Press
PR Contact - Esther Gordon (347)-256-0804

"A STRONG ENSEMBLE OF NEW YORK ACTORS CREATES A FRESH SPIN ON A CLASSIC TALE OF ROMANCE IN THE BIG APPLE"

 Often in life we think we know exactly what we want – but quite often…we're wrong.

You and a guest are invited to a private screening of the newly completed indie-feature, Play It By Ear. In this romantic-comedy, Julia is every woman in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Duluth… who thinks they know what they're looking for in a man but never consider all their options. Julia pines for that man of grace and elegance, the Cary Grant of another era; she wishes for those larger than life moments, and when one finally hits her – it's not exactly what she wants and so she lets it slip away. With the help of her neighbor Ruth played by Academy Award® Winner Rita Moreno and her best friend Maryann , Michelle Hurd , Julia will try to see life as it really is, but is it a lesson learned too late?

Says writer/director Lauren Flick : “ I was inspired to write Play It By Ear , after a late night double film feature of Top Hat , and Suzy . Watching the elegance of Fred Astaire, and reminded of the suave sophistication of Cary Grant, I started to think of that ‘lost breed of men.' Listening to the soundtracks of both films, I found myself swept away by the romance and I began to fantasize about myself in those settings…” She goes on, “But like many of us, we get so caught up in the fantasies that sometimes we don't see the realities that are in front of us…”

For Julia , reality is in the form of handsome, ‘nice guy, school teacher - Joe ' played by Chris Henry Coffey. The chemistry seems right between the two from the start when they meet in a doorway during a rainstorm; but on paper, it reads all wrong for Julia. Joe's brother Robert , however, played by Josh Stamberg, has a resume that's more to Julia's liking. From music of the 1930's to classic films of that era, Robert appears to Julia as her own suave sophisticated leading man. And so Julia attempts to ‘change' partners in the middle of this dance.

The character of Ruth has lived through the real 1930's and knows that things aren't they way they appear on the silver screen. Through stories of her own marriage and struggles Ruth tries to impart life-lessons to Julia. When the lessons, however, are too subtle, enter Maryann to give it to Julia straight. And the lesson for Juila : following one's heart means losing one's head. Award winning Producer Adriana Davis , was drawn to the project because of the universal themes it presented, "I really believed this was a film that could speak to all ages and be appreciated by all audiences. There's a little something in it for everyone; beyond a film for women or men it speaks to the desire in us all to love and be loved."

The invitation only screening of Play It By Ear will be on May 18 th at 7p & 9p at Makor at 35 West 67 th . All rights are available.

	Jennifer Mudge In the lead role of Julia is actress Jennifer Mudge . Backstage recently featured Jennifer Mudge on it's front page of it's April 2006 edition, after appearing with John Goodman, Brenda Fricker and Jeremy Davidson in the Geffen Playhouse's revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , where she played Maggie. Actress Sharon Lawrence comments on Mudge's abilities, "I got to see how potent she is," Lawrence says of Mudge. "She's just naturally full of all that.” In a Variety.com review Steven Oxman writes of Mudge's ‘ Maggie the Cat,' “…Mudge has the chops for the part…”Perhaps it's that ability to command a role like Maggie that allows Jennifer Mudge to take the lead role of Julia in this indie-spirited romantic-comedy Play It By Ear.
	Rita Moreno No one epitomizes a strong ensemble cast member more than Oscar Winner, Emmy Winner, Tony Winner, and Grammy Winner Rita Moreno . Playing the role of Ruth , the maternal figure in Julia's life, Ms. Moreno blends the right amount of soft sage advice with sassy no-nonsense New York mocsie. From the gutsy Anita in West Side Story , for which she won her Academy Award to the courageous Sister Peter Marie Reimondo on Oz here Moreno brings that honesty and courage of her convictions to the role of Ruth.
	Josh Stamberg, Jennifer Mudge, & Chris Henry Coffey The men that form the triangle in this tale of romantic indecision are portrayed by Josh Stamberg & Chris Henry Coffey. Stamberg, who plays Robert maybe known to tv viewers as Sarge on Six Feet Under , and can be currently seen in CBS's Courting Alex starring Jenna Elfman. The Hollywood Reporter.com's Barry Garron recently wrote of Stamberg, that he “inhabits his character well.” Equally talented and engaging Coffey, playing Joe , is presently appearing in the Long Wharf Theater's production of the classic comedy The Front Page. The Connecticut.com reviews by Malcolm Johnson describe Coffey's performance, “makes a dashing, cool but excitable Hildy, who dominates the play…”
	Jennifer Mudge & Michelle Hurd Rounding up the cast is a woman with strong credits, usually playing strong women, Michelle Hurd . Known to many TV audiences as Detective Monique Jefferies on Law & Order: SVU , Hurd plays a tough but feisty Maryann as Julia's best friend in Play It By Ear. Hurd can soon be seen starring with Ray Liotta, Simon Baker and Amy Smart in the upcoming up-coming crime-drama Smith .