by Maggie Bofill*
directed by Pamela Berlin*
The hilarity, war, and regular mayhem of family life spin out of control when the financial crisis hits and the Mackey family is forced to make big changes. Everything is off. Dad’s in pajamas. Nothing is as it's supposed to be. It takes the kids (and cat and dog) to set things straight. Daring those they love most to be not just heroes - but superheroes.
Featuring:
Curran Connor*, David Gelles*, Arielle Goldman, Stephanie Hsu, Polly Lee*, Florencia Lozano*, Grant Shaud*, and Scott Sowers*
Sets : Jason Simms, Costumes : Sydney Maresca, Lights : Seth Reiser, Sound : M. Florian Staab, Props: Meagan Miller-McKeever, PSM: Carly Levin
Alexis Soloski
New York Times
“David Gelles and Arielle Goldman are actors to keep an eye on.”
“Sit. Stay. Encore!”
Eva Heinemann
Hi! Drama
“Pamela Berlin did a great job directing.”
“All of the actors were superb.”
“I was struck by how accurate David Gelles’s mannerisms were.”
“Arielle Goldman’s actions were intriguing.”
“Florencia Lozano was hilarious.”
“Jason Simms’s set was cleverly constructed and Sydney Maresca’s costumes were captivating.”
Eric Grunin
Theater Scene
“Shaud’s performance as Brian is terrific.”
“Ms. Goldman plays Gabby with a wonderful piercing stare.”
“Connor and Hsu steal every scene in which they appeared.”
Lawrence Harbison
The Playfixer
“Pam Berlin’s direction is appropriately whacky.”
“Winners is a winner.”
Alex Lipari
Entertainment Hour
“An outstanding cast.”
“Jason Simms’ set was imaginative and brought Maggie Bofill’s play to almost anyone’s living room, kitchen and bedroom.”
“Berlin played to the strengths of each cast member and had the audience laughing and leaning in throughout the entire performance.”
“Shaud was a pleasure to watch ... both relatable and moving.”
“Goldman’s ability to capture Gabby’s strange tint was well executed.”
“Hsu truly conveyed every facial expression I would expect to see from a cat-human hybrid. A beatnik and ballerina cat was a perfect addition to the play.”
“Ensemble Studio Theatre and the Radio Drama Network’s presentation of Winners was a pleasure.”
“Connor’s monologue in Act II has me looking at my own dog differently.”
“Ensemble Studio Theatre continues to churn out excellent new plays. This time, it’s Maggie Bofill’s winning family comedy, Winners (no pun intended).”
Deirdre Donovan
Curtain Up
“Maggie Bofill's Winners is likely to win your heart.”
“Bofill manages to score with this honest depiction of a family who gain their footing by confronting their mis-steps, human vulnerabilities, and the reality of dealing with life's hard blows.”
“Helmed by Pamela Berlin, Winners is a resounding winner.”
Mike Poblete
NY Theater Now
“It does what a good family drama should: explore the meaning of family by challenging assumed roles in a funny and stirring way.”
“The acting is all on point, most obviously with the eerily well impersonated dog (Curran Connor) and cat (Stephanie Hsu).”
“Very satisfying and full of really lovely moments.”
“Bofill’s earnest and sharp dialogue is entertaining throughout.”
“What more can you ask for from a night at the theater?”
Susanna Bowling
Time Square Chronicles
“Maggie Bofill’s dark comedy Winners, is another hit for this must see company.”
“Pamela Berlin’s direction is fast paced and energetic.”
“The cast is superb and the younger set are actors to keep your eyes out for.”
“Almost everything I have seen from this company in the past three years has been top notch and a winner.”
Michael Bracken
Theater Pizzazz
“The pets are surprisingly entertaining.”
“Goldman is riveting as Gabby.”
“Gelles delivers the whole package.”
“Pamela Berlin’s direction is fluid and moves the play along at an appropriately brisk pace.”
“Sydney Maresca’s costumes insightfully reflect the characters that wear them.”
“It’s truly moving”
David Barbour
Lighting & Sound America
“David Gelles is refreshingly natural as Tommy and Arielle Goldman brings a powerful sense of purpose and an aching vulnerability to the role of Gabby.”
Susan Hall
Berkshire Fine Arts
“A stunning group performance.”
“Winners is a terrific evening of theater.”
