That May Well Be True Written by Joel Hirschhorn, (Variety)
Peter - Josh WeinsteinJoy - Erin Quinn PurcellRussell - Daniel Milder Jay Reiss' "That May Well Be True," making its world premiere at Hudson Mainstage, is an angry and penetrating exploration of friendship ruined by resentment and jealousy. Reiss has a knack for writing hostile confrontations and charging every scene with suspense. But production is also clearly intended to be humorous, and author's witty lines would be funnier if directed in a freer, less sober style. Adversarial tension is sparked when novelist Peter (Josh Weinstein) fights a plagiarism lawsuit instituted by his old pal Russell (Daniel Milder), a former drug addict. Russell had wild experiences in Mexico that Peter utilized for a new bestseller, and he wants $700,000 of fee promised to Peter for his screenplay of novel. When Peter shows up unexpectedly at Russell's Westchester apartment to hash out problem, lifetime grievances are aired that aggravate their bitterness. Prominent in mix is Russell's roommate Joy (Erin Quinn Purcell), an economist who has been hired to counsel an Indian ashram on how to increase its profits. Russell amusingly defines their relationship as similar to a marriage ("We eat together, we bicker in front of friends, and we don't have sex"). Portraying Peter, Weinstein conveys right blend of integrity and self-interest. Milder is a courageous, high-strung actor, and his Russell is a realistic portrait of self-destruction. What upsets balance in contest between two is his exasperating, unlikable attitude: It's hard not to repudiate him even when his viewpoints are justified. An occasional inspired line ("If it wasn't for me, you'd still be listening to Phil Collins and defending it") softens him, but it's not enough to make us care about his fate.
| | How To Choose A Stage Hypnotist For Your EventWritten by Carole Turley, Ch.t
First I must say that I consider myself to be an Expert in area of providing Hypnotic (and Magical) Entertainment. I say this not out of a sense of ego, but because although I am not an entertainer myself; Providing, Producing & Directing Hypnotic & Magical Entertainment has been my Exclusive Business Focus for nearly 15 years now. I am also a certified professional hypnotist, but I would NEVER profess to be a "Hypnotic Entertainer"! I have worked with a wide variety of Stage Hypnotists over years in very many capacities. After a few years I came to one conclusion... All Hypnotists are certainly not created equally! The entertainment provided within Fair, Festival & Event Industries is certainly a reflection of knowledge of individuals whose job it is to actually secure & book talent. Unfortunately, over years I have found that many people in these jobs do not know what they need to know when it comes to booking Stage Hypnotists. Most individuals in those positions simply know that having a Hypnotist is a crowd pleaser. They are right in their thinking on one hand... having a Stage Hypnotist perform a few times each day during run of an event is most certainly a drawing act. Many attendees return repeatedly to event just to see Hypnotist. I can state this from personal experience, since about 20 years ago, I myself was what I now call in business... a "hypno-junkie". These are people who are so fascinated by Hypnosis Shows that they just can't seem to get enough of them. So began my business career & involvement in providing this type of entertainment, although I used to "pretend" to hypnotize my friends in dressing room of my Home Ec Class in Junior High School. Let me begin by stating that MOST of individuals who sell themselves as "Hypnotic Entertainers" are simply people who have either studied hypnosis in one way or another, and/or received certification of some type... many by attendance at a weekend seminar. Know that Hypnosis is NOT governed or regulated on a National level, and VERY FEW states regulate it in any way whatsoever. Obtaining Certifications and/or Registrations with local or national Hypnosis organizations is VERY easily achieved... therefore ANYONE can call themselves a Hypnotist, with or without any type of study, knowledge or "certification". Just drink that in for a minute. I could train & prep YOU (in just a few hours) to get on a stage and perform a Hypnosis Show. Would you consider yourself qualified as a Stage Hypnotist / Performer... I think not! But that is exactly much of what is on stages across country today in my Industry! That is a pretty scary thought isn't it... since we are dealing with people's psyche in these shows? Having some virtually worthless Hypnotic "certification" certainly does not qualify an individual to be knowledgeable enough to actually handle an abreaction (a negative emotional response) should it occur during a performance (which it does frequently). Most certainly, having some "certification" DOES NOT MAKE THEM AN ENTERTAINER... and I am here to say THAT is one HUGE difference that buyers of talent need to look at ! Is this individual that you are about to hire, an "Entertainer" first and foremost, who simply uses Hypnosis as his tool to entertain with? OR Is this individual you are about to hire a person with some easily obtained "paper" credentials who is TRYING TO BE AN ENTERTAINER? Some buyers of talent are very hung up on Hypnotist having "paper credentials", when most of these buyers don't realize how worthless it really is. Point in fact is that having that "paper" is absolutely NO INDICATION of what you are actually buying in way of suitable entertainment for your event & attendees! In my personal business of delivering Hypnotic Entertainment, I am affiliated with only one Featured Performer. I frequently look for QUALITY & QUALIFIED Stage Hypnotists whose services I can use in cases such as double bookings for my own Featured Show. I rarely find those individuals, since Quality Acts & Performers are generally as booked up as we are. I am very frequently approached by other Hypnotists who want me to book them... so I acquire their promotional materials... I go see their "shows"... and I repeatedly turn them down! I will not attach my name to "entertainment" such as that delivered by most of these “ hypnotic performers”. Look for "Entertainer" qualities first. Is he/she charismatic? What types of High Venue & Events have they performed for or do they spend most of their time in a Hypno THERAPY practice? Do they have many years of studying mind and Hypnosis behind them, or are they what I call a "weekend wonder"? How long have they actually been performing... most entertainers started out as a child in some way or another. Is their show active? Do they musically choreograph their shows? Are they "clinical" in their appearance & delivery? Is their "show" merely a "demonstration" of Hypnosis instead of an entertaining performance? Are they trying to “sell you” by using fact that they are "certified"?
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