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  • Read the Scripts
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Four actors on stage with a beach backdrop, portraying a dramatic scene.

Miserable With an Ocean View (2015)

Miserable With an Ocean View, a dark comedy by playwright Howard Skora, was first performed on June 6th, 2015 at the Whitefire Theater.

Actors in a theatrical scene from "Miserable with an Ocean View" by Howard Skora.

Awards/nominations

An elderly woman drinks from a glass, flanked by two concerned adults leaning in.

Most Promising New Play

Eddon Awards – Celebrating the Best of LA Theatre for 2015. Awarded to Miserable with an Ocean View by Howard Skora.

Best Featured Performance - Drew Droege/Patty McCormack

Eddon Awards - Celebrating the Best of LA Theatre for 2015.

Best Play

Nominee for the 2016 Valley Theater Awards

Best Director - Jim Fall

Nominee for the 2016 Valley Theater Awards.

Best Lead Actor - Paul Elia

Nominee for the 2016 Valley Theater Awards.

Best Supporting Actor - Alex Skuby

Nominee for the 2016 Valley Theater Awards.

"Best of Shows" on Better Lemons in 2015

Miserable With an Ocean View (2015)

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, but he just can't muster the courage. However, 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 extreme measures, Jeff's sanity begins to unravel in this dark comedy by playwright Howard Skora. 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.

Poster for the comedy play "Miserable with an Ocean View" set on a beach at sunset.

Photo Gallery

01/13

Reviews

Broadway World - Recommended

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles reviews world premiere of dark comedy Miserable with an Ocean View.

"...Miserable is a laugh-out-loud funny dark comedy with fluid direction from Jim Fall and a marvelous cast led by the talented Patty McCormack, showcasing the brilliant work of playwright Howard Skora." -DON GRIGWARE

Read THE Broadway World Review

LA EXAMINER - Recommended

Three people engage in an intense conversation on stage with a beach backdrop.

"Miserable With an Ocean View," as the title cleverly suggests, is a prime example of dark comedy that showcases the utmost degree of satire. The playwright Howard Skora, along with director Jim Fall, delivers a brilliant and timely new play. The dialogue is consistently infused with humor, passion, wit, and sensitivity. The ensemble cast and production are truly deserving of the sold-out crowds and the many accolades they are receiving. This play exemplifies passionate acting at its best." - Bonnie Priever

Progressive Pulse - Recommended

Man with glasses looking skeptically at a serious clown with colorful hair and makeup.

"A classic is born in the theatre world with Howard Skora’s dark comedy, '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 playwright to cover such emotional ground and yet make you laugh so hard you snort." - Kevin Thomas

NoHo Arts District - Highly Recommended

A man and a woman with exaggerated expressions in a vintage-style room.

"Howard Skora, the talented playwright, has crafted a clever and funny script. ...This dark comedy will have you laughing your pants off" - CATHY WAYNE

The Tolucan Times- Recommended

Man sitting on a bed with a clown doll and a lamp beside him.

"...An entertaining, take-no-prisoners dark comedy, Miserable With an Ocean View by playwright Howard Skora combines hilarious one-liners, expressive acting, and excellent timing as it dishes family malfunction and finding oneself." - MARY MALLORY

Stage Raw - Recommended

An older woman looks angry sitting in a chair with a person bending over in front of her.

It’s snarkier, darker, gayer, zanier, more surreal, more outrageous -- and certainly funnier -- than most dark comedies. Director Jim Fall matches Howard Skora's knack for screw-ball comedy with an equally deft touch. The cast plays its loony characters with zest.

Topanga Messenger - Recommended

The Geek Authority - Recommended

The Geek Authority - Recommended

An older woman smiling happily with a surprised young man in glasses beside her.

“Miserable With an Ocean View Kills at the Whitefire. …(Patty) McCormack excels in the best sight gags, making the outrageous and over-the-top second act of this dark comedy by playwright Howard Skora worth the price of admission. It’s a fast and funny romp of a play and well worth an evening out…” – Annemarie Donkin

The Geek Authority - Recommended

The Geek Authority - Recommended

The Geek Authority - Recommended

Three people sitting on a couch, appearing engaged in a serious conversation.

