Artist Profile by Alex Moshofsky

It was the middle of the night, during a particularly frosty February in 1981, when a miracle happened. A miracle that would eventually alter the lives of millions. It was also the day Alex Moshofsky was born. Born and raised in Oregon, Alex came out to New York with delusions of grandeur. Having been an actor throughout high school and college, it only seemed right that he try his luck in the Big Apple. After doing shows here and there without much impact on his career, he stumbled upon a fledgling company called Phare Play Productions. He liked the cut of their jib, and the relationship began.

His first event with Phare Play was the 24-hour play festival, wherein he met a ton of great people who, like him, loved them some theater. He had a great time, and decided to audition for the Summer Shorts a little while later. He was cast in The Raft.

The Raft is a short, 2-person play about a honeymoon gone horribly wrong. Steve and Helen are on a cruise celebrating their new marriage, when Steve manages to sink the ship, all by himself, by getting a ham sandwich from the kitchen. This leaves our two characters on a small life raft in the middle of the ocean. Suffice it to say, Helen is not pleased with Steve. Hilarity ensues.

Alex was cast in the role of Steve, and Betsy Head in the role of Helen. Directing this fine piece of short comedy was the wonderful Brooklyn Scalzo. Peaches, the both of them. Brook has such a flair for comedy that Alex would've been hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable director.

The process was great. Rehearsals ended up being in Central Park for a number of reasons. First, it was a "central" location. BWAHAHAHAHA!! That wasn't funny... but it was true. Also, due to the fact that it was about 280 degrees every day, it seemed like a good idea to be outside rehearsing. Thirdly, the entire show takes place in an inflatable raft, and there wasn't a living room that could harness the full power said boat. And last, what's more fun than screaming for help at the top of your lungs, while standing in a land-locked raft, as scores of picnickers stare at you in confusion? Nothing, friends. Nothing.

Progress came along nicely, but not perfectly. Being off book proved a bit of a setback, as it didn't happen for a while. Once the lines were completely owned (the final rehearsal) things went much better. The script is rife with plenty of opportunities for good comedic timing, and Brooklyn knew where they were. She was quick to get Alex and Betsy on the right track with grade-A comedy.

The show finally got put on its feet, and to rousing success. It went off without a hitch, and all were pleased. Brooklyn should be commended for her infinite patience, because in the end, she put together a great show.

The Summer Shorts were a great experience. The process was a relatively short one, but that just means that all the joy of being in a production was concentrated into a shorter time, making it seem even more fun! Phare Play has done it again, folks!