Miserable With an Ocean View was first performed on June 6th, 2015 at the Whitefire Theater.
Eddon Awards - The Best of LA Theatre for 2015
Eddon Awards - The Best of LA Theatre for 2015
Nominee - 2016 Valley Theater Awards
Nominee - 2016 Valley Theater Awards
Nominee - 2016 Valley Theater Awards
Nominee - 2016 Valley Theater Awards
Jeff Shapiro has been going through a tough time: Failed career, failed relationships and financial ruin. But things are about to get much worse. After an unfortunate accident, Jeff must move back to Long Island to take care of his wheelchair-bound, mother from hell (Oscar-nominee Patty McCormack) who can no longer speak. Jeff has one last thing to do before she kicks the bucket and he just can't muster the courage. But, he gets more than he bargained for when a talking French clown doll (Drew Droege) long stashed away in a closet, starts providing therapist like advice. As the Clown suggests more and more extreme measures, Jeff’s sanity starts to unravel. But with the help of his hypermanic, stressed-out sister (Elizabeth Regen) and his Crossfit-loving moronic brother (Alex Skuby from King of Queens), Jeff just might pull it together in time, in this laugh-out-loud comedy about love, death and taking control of one’s life.
01/13
"...Miserable is laugh-out-loud funny with fluid direction from Jim Fall and a marvelous cast headed by Patty McCormack."
-DON GRIGWARE
"Miserable With an Ocean View," as the title so cleverly indicates, is satire and dark comedy to the utmost degree. … this show's playwright Howard Skora and director Jim Fall are brilliant in this timely and provocative new play. ..The dialogue is consistently filled with humor, passion, wit and sensitivity. The ensemble and production is well worthy of its sold-out crowds and many accolades it is receiving. ...The play is a fine example of passionate acting at its best.” - Bonnie Priever
"A classic is born in the theatre world with Howard Skora’s “Miserable With an Ocean View. ...With the tough subjects it tackles – abuse, neglect, right-to-die and mental illness – it’s a difficult task for a writer to be able to cover such emotional ground and yet make you laugh so hard you snort." - Kevin Thomas
"“Howard Skora’s script is clever and funny. ...It's a dark, funny comedy that will have you laughing your pants off" - CATHY WAYNE
"...An entertaining, take-no-prisoners black comedy, Miserable With an Ocean View combines hilarious one-liners, expressive acting, and excellent timing as it dishes family malfunction and finding oneself." - MARY MALLORY
"It’s snarkier, darker, gayer, zanier, more surreal, more outrageous -- and certainly funnier -- than most... Director Jim Fall matches Skora's knack for screw-ball comedy with an equally deft touch. And the cast plays its loony characters with zest."
“Miserable With an Ocean View Kills at the Whitefire. …(Patty) McCormack gets in the best sight gags making the outrageous and over-the-top second act worth the price of admission. It’s a fast and funny romp of a play and well worth an evening out…” – Annemarie Donkin
"A wonderfully brilliant production that is filled with as much humor as true heart"
(Jeff)
Paul began his career as a stand in for Michael Imperioli on the show "Detroit 1-8-7". After the show wrapped, Paul relocated to LA in 2011 and has made TV appearances on shows such as Mixology, Mistresses and Marvel Agents of Shield. In 2014, Paul produced and starred in the film "Dirty" along with Roger Guenveur Smith, Tony Denis
(Jeff)
Paul began his career as a stand in for Michael Imperioli on the show "Detroit 1-8-7". After the show wrapped, Paul relocated to LA in 2011 and has made TV appearances on shows such as Mixology, Mistresses and Marvel Agents of Shield. In 2014, Paul produced and starred in the film "Dirty" along with Roger Guenveur Smith, Tony Denison, Adrian Gaeta, and Chaz Bono. Paul has been directed by Jim Fall previously in the play The Interlopers written by Gary Lennon and also worked on a lifetime movie with Jim "Holly's Holiday". As a comedian, Paul has done stand up all over the country including tours and festivals in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and the Middle East. He has opened up for such comedians as Dana Carvey, Jason Stuart, Paul Rodriguez, and Chris Kattan.