A wonderfully brilliant production by playwright Howard Skora that is filled with as much humor as true heart, showcasing the charm of dark comedy.

Cast

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Paul Ellia

(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's Agents of Shield. In 2014, Paul produced and starred in the film "Dirty" alongside Roger Guenveur Smith, Tony Den

(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's Agents of Shield. In 2014, Paul produced and starred in the film "Dirty" alongside Roger Guenveur Smith, Tony Denison, Adrian Gaeta, and Chaz Bono. Paul has previously been directed by Jim Fall in the play The Interlopers, written by playwright Gary Lennon, and also worked on a Lifetime movie with Jim titled "Holly's Holiday". As a comedian known for his dark comedy, Paul has performed stand-up all over the country, including tours and festivals in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and the Middle East. He has had the honor of opening for renowned comedians such as Dana Carvey, Jason Stuart, Paul Rodriguez, and Chris Kattan.

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Patty McCormack

(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, she 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

(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, she 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 graced 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. Additionally, fans recognize 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 recent film roles include FROST/NIXON, SODA SPRINGS, and THE MASTER. One of her most cherished “roles” is as Grandma to her four grandsons, Nicolas, Niko, Drew, and Cooper, as well as 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 dark comedy, which brings her back to Howard Skora's Whitefire Theatre for the third time, showcasing her talent under the guidance of the playwright.

Woman with long blonde hair and a serious expression wearing a maroon top.

Elizabeth Regen

Elizabeth Regen

(Judy) Elizabeth is an American actress best recognized for her role as "Rita Nash" in the TV sitcom "Whoopi," where she appeared 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 (portrayed by Natalie Portman). Elizabeth Reg

(Judy) Elizabeth is an American actress best recognized for her role as "Rita Nash" in the TV sitcom "Whoopi," where she appeared 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 (portrayed by Natalie Portman). Elizabeth Regen also 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, she played "Angie" in the Lifetime sitcom "Sherri," based on the life of Sherri Shepherd, which unfortunately was cancelled after one season. In 2011, Regen secured a recurring role as "Gina" in the HBO hit "Entourage." By 2012, she found herself landing the role of "Ro-Ro" on the CBS short-lived sitcom "Partners," created by the minds behind "Will and Grace." Regen starred in Echo Theater Company's world premiere of Gary Lennon's dark comedy, "A Family Thing," as well as Lennon’s plays "Dates" and "Nuts," where she played the lead character "Eve." Recently, she landed a guest spot on TVland's "The Exes" and took on the role of "Peggy" on "2 Broke Girls." Elizabeth is incredibly grateful to her parents for their unwavering support and sends a special thank you to her husband Kenny and their two daughters, Raegan and Reign, for being her greatest inspirations. Additionally, she admires playwright Howard Skora for his contributions to the theater world.

Portrait of a man with curly hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue shirt and dark sweater.

Drew Droege

(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 be 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. As an alum of The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Casita del Campo, he has showcased his talent in various dark comedy productions, 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, where he also highlighted the work of playwright Howard Skora.

Smiling middle-aged man with a bald head and black t-shirt.

Alex Skuby

(Ray) Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Alex began his career in theater, television, film, and voiceovers in 1996 in Chicago. He moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and has since recurred and guest-starred on several hit TV series, both in comedy and drama. His impressive repertoire includes major commercial campaigns, video games, and active partic

(Ray) Born in Neptune, New Jersey, Alex began his career in theater, television, film, and voiceovers in 1996 in Chicago. He moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and has since recurred and guest-starred on several hit TV series, both in comedy and drama. His impressive repertoire includes major commercial campaigns, video games, and active participation in the theater world, including his work in Howard Skora's dark comedy plays. Alex's TV credits feature popular shows such as "Fear the Walking Dead", "Snowfall", "The Fosters", "Santa Clarita Diet", and "The King of Queens", among others. Additionally, he can be seen in the upcoming feature film "My Babysitter the Superhero", set to be released on all streaming services this year! Alex also hosts a hit comedy podcast titled "Zen AF Podcast", with new episodes released weekly. He has previously appeared in Howard Skora's productions, including "Damaged Furniture" and "Gaslight House".

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