a look back...way back, with Co-Founder, Francisco Solorzano...

Francisco Solorzano has recently completed his first feature film script, has a short screenplay in the works and a collaboration with Christopher Whalen and Mark von Sternberg* on a web series based on a short play by von Sternberg.


Barefoot Studio Pictures is currently developing a reading series for writers working on full-length and short screenplays.

In the meantime, here's a look back at Francisco's work with BSP theatrical company, BTC!

Barefoot Theatre Company's
Does A Tiger Wear A Necktie?
Reviewed by Victor Gluck for BACKSTAGE
July 2002

In the 33 years since the late Don Petersen's "Does A Tiger Wear A Necktie?" opened on Broadway, all that has changed is that language in the theatre has become rawer.  And despite the years that have passed since Al Pacino won a Tony Award as the troubled and violent teenager, Bickham, this role still has the power to unnerve.

Michael LoPorto's production for the Barefoot Theatre Company is powerful, engrossing, and commanding.  There's not a loose link in the large cast of 19.  Along with set designer Eun-Chung Yoon, he keeps the action close to the audience, which only serves to intensify the drama.

Although the play is described as dramatizing the effect of one English teacher on his students in the racially charged atmosphere of an island narcotics rehabilitation center, it is actually the role of the violent student, Bickham, that is the star part.  Just as Pacino did before him, Francisco Solorzano dominates the stage and all his scenes.  His Bickham is dangerous, scary, and commanding.  His bravura star turn alone makes this evening memorable.

Orlando S. Columbus and Dedra McCord-Ware make an interesting study in opposites as the two drug-addicted lovers-he so optimistic and upbeat, she so pessimistic and cynical.  Gilberto Ron, as the dedicated English Teacher, and Robert Scott, as the psychiatrist, are believable, but at times seem afraid of their charges-which may be intentional.  As the corrupt guard with the truncheon, Michael Kerns seems a bit stereotyped, but his subversive role as the drug connection still rings true.

Yoon's classroom setting with its graffiti and recognizable furniture gives the production an air of verisimilitude, as do Victoria Malvagno's costumes.  It's hard to believe that this is this first New York revival since the original 1969 production for this pertinent, powerful play.

Does A Tiger Wear A Necktie? by Don Petersen was presented at the Looking Glass Theater in New York City during July/Aug 2002.

*Mark von Sternberg is also a Barefoot Theatre Company Ensemble Member.

Co-Founder, Christopher Whalen in Los Angeles...

Actor / Producer / Co-Founder, Christopher Whalen can be seen working with the collaborative film group: WE MAKE MOVIES.  Here's a little bit about about the organization direct from their website:  "We Make Movies is a film collective dedicated to making the movie industry not suck.  Our monthly writers' workshops are free and open to the public, our Articles and Resources are hopefully helpful and informative and our gang of filmmakers are ready to help you make your movie - as actors, writers, crew or whatever. So come on in, 
take a seat and let's make some movies."


Christopher Whalen

Theater: Sins Of The Mother written and directed by Israel Horovitz (Gloucester Stage Company), 70/70 Horovitz Project in Horovitz's Unexpected Tenderness (alongside Michael Stuhlbarg, Annabella Sciorra, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Anna Chlumsky, and Sol Freider at the Bleecker Street Theater), bareNaked Reading Series (NY/LA), Suite Horovitz & Mid East Pieces by Israel Horovitz (Theatre For The New City).  Christopher developed the role of Moretti in the workshop production of Dog Day Afternoon, Dave, Benjy, Todd, and Angry Male in Israel Horovitz's New Shorts (Theatre Row Theatres opposite Lynn Cohen), Barefoot in the Park, Pericles,Crimes Of The Heart, Israel Horovitz's Security(Bleecker Street Theatre) & North Shore Fish (78th Street Theatre Lab) and Joseph Sousa's Teeth of the Sons (Bleecker Street Theatre) among others. Film:PS. I Love You opposite Lisa Kudrow, (Warner Brothers), The Proctor (Endless Films). A physical fitness enthusiast, he completed his third New York City marathon in the fall of 2007. Christopher is currently the Producing Director of the Barefoot Theatre Company. Member Since 2004.

http://wemakemovies.org/
http://wemakemovies.org/2011/01/chris-whalen/

Barefoot Theatre Company forms Film/TV/Media Production Co.

Barefoot Studio Pictures - 
Founded by a small group of Ensemble Members from New York City's critically acclaimed Barefoot Theatre Company, Barefoot Studio Picutres is an LA & NYC based independent company dedicated to the production and development of feature, short and viral films.  


Reminiscent of the gritty, visceral and character driven pictures from the late 60's and early 70's era, we explore stories from a truthful place that ignite passion, incite laughter, and provoke discussion.  As bold, commanding and powerful as its theatrical partner, Barefoot Studio Pictures promises to take artistic risks to bring a memorable cinematic experience to life.    


Company (pictured from L to R): Will Allen, Joseph Sousa, Dan Graff, Christopher Whalen, Francisco Solorzano & Jeremy Brena (not pictured).   


Contact: 6711 Yucca Street, # 214, Hollywood, CA 90028 / PH: (212) 802-8305.   Members joined this past month in Los Angeles office to take part in a writing retreat.  There are currently several projects in the works.  


Stay tuned for more info and preproduction news.