Closing "The Afflicted"

This production was hard to say goodbye to, especially since we were playing to sold-out houses for the last half of the run. People loved this show and I LOVED being in it. When I first started, I was very hesitant about playing a stripper (my typecast usually falls into the teenage dork area). I felt intimidated by the fact that I don't have "sexy moves" and that the last girl to play the role of Tamara was an actual stripper who already had sexuality coded into her body language and demeanor. The lap dance was the most terrifying part but... I did it! Possibly even well! I'll have to ask attendees what they thought of my exotic shimmies, but all in all, I feel really good about having this part under my belt. Ass waving and hair whipping in a priest's crotch? Check that one off the ol' bucket list.

Here's some pictures to make you feel like you were there!

Cast of "The Afflicted"

Jeremy "Turbo" Luke as "Cop Guy"

Daniel Hutchison as "Priest". Shelly Hacco as "Tamara"

Daniel Hutchison as "Priest". Shelly Hacco as "Tamara"

Daniel Hutchison as "Priest"

Ariel Hart as "Judith"

Eddie Alfano as "Douchebag"

Leif Gantvoort as "Karl". Ariel Hart as "Judith". Lincoln Castellanos as "Afflicted"

Perry Smith as "Rich Bitch". Ed Cosico as "Duane"

Lincoln Castellanos as "Afflicted"

Cast and crew of "The Afflicted"

Tommy Kijas and Nadeen Currie as "Afflicted"

Ed Cosico as "Duane"

Cy Creamer - Stage Manager. Shana Gagnon - Assistant Director.
Danny Cistone - Director. Bradley Estrin - Stage Manager

Lincoln Castellanos as "Afflicted Clown"

"The Afflicted" @ The NoHo Arts Center

It's Thursday! A day away from our second weekend of The Afflicted. See trailer here.

After a grueling rehearsal process, the cast and crew of "The Afflicted" (formerly known as "They're Not Zombies") opened last weekend to a SOLD-OUT HOUSE. The fire hazard of people literally sitting anywhere they could in order to catch this show, the non-stop screams and laughs, the bonding of audience members holding each other, and the need for PONCHOS blasted us off into what is sure to be a great zombie-filled run. Even though I literally get showered with blood and am totally disgusting by show's end, I simply cannot wait to put on my stripper suit this weekend!

Hatchie Matchie! Am I right? Come on... I'm totally a young Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (says me and no one else ever). Regardless, you should see this show. If anything, everyone should see it because of this guy...

It's Jeremy "Turbo" Luke. You know him as JGL's little friend in the newly released film Don Jon and as that guido guy in Syfy's Jersey Shore Shark Attack. He's got some KILLER lines, man. KILLER... you know... Kil...anyway... here's another picture.

Join us!

The Zombie Defense

Can you believe it? That's me. Pretty gross, right? Luckily there were no mirrors around or else I would have cried all my make up off. As for things that were around. We had... Pedestrians. Gawking Pedestrians. These guys were fun because I got to play real zombie with them, walking all slow-like toward them, twitching and grunting, until they quickly moved along. Though we shot the bulk of the short this past weekend, I still have one more day to go, pre-zombie. Can't wait to see the finished product.

The Zombie Defense

Written by Jarrod Robbins

Directed by Jarrod Robbins & Jason Snellman

Produced by Josh Doughty

Left to Right: Jarrod Robbins, Shelly Hacco, Josh Doughty, Jason Snellman

Left to Right: Jason Snellman, Jarrod Robbins, David Sound Guy, Dominic Jones, Kyle AD

September Happenings

GUILTY AS CHARGED. I took a break. I'm sorry fans. Life caught up with Shelly Hacco and she needed to get off the map for while.

... Who am I kidding. No one cares. BUT, in case your name is No one, I've got news for you! September has been a busy and promising month. There's been happenings galore; so many... I need to list them out.

