In Section: NY comPRESSed » Posted In: Theater Posted By: Linnea Covingtonhttp://www.nypress.com/blog-7149-fringe-festival-menny-and-mila.html
Occasionally, the moment you sit down, a show pulls you in and you’re hooked. This is exactly how I felt during the first tune in the musical Menny and Mila by Daily News editor Paul Schultz.
It starts out in an office, a tabloid office to be exact, and after a few bantering words the boss, played by Amanda Shy, belts out the song, "Complete Mass Suicide Coverage," about the day’s deliciously devious headlines. I don’t even like musicals, but clever lyrics of the songs mixed with the solid voices of the performers had me smiling and swaying my head to almost every tune. It also felt natural, like “of course you would be singing right now.” For example, when dorky Menny, played by Josh Canfield, and his work buddy Nik, played by Marcus Terrell Smith, go off to do karaoke, except for the drunken, yet choreographed dancing, it appeared they were really doing it. They even slurred the song "I Must Be Crazy" in perfect harmony.
Despite the first two songs, the true premise of Menny and Mila isn’t Menny’s paper; it revolves around this man’s obsession with sponsoring a Russian woman he met on the Internet to come to New York to see if romance will develop. Of course it does, and you can tell the moment he picks up Mila, the stunning Danielle Heaton, from the airport and they sing the adorable song "I Am Menny, I Am Mila." Throughout the show we watch as the couple has its difficulties, both with each other and in their respected careers. Mila, despite dressing like a prostitute (it’s a Russian thing), is smart and secures a good job developing Russian translation programs with her roommate Polina, played by the luscious Sarah Cooney. With Polina she jokes around about America and men, and tries to avoid the lascivious grips of Polina’s cousin who makes his advances clear. On the other end, Menny ignores Serena, his co-worker who has a crush on him, which leads to a dire end.
This show had just enough drama in it to flow and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. But, aside from the solid book, what made this almost-two-hour musical work so well was the actors themselves. They really took the time to feel out their roles and easily fell into their characters. Mixed with cleaver songs, good music, and the endless story of love in the big city, Menny and Mila won me over, as Menny might have won Mila over, but you will just have to watch to see.
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Faces of the fringe: Who and what's on stage at the annual New York International Fringe Festival
BY Joe Dziemianowicz DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Saturday, August 7th 2010
"Other locals' shows promise an eclectic array. Among them, "Menny and Mila," a musical by Daily Newser Paul Schultz about a multi-culti romance..."___________________________
By Andrew Gans 26 Jul 2010
"Menny and Mila," a new musical comedy featuring book, music and lyrics by Daily News writer and editor Paul Schultz, will make its debut in August as part of The New York International Fringe Festival.
Directed by Sofia Landon Geier with musical direction by Marek Sapieyevski, performances will begin Aug. 17 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
The cast will comprise Josh Canfield, Sarah Cooney, Danielle Heaton, Mark Lanham, Maura Matlak, Marek Sapieyevski, Amanda Shy and Marcus Terrell Smith.
"An NYC tabloid newspaperman finds a Russian 'girlfriend' on the Internet and arranges for her to come to America," according to press notes. "She falls for New York City, but will she fall for him? A catchy pop-rock score highlights this tale of intercultural romance, assimilation and trash culture."
The creative team also includes choreographer Kate Scott, scenic designer Rachelle Beckerman, sound designer Janie Bullard and lighting designer Tanya Engeleit.
Show times are scheduled for Aug. 17 at 7:15 PM, Aug. 24 at 4:45 PM, Aug. 25 at 5:30 PM, Aug. 26 at 7:45 PM and Aug. 28 at noon.
Lucille Lortel Theater is located in Manhattan at 121 Christopher Street. For tickets and more information visit www.fringenyc.org or call (866) 468-7619.
"Menny and Mila," a new musical comedy featuring book, music and lyrics by Daily News writer and editor Paul Schultz, will make its debut in August as part of The New York International Fringe Festival.
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The cast will comprise Josh Canfield, Sarah Cooney, Danielle Heaton, Mark Lanham, Maura Matlak, Marek Sapieyevski, Amanda Shy and Marcus Terrell Smith.
"An NYC tabloid newspaperman finds a Russian 'girlfriend' on the Internet and arranges for her to come to America," according to press notes. "She falls for New York City, but will she fall for him? A catchy pop-rock score highlights this tale of intercultural romance, assimilation and trash culture."
The creative team also includes choreographer Kate Scott, scenic designer Rachelle Beckerman, sound designer Janie Bullard and lighting designer Tanya Engeleit.
