New Jersey Stage Issue 71 | Page 93

so I knew his work way beyond his comedic work. I knew he could be fantastic on screen.” Gary Bennett added, “When Angela mentioned Christopher Lloyd, I was almost embarrassed that I hadn’t even thought of him. It was the obvious choice.” Christopher Lloyd is terrific in the film. Everything about him from his aged face and hands to his gravelly voice and pained movements express more in every shot than any director could ask for. “He was such a joy to work with,” continued Alyssa Bennett. “Everything from doing footsteps in character - he took so much care and time. He was exactly the right age, although he’s much more youthful in person; he did have to act to play that 80 year old. He was such a joy, especially when he was working with the kid (Rishon). I had to do a lot of directing through Christopher to get what we needed from Rishon and he was such a game player.” Stonestreet Studios has a knack for bringing well known stars into its pictures. Previously they made Rain Without Thunder with Jeff Daniels, Linda Hunt, and Steve Zahn; and The Pack with Luci Arnaz and Elizabeth Moss. Actors such as Miles Teller (Whiplash, Divergent), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, House of Cards), Camila Mendes (Riverdale), Idina Menzel (Frozen), and Francesa Real (Stranger Things) are a few they have worked with. The company also has Stonestreet Screen Acting & Production Conservatory, a program offered through the New York University Tisch School of the Arts Drama Department. “The 9 young actors in this film who are in the past all were people that came from the residency,” said Alyssa Bennett. “We work with them on everything and get them to a point where they’re NJ STAGE - ISSUE 71 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 93