top of page

Archives - TECH SUPPORT

TECH SUPPORT by Debra Whitfield 980x357.

TECH SUPPORT, written and directed by Debra Whitfield, had its Off-Broadway premiere at 59E59 Theaters from August, 29–September 21, 2019. 

Life has become too complicated for technophobe and antique book seller, Pamela Stark. Pam's world is soon turned upside down when, instead of providing assistance with her printer, the tech support guy, "Chip," offers her choices for different centuries. In each era, this reluctant time-traveler saves lives, as she is hurled from decade to decade. Pam's emotional and witty journey finally ends with one last rescue--her own. 

The cast of TECH SUPPORT: 

Ryan_Avalos_headshot.jpg

RYAN AVALOS (All the Chips) is a New York based actor from Miami, Florida. Proud alum of Carnegie Mellon University. He has recently been on the New York stage in a production of In The Closet at Theatre Row. You may have also seen Ryan on FX’s "FOSSE/VERDON." He is so excited to join this  production of Tech Support and work with this fabulous team!

Leanne_Cabrera_headshot.jpg

LEANNE CABRERA (Maisie/Lupé) is excited to be time traveling with Chatillion Stage Company.  NY Theatre: Eve Ensler's Emotional Creature at the Signature Theatre; Pan Asian Rep: The Emperor's Nightingale, No-No Boy, A Dream of Red Pavilions; Leviathan Lab: The Two Gentlemen of Verona, As You Like It.  Regional Theatre: The Fantasticks, The King and I, Jewtopia, South Pacificleannecabrera.com

Lauriel_Friedman_headshot.jpg

LAURIEL FRIEDMAN (Grace/Tori) is thrilled to be working with Chatillion Stage Company again, where she last appeared in FIRE at Theatre 54.  Recently, Lauriel performed in The Immigrant at George Street Playhouse.  Other NYC credits include the Pearl Theatre Company productions of The Winter's TaleThe Dingdong, and Kate Hamill's premiere of Vanity Fair.  Regional appearances include The Diary of Anne Frank (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ), and Pride and Prejudice and Peter Piper (Guthrie Theater).  Lauriel received her B.F.A. from the Guthrie Theater, studied Shakespeare at The Globe, and Lecoq Movement at the London International School for Performing Arts.  laurielfriedman.com

Mark_Lotito_headshot.jpg

MARK LOTITO (Charlie/Joe/Biff) recently appeared at 59E59 in Willy Holtzman’s Smart Blonde. A veteran of ten Broadway shows, he originated the role of Gyp DeCarlo in Jersey Boys, played Tevye in Fiddler, Max in The Producers, worked twice with his mentor the great Gerald Gutierrez on The Most Happy Fella and Dinner At Eight, Squash in Victor/VictoriaMarie ChristineBetrayal (with Juliette Binoche), the Wizard in Boys From Syracuse, and The Smell Of The Kill.  He has been seen on many stages. Film and TV credits include recent work on "High Maintenance," "Instinct," "The Loudest Voice," "Wu-Tang: An American Saga," and the upcoming "Joker" and "The Outside Story."  He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two sons.

Margot_White_headshot.jpg

MARGOT WHITE (Pamela) Favorite credits include: Broadway: Farinelli & the King (Belasco); Love, Love, Love (Roundabout); Constellations (MTC), Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention; Off-Broadway & Regional: Dirty Dancing (Tour); Oh My, Goodness (E.S.T, Dir William Carden); Pericles (Red Bull); Unspeakable (Harlem’s Apollo); Sweat (Pioneer Theatre); Talley’s Folly (The McCarter w/ Richard Schiff); Romeo & Juliet (Great Lakes Theatre, Dir Daniel Fish). TV/Film/Podcast: "Unforgettable," “L&O,""L&O: CI,” "Blue Bloods," "Limetown,” "Ask for Jane." She also founded & created her baking company, Sweets of Adversity, which designs edible props for Broadway, along with customized treats for special events.  sweetsofadversity.com  Many thanks to Debra et tout!