1. I'll be signing with a new manager today - Jean-Marc Carre of Central Artists, Inc. I have high hopes that Jean-Marc will help me flourish into an unstoppable moneymaking machine. A small tangent... According to an interesting Huffington Post article I read about Generation Y kids (of which I am), high hopes such as these make folks like me unhappy. Though I tend to agree, I also think that considering myself "not-special/ not-likely-to-succeed" is a pretty shitty reality check. I'll stay delusional for the meantime. Thanks for the insight though! I'll remember it on the inevitable days when the only thing that makes sense is to eat Taco Bell until I puke while watching reruns of "Rock of Love."

2. I just got cast as Tamera the STRIPPER in a play called "They're Not Zombies," written by Leif Gantvoort and directed by Danny Cistone. Just in time for my favorite holiday HALLOWEEN, this show will be a blood bath and I will be a hoe-bag. I'm so excited. Stay tuned for more info as it comes.


3. Speaking of Zombies! I will be playing the role of Laura (the zombie) in the comedy/horror short "The Zombie Defense," written by Jarrod Robbins and directed by Jarrod Robbins/Jason Snellman. We're shooting at the end of the month!

4. I'm getting new headshots done this Saturday. I even got a fresh (expensive...) skirt suit for my "professional" look. Shelly is all grown up...sort of. I still talk in the third person apparently.

Crumble Reviews

Now that we are two weekends in, people are starting to talk. People.. who write for things on the interweb. For the most part, I like what I'm reading. My favorite - seeing our photo shoot pictures IN PRINT in USC's newspaper, The Daily Trojan. The review was by no means golden literature (due to some contradictions and faulty logic) but the IN PRINT aspect made the whole thing so romantic. Newspapers are like men who never leave the house without a hat. Neither the item nor the style are necessary anymore; technology and social customs have changed all that, but don't they just scream classic? Tangent. Anyway, here's some pulled SHELLY IS AWESOME quotes and links to the full reviews. I'll keep adding to this as they come out!

"Shelly Hacco (who also produced) delivers a standout performance as a grieving, borderline-manic adolescent.  Her comic timing is pitch-perfect in those early scenes that depict the ridge between herself and her mother thereby setting up the story’s conflict.  Even after the laughs subside, the aura of anxiety, left onstage for the actors to work with by her tornado-like tirades, is tangible." - LIFE IN LA PUBLISHING
Full review...

"The most haunting moments are centered around Hacco, who plays a convincing 11-year old oddball who creates satanic tea parties for her dolls." - DAILY TROJAN
Full review...

"Hacco’s Janice is an impressive mix of irrational and sympathetic. She grasps the pre-teen gait without making it too much of a caricature." - FRONTIERS IN LA
Full review...

"Shelly Hacco is believable as the precocious but unhappy Janice, whose ostracization at school and unhappiness at home have driven her to live in a primitive, hallucinatory state." -BC BLOG CRITICS (STAGE MAGE)
Full review...

"Spectacular acting skills from the likes of Stephen Kline as the Apartment and Heidi Rhodes as the mother, along with Shelly Hacco as Janice, only make this difficult and painful production a truly beautiful piece of art." - THE CALIFORNIA THEATRE CRITIC
Full review...

"It was the best play I’ve seen in Los Angeles." - LA SPLASH
Full review...

GOOD TIMES!

CRUMBLE is officially OPEN!

Oh jesus. I have a lot to report. Not only did we make it to the $3350 Indiegogo goal, we opened this past weekend without a hitch. I'm still in shock about the whole thing. Serious. Shock. As usual, tech week was a bit nightmare-ish. Despite our headstart, the set was still incomplete at our dress rehearsal and the sound was non-existent. The amazing Danny Cistone worked his last minute magic though and the results are nothing short of phenomenal. The set holds many surprises and the soundscape is so inventively eerie, I can't help but smile at how cool it all is. This first review by Frontiers in LA had a ton of great things to say about this aspect of the show (and a thing or two about yours truly!) Frontiers in LA "Crumble" Review

I meant to release our promo pictures as they became ready but with all the commotion, I'm lucky my head is still on straight. (Side note: Since I've been writing a lot of thanks yous and promotional copy for this thing, I've noticed that my writing style has become pretty grandma-ish. i.e. full of old cliches and catchy say-isms. This needs to stop. Now.) Let me re-phrase that last part in my normal custom - I meant to release the promo pictures earlier but I've been so fucking busy, I haven't had time to eat or poop. Here they are though, in all their wacky glory.

