Themes: coming-of-age, soccer, sexuality, spiritual growth, creativity, nature
Offsides is a moving family drama that uncovers the angst and struggles of a seemingly average suburban family. Three generations, each with its own story and conflicts, interact to produce the central character’s conflict and eventual resolution. The ending, which may be shocking to some, is carefully constructed to flow naturally from the plot. Both young and older audiences will find something to relate to in this tale of life, love, and family needs.
~Anthony Giordano, NJ playwright and independent filmmaker
Set in fictional Montview, NJ, OFFSIDES is a new play written and produced by emerging playwright and screenwriter Jennifer DiOrio and directed by the talented Alberto Bonilla. Its melodramatic yet sophisticated plot about an Italian-American family blends universal themes and unexpected twists. Engaging the audience’s curiosity, feeling, and hope with natural ease, the script brings conflict, laughter, life, family, love, and many human emotions into focus. The story is compelling, moving, and real — and it manages to touch both heart and soul. The cast was nothing less than phenomenal. I loved it from beginning to end.
~Lori Snyder, NY Personal Development Coach/Host & Anchor of Newsbutterfly on Cable
Preview Stage Production
Location: The Watchung Arts Center at 18 Stirling Road in Watchung, NJ
Dates: October 22, 23, 24 in 2010
Director: Alberto Bonilla at http://www.albertobonilla.com/
Number of actors: 8 (4 female, 4 male)
Number of characters: 12 (ages range from 17 to mid-sixties)
Setting: NJ, 1990
Photos by Dan Bryan: http://www.flickr.com/photos/40732555488@N01/sets/72157625256594408/show/
Thanks to all those who attended the first stage production and benefit for the Watchung Arts Center. Our production at the WAC sold out on October 22 (opening night), followed by a full house on October 23 and total ticket sales that beat the previous two nights on October 24th. In fact, the WAC commented that the center has not seen that kind of attendance in years. Everyone’s positive feedback continues to be greatly appreciated.
I have also finished the new screenplay for Offsides. We hope to produce the movie within a couple of years. Stay tuned for details!
Sincerely,
Jennifer DiOrio, Writer and Executive Producer of Offsides
http://offsidesnjproductions.wordpress.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdiorio
Email: jenniferdiorio123@gmail.com
Recognition for Early Drafts of the Screenplay of OFFSIDES:
OFFSIDES reached the quarterfinals of the 2009 Cynosure Screenwriting Awards Competition. See http://www.broadmindent.com/id26.html.
A preliminary analysis from another major writing competition mentioned that OFFSIDES includes “real problems” and “real drama” for the “well-painted characters” and action for the actors that adds “a wonderful layer to the film.”
Offsides, a coming-of-age/family drama by Jennifer DiOrio
Jennifer DiOrio is the sole proprietor of Offsides NJ Productions. She is also a member of the Dramatists Guild.
