Press and News
According to the Chorus
The Road Theatre Company, October-December 2022
Written by Arlene Hutton
Directed by Emily Chase
In the basement quick change room of a Broadway theatre in the mid 1980s, life is full of angst as the long-running production may close at any time and the chorus women are at war with the wardrobe department. Will the new dresser, with her own sad past and uncertain future, be able to navigate this minefield? According to the Chorus is a funny, nostalgic behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal period in the history of Broadway where women’s issues and the AIDS crisis play out through the everyday lives of Equity performers and union dressers.
“Ten of the most fabulous actresses in town bring to vibrant life a cast of characters that anyone who’s ever spent time in a dressing room or green room will instantly recognize.” - Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
“A semi-finalist at the prestigious National Playwrights Conference in 2021, ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS is another solid offering from the Road Theatre Company, which is a consistently underrated and reliable source of thoughtful and thought-provoking Los Angeles theater.” - Harker Jones, Broadway World
Mel and Ruby
Written and Produced by: Julia Manis
Directed by: Oran Zegman
Short Film. Official Selection: Sherman Oaks Film Festival, Lift-Off Film Festival, Female Filmmakers Fuse Festival, and more.
Mel has just been dumped and knocked up by the love of her life. Out of solidarity, Type-A BFF Ruby accompanies Mel to her abortion. However, Mel and Ruby may have conflicting views on what it means to be a woman.
World Premiere: March 2021
“[Julia] Manis created a beautiful and touching short film that is at its best complex.” - Sian Melton, The MUFF by Medium
“Compassionate, masterful illustration of humanity…A captivating watch from start to finish.” - Indie Shorts Magazine
“I’m always drawn to natural and not-so-tidy stories and exposes our imperfections. Actors Manis and Schock masterfully create distinct characters and play out the story authentically.” - Alan Ng, Film Threat
Links:
Production HUB - Blog on Film Accessibility
Photo Credit: Lizzy Kimball
Poster Art by: Justin Desrosiers
Cowboy Mouth
Hollywood Fringe Festival 2018
Directed by Harrison James
A cautionary tale of loving someone for their potential rather than who they are. This one act play is a rock n’ roll ride with equal parts humor, tragedy, and catharsis. Julia Manis stars as Cavale, a self-loathing woman who kidnaps a young man named Slim (played by Adam Navas) in an effort to make him a rock god. Their tumultuous love affair explodes, ranging from playfulness to outright rage to unbridled lust. Co-written by Sam Shepard and Patti Smith when they were engaged in their own tumultuous love affair at the Chelsea Hotel.
“Directed, art directed and performed to a rare, extraordinary, odd perfection.” - Tracey Paleo, Gia on the Move
“The lead actress is both tender and fierce with a wild precision and tears that stream easily from her eyes like blood from a wound.” - Kate Norwood
“The actors grip you from the very beginning, taking us on an emotionally charged ride through pain, love and a litany of other experiences. It was truly phenomenal. Julia was incredible, a powerhouse. Adam was just as incredible, and these two actors are what made the play. Brilliant!" - Sophia Valdivia
“Manis and Navas are electric as Cavale and Slim, simultaneously compelling and sinister protagonists trapped together either by fate, circumstance, or something in between. Manis in particular captures Cavale's multitudes, layering the character's psychosis with moments of startling, poignant clarity regarding the play's inherent theme—the notion that the American Dream inevitably fails us all.” - Suhashini Krishnan
Photo Credit: Nick Grayson
At the Table
The Road Theatre Company, Alternate Cast
Directed by: Judith Moreland and Justin Lord (Alternate Cast)
A Chekhovian style play in two acts. 6 friends on their annual retreat outside of the city. With a strict no cell phone/no internet rule, they are forced to talk to each other. With no topic off-limits, the conversations quickly become fraught and emotional. The play asks the question, “Who is allowed at what discussion table, and who isn’t?”
Best Alternate Cast Ensemble, 14th Annual Scenie Awards 2018-2019
“Julia Manis makes a striking Road Theatre mainstage debut as an equal-parts tough and tender Chris.” - Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
Photo Credit: Lizzy Kimball