Now Open @ Theatre 68

5419 W. Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Running until May 18th, 2013

Fridays/ Saturdays - 8pm

Sundays - 6pm

Stephen Kline as "The Apartment"

Julianna Bolles-Morrison as "Barbara"

Bill Doherty Jr. as "Father/Justin Timberlake/Harrison Ford"

Shelly Hacco as "Janice"

Heidi Rhodes as "Mother"

Stephen Kline (Apartment), Bill Doherty Jr. (Father), & Heidi Rhodes (Mother)

A Crumbly Photo Shoot

This last weekend, the cast and crew of Crumble took some photos. Our location was at 68 Cent Crew member Kristin Lerner's home.  

Cast and crew pose in front of the house for photographer Crystal Mandel. 

Though Kristin swears this Victorian relic houses no ghosts, our group shared a different view. HOW COULD IT NOT!? Regardless, this house was the perfect choice for an on location shoot. It had crumbly walls, dark shadowy corners, and an all around somber atmosphere. It short, it was AWESOME. I'd love to live in a house like that. I bet the people that live in the attic-converted apartment upstairs have found some pretty neato, perhaps haunted, artifacts from previous owners, maybe even way back from 1906! I have to believe that kind of stuff actually happens, and not just on "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"

From a marketing point of view, this shoot was extremely important to me. I wanted to get shots of each character so that I could slowly present these wacky folks to the general public. I got the idea from Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland." I loved how they rolled out pictures of all the different characters to show the internet public the production's take on some of the story's unnatural characters. Of course, the movie used this tactic to showcase Burton's artistic visions of classic well-known characters whereas my plan more introduces Crumble's generally unknown cast to anyone intrigued enough to click through the photos. I just think that all five of the play's characters are so interesting that a picture of each could really entice a person who knows nothing about the show to want to know more. The Mother with her endless food, Barbara with her endless cats, etc. I know I'd take a peek.

Here's some production shots! The official ones will released soon!

Crystal Mandel and Jarrod Robbins help me set up Janice's room.

Julianna Bolles-Morrison gets into Barbara mode, cats, tuna, and more cats!

We stand around as Heidi Rhodes prepares for the "Mother" photograph

 

Crumble Update #2

We're off and running. Four rehearsals down. Tomorrow will be the first rehearsal that we're putting this thing on its feet. Up until now, we've only read and discussed Sheila's work and how it affects us as individuals and how we can mix what's on the page with our own experiences to bring out the truth behind the characters' thoughts and actions.  Yes, yes, theoretical theatrics but can we DO IT. Yes. And we will start tomorrow.

This past Saturday, we read the play for Danny Cistone, our possible Set Designer. It's been a little tough getting him in the room (because he's so awesome and therefore so busy) but he came and had lot of CRAZY COOL ideas to share afterward. I hope that means he's in. Fingers crossed. We'd be so lucky to have the Ovation worthy fella!

Staged Reading for Danny Cistone

Danny discusses what he envisions for the set. Looks like the stage manager is gonna have a lot of work to do behind the scenes. Pulleys, pins, FIRE GUN!!

I spent the rest of this past weekend thrift shopping and collecting prop/set pieces. Mostly stuffed animals. I reclaimed a ton of my old friends from my parents' garage too. This is just a portion of the bounty.