Show times are scheduled for Aug. 17 at 7:15 PM, Aug. 24 at 4:45 PM, Aug. 25 at 5:30 PM, Aug. 26 at 7:45 PM and Aug. 28 at noon.
Lucille Lortel Theater is located in Manhattan at 121 Christopher Street. For tickets and more information visit www.fringenyc.org or call (866) 468-7619.
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N.Y. Theater Preview by Paul Schultz, writer
What is your show about?
Menny and Mila is about a New York City tabloid newspaperman who brings his Russian Internet girlfriend to America. Menny revels in being the 'tour guide' introducing Mila to the Big Apple, but soon becomes a bit of a control freak. Mila fits in well, landing a job and enjoying the city, but soon tires of Menny''s pushiness.
Menny and Mila is about a New York City tabloid newspaperman who brings his Russian Internet girlfriend to America. Menny revels in being the 'tour guide' introducing Mila to the Big Apple, but soon becomes a bit of a control freak. Mila fits in well, landing a job and enjoying the city, but soon tires of Menny''s pushiness.
Why should audiences see your show?
The show has a catchy and moving pop-rock score with a mix of comedy songs, up-tempo numbers and ballads. The story is a fun modern twist on the idea of the 'mail order bride' that incorporates a lot of the racial diversity of New York City while it spoofs contemporary tabloid culture (the writer of the show is an editor at the New York Daily News).
The show has a catchy and moving pop-rock score with a mix of comedy songs, up-tempo numbers and ballads. The story is a fun modern twist on the idea of the 'mail order bride' that incorporates a lot of the racial diversity of New York City while it spoofs contemporary tabloid culture (the writer of the show is an editor at the New York Daily News).
What one thing are audiences going to remember forever about your show after they see it?
Audiences will remember the score — both the funny tunes and the powerful ballads. Some of the song titles: Complete Mass Suicide Coverage, You've Got Dreck, They're Only Men, Do You Want to Be a Hyphen?, Why Can't He See Me, I Must Be Crazy.
Audiences will remember the score — both the funny tunes and the powerful ballads. Some of the song titles: Complete Mass Suicide Coverage, You've Got Dreck, They're Only Men, Do You Want to Be a Hyphen?, Why Can't He See Me, I Must Be Crazy.
What is exciting and/or unique about your show?
Menny and Mila puts a fresh spin on a character who is a stranger in a strange land.
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Rosetree Productions Presents "Menny and Mila" The New York International Fringe Festival - Fringe NYC A production of The Present Company At the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.
Shows are Aug. 17, 7:15 p.m.; Aug. 24, 4:45 p.m.; Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.; Aug. 26, 7:45 p.m.; Aug. 28, noon.
Tickets $15-$18; visit www.FringeNYC.org
Rosetree Productions is proud to present the musical comedy "Menny and Mila" as part of the 14th annual NY International Fringe Festival, an explosion of 200 original theater works in downtown NYC every summer. The show's book, music and lyrics are by Paul Schultz, and it's directed by Sofia Landon Geier with choreography by Kate Scott.
"Menny and Mila" is the tale of an NYC tabloid newspaperman who brings his Russian Internet girlfriend to America. She falls for New York City, but will she fall for him? A catchy pop-rock score highlights a story about cultural identity, assimilation and trash culture. This is the second Fringe production for Schultz, an editor and writer at the New York Daily News.
Menny and Mila puts a fresh spin on a character who is a stranger in a strange land.
___________________________
Rosetree Productions Presents MENNY AND MILA 8/17-28
Friday, July 23, 2010; Posted: 04:07 PM - by BWW News Desk
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Rosetree Productions Presents "Menny and Mila" The New York International Fringe Festival - Fringe NYC A production of The Present Company At the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.Shows are Aug. 17, 7:15 p.m.; Aug. 24, 4:45 p.m.; Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.; Aug. 26, 7:45 p.m.; Aug. 28, noon.
Tickets $15-$18; visit www.FringeNYC.org
Rosetree Productions is proud to present the musical comedy "Menny and Mila" as part of the 14th annual NY International Fringe Festival, an explosion of 200 original theater works in downtown NYC every summer. The show's book, music and lyrics are by Paul Schultz, and it's directed by Sofia Landon Geier with choreography by Kate Scott.
"Menny and Mila" is the tale of an NYC tabloid newspaperman who brings his Russian Internet girlfriend to America. She falls for New York City, but will she fall for him? A catchy pop-rock score highlights a story about cultural identity, assimilation and trash culture. This is the second Fringe production for Schultz, an editor and writer at the New York Daily News.
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