TECH SUPPORT Creative and Production Teams

Creative Team:

NATALIE TAYLOR HART / Scenic Design

JANICE O’DONNELL / Costume Design

DEBORAH CONSTANTINE / Lighting Design

ED MATTHEW / Sound Design

CARLENE STOBER / Sound Consultant

ELLIOTT FORREST / Projection Design

INGA THRASHER / Hair & Make-up Design

CYRUS NEWITT / Prop Master

STEPHANIE KLAPPER, CSA / Casting

Production Team:

ROBERT LACONI / Associate Producer

ERIC HAFEN / Production Manager

EMELY ZEPEDA / Production Stage Manager

BONNIE McHEFFEY / Assistant Stage Mgr.

ANDREW ELLIOTT / Technical Director

 

BWW Review: TECH SUPPORT at 
59E59 Theaters – A Unique Show that 
Entertains and Charms 

 

by Marina Kennedy 9/6/19 
 

This clever and wonderfully performed romantic comedy offers a stark contrast between our modern age and times past. 


The talented, accomplished cast brings Debra Whitfield's unique and entertaining show to life with humor and heart. 


For anyone who is even occasionally frustrated by the increase of technology in their everyday life, and longs for a simpler time, the themes expressed in TECH SUPPORT will be appreciated and enjoyed. See the show while you can on the Upper East Side Stage. 


TECH SUPPORT is a Charming Look at New vs Old 

Times Square Chronicles 

by Suzanna Bowling September 5, 2019 

Last night at 59E59 Theaters, a charming lighthearted look at how technology has overrun our lives and our souls, opened in the form of TECH SUPPORT. Written and directed by Debra Whitfield, this play felt like a 1940’s romantic comedy, where love always saves the day. 

 

122_Chatillion_Stage_Company_Tech_Suppor

Margot White as Pam in TECH SUPPORT, Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. Photo Credit: Russ Rowland

On mobile, click image once to highlight, then click again to enlarge.

74_Chatillion_Stage_Company_Tech_Support

Ryan Avalos and Leanne Cabrera dance up a storm in TECH SUPPORT. Photo Credit: Russ Rowland

The cast is extremely talented with Margot White leading the way. Her chemistry with Ryan Avalos, makes us root for this couple the whole way through. Mark Lotito’s comedic transitions of all the men who own the boarding house is amusing, as he embodies the era’s transitions. 

 

The set by Natalie Taylor Hart, is clever and really uses the space perfectly. Also the projection design by Elliot Forrest, sound design by Ed Matthew and lighting design by Deborah Constantine are well done. 

 

This production is done by the Chatillion Stage Company, whose play FIRE also gained a rave review. This company really puts on well thought out plays that embrace the past. 

 

What makes Ms. Whitfield’s play so charming, is that it blends old philosophies with new. Her direction, as well as her writing, makes this a piece that takes us out of our present day drama and allows us to escape, if just for an hour and 20 minutes. 

 

Broadway Radio

 

with Peter Filichia 9/1/19 

 

Beautifully, wonderfully, terrifically played by Margot White. A phenomenal performance: endearing, funny, sincere. 

 

Ryan Avalos is a tremendous new discovery, a real find, terrific. 

 

TECH SUPPORT has a future. I do think we may be seeing TECH SUPPORT in 20 years because it’s that good a play! 

 

Ethan Kanfer Theatre Reviews TECH SUPPORT 9/19/19 

 

The once popular time-travel-meets-romance subgenre is due for a 21st Century reboot, and playwright/director Debra Whitfield is just the person to do it. 

 

Bringing a decidedly contemporary sensibility to her era-hopping heroine’s search for fulfillment, Whitfield examines both our gadget- addicted society and the evolution of women’s rights over the past century. 

 

Both in her script and direction, Whitfield wrings laughs and tenderness out of the culture clash between her FOMO-driven protagonist and the practitioners of a more thoughtfully-paced way of life. 

 

The cast, anchored by Margot White’s endearing Pamela, bring warmth and wit to their sociological and personal arcs. The story’s journey through history is made colorful and convincing by the well- researched and visually appealing achievements of the gifted design team. 

TECH SUPPORT video interviews:

TECH SUPPORT reviews:

logo_times_square_chronicles.jpg
logo_hollywood_soapbox.jpg
broadway_world_logo.png
broadway_world_logo.png
logo_broadway_radio.jpg
logo_ethan_kanfer.jpg
logo_stagebuzz.jpg
logo_unforgettable_line.jpg

TECH SUPPORT cast interviews:

Debra_Whitfield.jpg
Leanne_Cabrera.jpg
Mark_Lotito.jpg
Lauriel_Friedman.jpg
Ryan_Avalos.jpg
bottom of page