews about the film. We’ll be talking to writer/director Jay Burke, as well as some of the main actors who brought this film to life. In addition, we’ll be talking to many of the local people who played integral parts in the creation of the film, both on- and off-screen, to get their take on what it was like to be part of a feature film production.
So keep coming back to NewBedfordGuide.com for more updates and articles about the forthcoming screening of Jay Burke’s feature film Whaling City.
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South Coast Weekend Guide
It’s Friday, and after long week, it’s time to enjoy the weekend. Here’s a quick look at some things going on in and around New Bedford between now and Sunday:
Next Thursday, March 3rd, young professionals will gather at the Rose Alley Ale House to beat the winter blues with food, drinks and a healthy dose of enthusiasm for their community.
Cocktails with a Cause, a free event sponsored by United Way of Greater New Bedford, was created to expose young people to local volunteer and philanthropic opportunities in their community. The event offers attendees a chance to network while providing them with information on different ways they can become involved in the community.
The event will feature free appetizers, beer tasting by Geary’s Brewing Co. from Maine, door prizes, and live music by Thom Hiller and Mike Golarz.
United Way of Greater New Bedford focuses heavily on volunteerism, administering the area’s only online volunteer-matching database, Volunteer Solutions. Accessible from the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s website, the software matches individuals looking for volunteer work with nonprofits in need of support.
“There is definitely a desire among young people to become more invested in this community – they just may not know where to start. That’s where Volunteer Solutions comes in,” said Michelle Hantman, United Way President.
Individuals looking to volunteer can access Volunteer Solutions from the United Way’s homepage by clicking here.
United Way also encourages all local nonprofits to post their volunteer positions on the site, whether they have any prior association with United Way or not. “This is a completely free service that any nonprofit is encouraged to use,” said Ms. Hantman.
For more information about Cocktails with a Cause or United Way, visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofgnb or call Caroline Cuccia at (508)-994-9625, ext. 15.
The show opened with a montage of photos and video clips spanning her whole career and stormed the stage to “Bang Bang” by Jessie J and Ariana Grande. Taking time to discuss our recent snowmageddon and the local accent, Kathy’s humor reached a much more personal level than we’ve seen from her in a while. If you’ve missed the casual whip-smart humor from “Life on the D-List”, Kathy’s live performances are not to be missed. Her unapologetic humor rings true and she points out the funny side of just about everything, unafraid of consequences or judgement.
When unavoidably discussing the late Joan Rivers, the evening could have easily taken a somber tone, but rather than lament, Kathy celebrated her good friend’s achievements by sharing personal stories the pair’s shenanigans. But under the real fur coats, and celeb-bashing, these two have paved the way for women’s equality in the entertainment world. Joan’s career began at a time when women were not taken seriously on the comedy stage, and today every icon in the industry knows that her shoes can never be filled. Kathy has taken the torch and continues in her late friend’s path, forging the future of unapologetic, outspoken women. “Take that, ‘girls-can’t-be-funny’”, she asserts.