Danny will also be dropping off a ton of creepy dolls that we use for the Theare 68 Haunted House. Looks like I will have a lot to play with.

Crumble Update #1

Holy Moses. It's only been a week and I've somehow managed to raise over $1300. I find it just incredible how many people have flocked in to support me in this endeavor; it's shocking, inspirational, heart-warming and a million other adjectives all at once. The best part is that people who I have always thought braver than I have been telling me that I've inspired them to move forward with projects they've been afraid to launch. I inspired them? What the fuck right? Also, on the first day of the campaign, I got ballsy and mentioned the author Sheila Callaghan in a tweet (another frontier in which I have yet to find my rhythm) and she retweeted me. Maybe this is small potatoes and maybe I'm a huge fucking dork but this gesture put me on Cloud 9. This woman just oozes cool. I know because I stalked her a little bit. Don't judge me.

I have to say with all this support behind me, I'm feeling untouchable (too soon perhaps but lay off, I'm on a roll). I have the confidence to reach out like never before, approaching folks who have intimidated me in the past, etc. What a crazy drug this Confidence thing has turned out to be. Everyone should have it. But not too much... I hate those people.

For those of you interested in the specifics, most of the money raised so far  is going to the rights of this show, $1050 of it to be exact. This was one of the hardest expenses to swallow so now that it's been taken care of, I feel... well, the only word coming to mind at the moment is SHINY, like a new penny, a new penny that's worth $1352. The next thing to do is pay for the publicist and somehow fund our upcoming on-location photo shoot, scheduled for Mar. 16th. We're shooting at a West Adams house which, from what I've seen and heard, has a haunted CRUMBLY feel to it. If all goes well, this shoot will bear our new production image. I'm really excited about this. It'll be the first time our individual characters will be introduced to the public. Stay tuned! Also, donate?

Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake)

Something crazy happened. 

I'm co-producing a play at Theatre 68 and now I need to raise $3350. Whhaaaaaaaa!? Click the image below to be directed to the campaign page where you can donate directly.

The LOW-DOWN

Though I've been involved in the theatre world for most of my life, co-producing Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake) with Theatre 68 will be a first-time venture for me. It's a frightening and challenging experience but one that is so compelling, I can't walk away. This needs to happen, for myself, for my theatre, and for the audiences it is sure to move and inspire.
The most significant force driving this production originates in the script. Crumble is a dark comedy focused on the aftermath of a father's death and the detoriation of a mother/daughter relationship and the metephoric/literal home in which they live. Crumble is funny, tragic, and bizarre all at once, not to mention HAUNTING. Much like the father whose presence permeates the air the characters breathe, this show has been a ghost living in the back of my mind ever since I read it over a year and half ago. The same seems true for almost every person I've come across who has read or been involved in the play; their strong positive reactions brought on by author Sheila Callaghan's sensitivity to the characters and the reality in which they live made me see that this play offers a universally relatable story, despite its often times abstract and quirky tone.

Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake)

Written by Sheila Callaghan
Directed by Ronnie Marmo
Assistant Directed by Shana Gagnon
Produced by Shelly Hacco & Ronnie Marmo

Cast

Apartment - Stephen Kline
Mother - Heidi Rhodes
Janice - Shelly Hacco
Barbara - Julianna Bolles-Morrison
Justin Timberlake/Harrison Ford/Father - Bill Doherty Jr.

Crew

Set Design - Danny Cistone (crossing my fingers!!)
Lighting Design - Matt Richter
Stage Manager - Kourtney Sonntag
Lighting and Sound Operator - Mark Vasquez

I've never wanted to spearhead anything more than this in my entire life. As you can see, I've already got most of my dominos in place, everything except ... the money! YIKES. After negogiating the terms of this production with my Artistic Director and good friend Ronnie Marmo, it's been decided that I need to contribute $4000 to this production. You guys... all I've got is $1000-ish. I need $3000 more and let's be real here... I don't have it... BUT! I know you have $10, and you over there... you have $5, maybe? You see what I'm saying. If you can donate even the smallest amount, I'm that much closer to realizing the dream.

