An older white lady, Carol, and a younger Latino man, Andrew, cross paths deep in the woods of Connecticut. Carol carries a monogrammed L.L. Bean canvas tote bag. And Andrew … shouldn’t his name be Andrés? After sufficiently freaking each other out, this comedy of errors quickly devolves into a soul-baring, truth-revealing tête-à-tête that both magnifies and transcends Carol’s and Andrew’s differences, proving that sometimes polar opposites have more in common than meets the eye. A world premiere play by written and directed by Jessica Durdock Moreno in the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Featuring Moreno and Nicky Romaniello.
To Richard!
Audience
LemonMeter
Reviews: 7
Reviews
Jessica Durdock Moreno wrote, directed and performed in this two-person show that was such a wonderful antidote to all of the quirky parodies and imaginative world premieres I was able to attend this year. There’s nothing wrong with quirk but a piece of theatre crafted to highlight the abilities of two actors is always going to win out, in my book...
It was a lovely time spent in the theatre and I hope I get to see these two on the stage again soon.
Interesting conversation on loss. Strong performances. Lots of funny moments but also heartfelt and sad. Doesn't take itself too seriously but has a lot to say.
A truly heartwarming story that unfolds in front of you, with the pain and honesty that we all carry within ourselves when we are feeling lost. Told through the most basic elements of our human existence- using humor and anger, music and beer, to reveal what we try so hard to escape. The writer, director, and co-star of this play has weaved this story so eloquently, and as a first attempt as a writer/director for the stage, this brilliant actress displays a trifecta of talent! Both actors are simply charming and completely engaging. Must see!!
This is REAL LIFE. An unlikely encounter between strangers that turns out to be just what both of them needed. The healing you need is not convenient and shows up at the damnedest time. I feel like Nas’s “All I Need Is One Mic” is appropriate here because the setting is simple but the writing and performance hit hard like sweet 16 bars. School is in session and I’m here to learn! GO SEE THIS! As a matter of fact, whenever Jessica puts out anything, I’m copping a ticket coz this show exhibits the caliber of what she brings is always at a high level.
Congratulations Jessica Moreno – you’ve created a beautiful piece of theatre. This story was charming, challenging and a joy to witness. Yes, indeed, CHEERS ‘To Richard.’ The performances by Jessica Moreno and Nicky Romaniello were incredibly authentic and emotional…and a complete roller coaster for the audience. Truly lovely work. And I loved the setting, too! The staging served the story perfectly – the music, too! So much that I loved.
A powerful and thought provoking script that is done justice by the two actors: Jessica Moreno and Nicky Romaniello. With a minimal (yet sufficient) set, the two actors create a whole world within their story and connect with one another in a short amount of time on stage. Moreno is superb as an actress and writer - and it should be noted she also produced AND directed this show. She's so damn good. Moreno has previously performed in a bunch of Fringe shows both in Hollywood and in Edinburgh, having won Most Unleashed Actress in 2016 in Hollywood as well as an Encore producer award, and it's no wonder why; she could surely scoop up some awards for any or all of the above talents. Nicky Romaniello plays Andrew with ease; his portrayal is so natural. The script is interesting, realistic, clever and even has moments of comedy that arise organically even though the script is about mourning someone. Honestly, I could go on forever about it, I am still thinking about this show days after the performance.
To Richard begins with a soft lullaby, but within the first few minutes of the play the crescendo builds to a scream of pain. I found myself laughing and tearing up in the same gasp.
The repartee between the two actors on stage was a skillful push and pull. Their relationship provided many comedic fits and starts that ultimately led us to a sweet unexpected finish. The audience was right there with them every step of the way and felt their resolution with a collective sigh of satisfaction.
The amazing part of this whole experience was realizing that Jessica Durdock Moreno wrote, directed, and starred in this beautiful little piece. And she did it all with aplomb and grace.
This is a Fringe show not to be missed. Get your tickets now.
Just a superb piece of work. A funny and touching story with tight writing, inspired direction and heartfelt and funny performances. Both actors switch from comedy to drama effortlessly. You will laugh and you will cry. But more importantly you will leave knowing you have seen a genuine human connection between two people who could not come from more different backgrounds.
Writer/Director/Star Jessica Durdock Moreno has been lighting up stages in NY, LA and Edinburgh
as a performer for years in award winning pieces. And all of that talent has seamlessly translated to the writer/director chair.