(Rhoda)
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Patty began her career- now spanning more than six decades- as a model at four years of age. By six years old she made her Broadway debut in TOUCHSTONE and by eight created the role of Rhoda Penmark in the Broadway production of BAD SEED, a role she re-created in the film version earning her Oscar and
(Rhoda)
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Patty began her career- now spanning more than six decades- as a model at four years of age. By six years old she made her Broadway debut in TOUCHSTONE and by eight created the role of Rhoda Penmark in the Broadway production of BAD SEED, a role she re-created in the film version earning her Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Patty’s theatrical credits include BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE, SISTERS ROSENSWEIG, ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, TIME OF THE CUCKOO, the National Company of RUMORS, LADIES OF THE CORRIDOR, WHAT I DID FOR LOVE, and HOLLYWOOD EVER AFTER. From starring in her own television series, PECK’S BAD GIRL to co-starring in THE ROPERS, Patty has been found on the small screen during the GOLDEN AGE of TELEVISION with roles on PLAYHOUSE 90, CLIMAX, and KRAFT THEATRE. Appearances on ROUTE 66, RAWHIDE, and ONE STEP BEYOND, were followed by roles on shows such as WILD, WILD WEST, POLICE STORY, STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, MANHUNTER, MAGNUM, P.I., and EMERGENCY. More recently, Patty guested on hits such as GREY’S ANATOMY, SCANDAL, CRIMINAL MINDS and SUPERNATURAL. In addition, fans also know her from recurring roles on DALLAS, THE SOPRANOS, and HART OF DIXIE. Patty’s early films include, KATHY-O, ALL MINE TO GIVE, and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. She was also the voice of Angel, the Robber Girl in the animated film, THE SNOW QUEEN. More recently film roles include, FROST/NIXON, SODA SPRINGS, and THE MASTER. Her most favorite “roles” is Grandma, to her four Grandsons, Nicolas, Niko, Drew, and Cooper; and Mom to her son Bobby and his wife, Angie; and to her daughter Danielle and her husband, Jason.Patty thanks Bobby Moresco and the Actor’s Gym for the development of this play which brings her back to Bryan Rasmussen’s Whitefire Theatre for the third time.
(Judy)
Elizabeth is an American actress best known for her role as "Rita Nash" in the TV sitcom "Whoopi", appearing in 22 episodes from 2003-2004. She made her screen debut in the 1994 feature film "The Professional", playing the ill-fated sister of the main protagonist, Mathilda (played by Natalie Portman). Regen had a guest starring role
(Judy)
Elizabeth is an American actress best known for her role as "Rita Nash" in the TV sitcom "Whoopi", appearing in 22 episodes from 2003-2004. She made her screen debut in the 1994 feature film "The Professional", playing the ill-fated sister of the main protagonist, Mathilda (played by Natalie Portman). Regen had a guest starring role in "Sex And The City" and a recurring role in the 2007 TV crime drama "The Black Donnelly's" directed by Academy Award winner Bobby Moresco. In 2009, Elizabeth Regen played "Angie" in the Lifetime sitcom "Sherri" based on the life of Sherri Shepherd which unfortunately was cancelled after one season. In 2011, Regen scored a recurring role as "Gina" in the HBO hit "Entourage." By 2012, Regen found herself landing the role of "Ro-Ro" on the CBS short lived sitcom "Partners" written by the creators of "Will and Grace." Regen starred in Echo Theater Company's world premiere of Gary Lennon's A Family Thing, as well as Lennon’s playDates and Nuts playing the lead character "Eve." She recently landed a guest spot on TVland's "The Exes" and the role of "Peggy" on "2 Broke Girls." Elizabeth is so grateful to her mother and father for always supporting her. And she sends a special thank you to her husband Kenny and their two daughters Raegan and Reign.
(The Clown/Therapist)
Drew is best known for his online video series portraying Chloe Sevigny, which has been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and Huffington Post. He's currently a series regular on Logo's "Cocktails And Classics" and has recently appeared on "Bob's Burgers", "Kroll Show", "The Late Late Show", "2 Bro
(The Clown/Therapist)
Drew is best known for his online video series portraying Chloe Sevigny, which has been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and Huffington Post. He's currently a series regular on Logo's "Cocktails And Classics" and has recently appeared on "Bob's Burgers", "Kroll Show", "The Late Late Show", "2 Broke Girls", "Key & Peele", "Drunk History", "Hot In Cleveland", "Baby Daddy", "Happy Endings", "How I Met Your Mother", and "New Girl". He can been seen in the upcoming feature "Scouts Vs. Zombies", as well as indie films "You're Killing Me", "Ass Backwards", "Sassy Pants", "Eating Out: Drama Camp", "Who's Afraid Of Vagina Wolf?", "Such Good People", and "Holly's Holiday", directed by Jim Fall. He's an alum of The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Casita del Campo, where he has screamed in many wig stories, including Julie Brown's "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Musical", "I Totally Know What You Did Last Donna Summer", and "The Golden Girlz LIVE". He's an Outfest award winner, one of OUT magazine's Out 100, and a Tribeca NOW artist at the Tribeca Film Festival this year.
(Ray)
Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Alex started working in theater, television, film, and voiceovers in 1996 in Chicago. Moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and has recurred and guest-starred on several hit TV series - both comedy and drama, voiced major commercial campaigns and video games and is still active in the theater world. Alex's TV cred
(Ray)
Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Alex started working in theater, television, film, and voiceovers in 1996 in Chicago. Moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and has recurred and guest-starred on several hit TV series - both comedy and drama, voiced major commercial campaigns and video games and is still active in the theater world. Alex's TV credits include "Fear the Walking Dead", "Snowfall", "The Fosters", "Santa Clarita Diet" & "The King of Queens" to name a few. Alex can also be seen in the upcoming feature film "My Babysitter the Superhero" being released on all streaming services this year! He also has a hit comedy podcast titled "Zen AF Podcast" with weekly episodes. Alex was also in Howard Skora's Damaged Furniture and Gaslight House
Stay in the loop on Howard Skora's next play – drop your email for exclusive announcements!
Copyright © 2024 Howard Skora - Playwright - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.