On The Wind Productions Presents

CHINESE COFFEE
www.chinesecoffee2014.com

Written by IRA LEWIS
Directed by LOUISE LASSER

Featuring

SEAN WALSH as Harry Levine & AUSTIN PENDLETON as Jake Manheim

Produced by SEAN WALSH
Set Design: ALISON BUATTI
Lighting/Sound Design: JONATHAN COTTLE
Press Representation: SPIN CYCLE/RON LASKO
Production Manager & Technical Director: JONATHAN COTTLE
Art Director: CHRIS CRISCOSTOMO
Additional Production & Promotional Imagery: JOHN LUSTIG
Publicity Photographer: R.J. CAPUTO

Roy Arias Stage II Theater
300 West 43rd Street (@ Eighth Avenue)
https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/937980 or (866) 811-4111
September 24 – October 03, 2014; Opening Night – 10/28/14

Ira Lewis’ CHINESE COFFEE takes place in a small apartment that serves as a seldom-used photography studio in New York City. Kudos to Alison Buatti for a realistic set design. Harry (Sean Walsh) has come to visit his best friend Jake (Austin Pendleton) to demand repayment of a $473 loan. Conversations that begin in the wee hours of a cold winter night rarely turn out well, and this one is no exception. Amidst neuroses and psychoses dripping with sarcasm and enmity (Jake refers to Harry as a “walking disorder factory’), along with much whining and philosophizing, the gentlemen engage in a pissing contest to see who has suffered the most. Their symbiotic relationship allows them to revel in each other’s pain while acknowledging their unique friendship. True motives and underlying insecurities begin to unravel this long-time alliance.

There are not enough superlatives to describe the excellence of acting on the parts of Walsh and Pendleton. It is so natural that you quickly forget you are watching a play. Clever repartee peppered with sophisticated humor and emotional outbursts make this a fascinating encounter. Direction by Louise Lasser is sharp while allowing flexibility for the many talents of the actors. CHINESE COFFEE should be seen just to witness the mastery of theatrical art.

- Laurie Lawson -