When you watch this you are clearly watching a gifted storyteller at work, a storyteller with her finger on the pulse of human emotions and a storyteller with as sharp a comic timing as you will find.
This is why this art form exists. This is story telling at its finest.
Death is not normally a funny topic, but the brilliance of the script and the shear power of the performances by writer/ director Jessica Durdock Moreno and Nicky Romaniello turn this somber subject into a hilarious romp.
Jessica Durdock Moreno wrote, directed and performed in this two-person show that was such a wonderful antidote to all of the quirky parodies and imaginative world premieres I was able to attend this year. There’s nothing wrong with quirk but a piece of theatre crafted to highlight the abilities of two actors is always going to win out, in my book...
It was a lovely time spent in the theatre and I hope I get to see these two on the stage again soon.
Death is not normally a funny topic, but the brilliance of the script and the shear power of the performances by writer/ director Jessica Durdock Moreno and Nicky Romaniello turn this somber subject into a hilarious romp.
Interesting conversation on loss. Strong performances. Lots of funny moments but also heartfelt and sad. Doesn't take itself too seriously but has a lot to say.
A truly heartwarming story that unfolds in front of you, with the pain and honesty that we all carry within ourselves when we are feeling lost. Told through the most basic elements of our human existence- using humor and anger, music and beer, to reveal what we try so hard to escape. The writer, director, and co-star of this play has weaved this story so eloquently, and as a first attempt as a writer/director for the stage, this brilliant actress displays a trifecta of talent! Both actors are simply charming and completely engaging. Must see!!
This is REAL LIFE. An unlikely encounter between strangers that turns out to be just what both of them needed. The healing you need is not convenient and shows up at the damnedest time. I feel like Nas’s “All I Need Is One Mic” is appropriate here because the setting is simple but the writing and performance hit hard like sweet 16 bars. School is in session and I’m here to learn! GO SEE THIS! As a matter of fact, whenever Jessica puts out anything, I’m copping a ticket coz this show exhibits the caliber of what she brings is always at a high level.
Congratulations Jessica Moreno – you’ve created a beautiful piece of theatre. This story was charming, challenging and a joy to witness. Yes, indeed, CHEERS ‘To Richard.’ The performances by Jessica Moreno and Nicky Romaniello were incredibly authentic and emotional…and a complete roller coaster for the audience. Truly lovely work. And I loved the setting, too! The staging served the story perfectly – the music, too! So much that I loved.
A powerful and thought provoking script that is done justice by the two actors: Jessica Moreno and Nicky Romaniello. With a minimal (yet sufficient) set, the two actors create a whole world within their story and connect with one another in a short amount of time on stage. Moreno is superb as an actress and writer - and it should be noted she also produced AND directed this show. She's so damn good. Moreno has previously performed in a bunch of Fringe shows both in Hollywood and in Edinburgh, having won Most Unleashed Actress in 2016 in Hollywood as well as an Encore producer award, and it's no wonder why; she could surely scoop up some awards for any or all of the above talents. Nicky Romaniello plays Andrew with ease; his portrayal is so natural. The script is interesting, realistic, clever and even has moments of comedy that arise organically even though the script is about mourning someone. Honestly, I could go on forever about it, I am still thinking about this show days after the performance.
To Richard begins with a soft lullaby, but within the first few minutes of the play the crescendo builds to a scream of pain. I found myself laughing and tearing up in the same gasp.
The repartee between the two actors on stage was a skillful push and pull. Their relationship provided many comedic fits and starts that ultimately led us to a sweet unexpected finish. The audience was right there with them every step of the way and felt their resolution with a collective sigh of satisfaction.
The amazing part of this whole experience was realizing that Jessica Durdock Moreno wrote, directed, and starred in this beautiful little piece. And she did it all with aplomb and grace.
This is a Fringe show not to be missed. Get your tickets now.
Just a superb piece of work. A funny and touching story with tight writing, inspired direction and heartfelt and funny performances. Both actors switch from comedy to drama effortlessly. You will laugh and you will cry. But more importantly you will leave knowing you have seen a genuine human connection between two people who could not come from more different backgrounds.
Writer/Director/Star Jessica Durdock Moreno has been lighting up stages in NY, LA and Edinburgh
as a performer for years in award winning pieces. And all of that talent has seamlessly translated to the writer/director chair.
When you watch this you are clearly watching a gifted storyteller at work, a storyteller with her finger on the pulse of human emotions and a storyteller with as sharp a comic timing as you will find.
This is why this art form exists. This is story telling at its finest.