What We Need 

What's included in this $4000 figure? That's a good question. Theatre 68 is covering the space (HUGE!) and all the printing. Everything else is up to me, including:
-Rights to perform Sheila Callaghan's work.
-Set design and build.
-Lighting design, hang, and programming.
-Costumes and Props
-Publicity to reach every corner of the Earth (or at least Los Angeles).

What You Get

What do you receive in return for your amazing gift? This is an even better question!
-Of course, every person who contributes even a dollar will get my sincere gratitude and a dimpled smile. And if you're around, a huge hug too!
-Most donors will receive a special thanks on Facebook and in our program. We want to PUBLICIZE what an awesomely generous person you are.
-My fellow actor donors will receive industry specials that will not only help me but will also help you further your own career in this beast of a business.
-For you out there who own businesses, I got something for ya - ADVERTISING. Our programs will be seen by hundreds which means your ad in our program will reach... well, hundreds of people.
-Many donors will receive free tickets and priority seating to Crumble (Lay Me Down Justin Timberlake), while some will receive signed photos and an invite to the Cast and Crew Party. WAH WAH WE WAH!

WOAH WOAH WOAH! Hold the phone. All this for supporting ART? Count YOU in! Am I right?

And listen - even if I don't reach $3000, whatever amount is raised will be used for the show. This isn't an all or nothing game plan. I'll take anything and everything so please... gimmie your money. ;)

The L.A. Impact

Let me also state that this isn't all about me and the Theatre 68 bubble. This is about Los Angeles THEATRE. In a town where film gets all the glory, theatre is seen as the goofy step-child. We're so much more than that. We're real people. We're art. We're community. This isn't some hippie rant. This is about passion and creativity. Let's move people. Shake them up. Get them off their Netflix-watching slump and show them that L.A. isn't just a tinsel town, that THEATRE is actually where it's at.
Those who have seen 68's productions can vouch for its consistent track record in not only crowd pleasing, but also in community service. That's why we're adding an additional perk to every donation over $50 - a percentage of your contribution will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. It seems fitting, given that this play is about a family that could use a new home.  

Spread the Word

I realize that some people just can’t contribute. I GET THAT. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Posting this campaign on your facebook wall or whatever other social media source you use can be the biggest help of all and it's the easier way to show support. 

Check Please: An Evening of One-Acts

I'm currently in a show called Check Please. This production is the 10th annual series of One-Acts written, directed, produced, and performed by members of Theatre 68.

A little backstory - I've been a member of this theatre company for almost 5 years and it has been a source of inspiration, creativity, powerful friendships, and community since the day I joined. Due to new ownership, we are now being forced out of our Sunset Blvd. theatre space, as it is scheduled for bulldozing by the end of 2013. This isn't the end for us or anything dramatic like that; we'll find a  new space or even build a new one as forefathers Ronnie Marmo and Danny Cistone once did 11 years ago.   But this will be a huge goodbye to the walls  and stage that have made up a second home for many of us theatre rats. As appropriate to our moving, we've made the theme of goodbyes our central focus of this year's company One-Acts. Some will wave adieu to their past baggage, others to miserable jobs, while others still... to their virginity. Guess which one I am!!! Go on... guess. Ok I'll tell you. The last one. Lincoln Castellanos (pictured above) and I play 50's lovebirds wrapping up our prom night. 

Little known fact - I refashioned an American Vintage find into the perfect 50's prom dress. I'm pretty proud of it. Yup, I like to think of myself as a pro-costumer but I'm really just a pro-faker.  

Back to track - We opened last week to fantastic audiences and we hope to do the same for the run of the show. We have three more weekends - Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm until Feb. 9, 2013 at Theatre 68.

Tix are $20 at the door but HALF PRICE tix are available at:
LA Stage Alliance AND Goldstar