Anything Serious
Written by Fransisco Castro
Directed by Joe Lorenzo
I’ve come to expect great things whenever I have the opportunity to attend a play at The Actors Workout Studio and this new production of ‘Anything Serious’ by Above The Curve Theatre offers absolutely no reason to change those expectations.
Set in Portland, “Anything Serious” is the story of two sometime friends who eventually become lovers, but are determined to avoid an actual relationship. They spend the rest of the play trying to find a good reason not to fall in love with each other. With the help and the hindrance of their hilarious and brilliantly portrayed assortment of friends, Jessica and Martin, played with warmth, pathos and a dangerously heartfelt humor by Nicole Rochell and Anthony Marquez, offer us a very funny and painfully honest window into their dilemma. A serious ‘will she won’t he’.
As the play progresses we get to know their wonderful assortment of friends and watch with them as the two fall for each other, despite every attempt not to.
I loved this play…it’s brilliantly funny, achingly real and all the characters are delightfully alarming in their honest and frank love for one another.
This is the kind of life we would all love to lead, full of deep, loyal friendships and arcs of story that resolve and renew rather than lead us to a cliched nowhere.
The humor is crass at times, but sweetly so, never putting a cheap laugh before the connections each character clearly cherishes with one another. These friends make the play work on altogether another level and each actor brings an amazing level of respect and care to the play.
Everyone’s story is important, and when time has been taken to write something poetic and beautiful about a love that might seem commonplace and ordinary, it is certainly worthy of high praise. The truth of it is that all love is uncommon and must be respected, cherished and valued. We must all risk everything and anything to grab on to true love when we have the chance, without fear or desperation.
“Anything Serious” is a play about love…stupid, crazy, in the way, bad timing, complicated, unwanted and unexpected love…the best kind of love in fact.
Every single actor brings their A-game. This is truly an ensemble piece and one of the best casts I have seen in a long time.
Do yourself a huge favor, go and see “Anything Serious” at The Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd, NoHo Arts District, 91602
I highly and enthusiastically recommend this brilliantly written and deftly directed play…Bravo!!
Cast
Nicole Rochell, Anthony Marquez, Joe Lorenzo, Seth Russell, Vanessa Lorenzo, Maikiko James, Keegan Winfield.
Thank you for attending the play and for the great review, Samantha!!!
Hi Samantha! Thank you for the GLOWING review 🙂 We’re so happy you enjoyed the show!
Anthony Marquez
Above The Curve Theatre, Board Member
This was such a wonderful play. It was funny and heartbreaking, clever and made you think. All of the actors did such a phenomenal job of making you feel what they were feeling. It made me laugh and cry. So beautifully written. Don’t miss it.
“Anything Serious” is hilarious and I loved it from start to finish. Anthony Marquez has great charm and nails the lead role, and is among a cast with terrific comedy timing. The writing is sharp and witty and well-paced and makes for a tremendously entertaining evening.
Loved this production of “Anything Serious” – a hilarious, character-driven romantic comedy with an engaging cast, witty dialogue and a surprisingly poignant ending that grounded the humor with authenticity and heart. Definitely worthy of a great date night!
I traveled from Washington, DC to see Anything Serious was it was worth it. The writing and cast were excellent. Although I’m biased, I do have to say it was better than Cats and I’m going to see JT again and again.
This play is a great night out at the theater. I found it funny, honest and captivating. “Anything Serious” is a real showcase for Castro’s ability to effortlessly combine bawdy humor with incisive wit. Do not miss this play.
Such a cinematic piece of theater. Beautifully written and paced, it’s like watching an indie film. And the characters steal your heart. I watched the first run of Anything Serious and I can’t wait to see it again.
“Anything Serious” is a hilarious and poignant play that captures the daze and confusion of being in love. Castro’s script effortlessly navigates through the tricky waters of Romance and Comedy — and the talented cast is completely captivating. “Anything Serious” was one of the most wittiest and entertaining plays I’ve seen in a long time. Don’t miss out!
Came out to see “Anything Serious” in it’s first run and so enjoyed it. Castro does a masterful job balancing the humor, awkwardness, uncertainty and joy of love. He has a deft touch in creating characters who we can empathasize with but doesn’t allow them to fall into a predictable cliche’ of emotions. The cast, especially the two leads, were spot on– comedic, poignant and honest. I was never quite sure where it was going. Which is the way it should be– love is messy, funny and unpredictable. Highly recommend!
Theater can be average in this city where film and television rule the roost – This play does not fall into that average category. Sharply written for the modern day gen, the story and characters keep you engaged, laughing, and relating to your own experiences for the full duration of the performance. I have longed for theater of this standard, and Francisco Castro’s masterpiece is performed to a level of professionalism rarely seen in this city that revolves around the screen…That said, this play exhibits excellent foundation for a TV show! 😉
really really fun show! great cast, great story, lots of laughs. very relevant to dating today. go check it out!
I loved it! Acting superb! Writing amazing! I love romantic comedies/drama. This was like an amazing well written and acted rom-com but on the stage! Really everyone should check this out while they can. I hope it runs again!