“Chinese Coffee” Opens At Nyack Village Theatre

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

Actors John Mirabella, as Jake Manheim, and Harry Leavey, as Harry Levine, put on an intense portrayal of two buddies trying to make it in New York City in the dialogue-driven “Chinese Coffee” at Nyack Village Theatre on Main St.

Set at a meeting in Jake’s apartment at about 1 a.m., it is not a happy get together as Harry and Jake spar over money and Harry questions whether Jake has read the book he has written. Jake later admits just what he thinks of the book in a tense scene.

The pair somewhat resemble the Odd Couple with Harry playing nervous half and Leavey and Mirabella work nicely off each other. Both are struggling, Levine having lost his job as a doorman and having about $1.50 to his name, and Jake trying to make a living as a photographer.

Their conversations include stories about girlfriends, the struggles of writing and interpersonal betrayals between the two friends. And so it goes with Harry suggesting that maybe they should go to Chinatown at 3 a.m. and have some Chinese coffee.

The intriguing thing about “Chinese Coffee,” written by Ira Lewis, is the depiction of how tough life can be in New York City and how so called friends turn out to not be friends at all.

Showings this weekend at Nyack Village Theater are Friday, January 2, 8 – 10 p.m. and Saturday, January 3, 8 – 10 p.m. The show runs through January 31. Matinees on January 11 and 25 at 2 p.m.

I rate “Chinese Coffee” two and a half stars out of four. For tickets visit www.nyackvillagetheatre.com or call 845.826.2639.

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