Description
For the last few years, M.J. has been producing alongside kef theatrical productions. This collaboration began with the supernatural romance, LYRIC IS WAITING, by Michael Puzzo. With a standout cast, the production received NY Times raves and completed a very successful extension.
After LYRIC, the company would take on another risky venture, the female assassin comedy, KILLING WOMEN, by Wasserstein Award Winner Marisa Wegrzyn. A collaboration with South Ark Stage. With a cast of Broadway stars including Lisa Brescia (Mama Mia), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), and Adam Kantor (Next to Normal). The show went up for a very successful run in the famed Beckett Theater.
M.J. has handled the running of multiple fundraisers and live events. Michael Pesce’s Old Fashioned Piano Party, a night of song with the top talent in musical theater. Inappropriate: The Concert, a creative venture which brought Broadway stars together to sing the tunes they were never meant to sing. Gurland and Farley Sing Rodgers and Hammerstein, an evening of songs with the late David Gurland and Brian Farley at the famed Laurie Beechman. Also, Artists Rising, which showcases the work of budding musical theater writers.
In 2008, M.J, worked producing events with the Syracuse International Film Festival. Curating and managing the promotional and technical aspects of ten unique venues, over 150 films played over the course of the 10-day long festival. M.J. also worked to bring in new sponsors, film powerhouses like Pixar, and some of the most celebrated filmmakers in indie film today. Some of the events he produced included Israel at 50, a celebration of Israel filmmaking, Filmmaking in the Digital Age, a panel of top industry professionals discussing the changing landscape of film, and a Native American Showcase of cinema.
Just recently completed writing/directing/producing the narrative short, GARGOYLE, with Dashiell Eaves (1776, Stomp, Law and Order) and Kimmarie Lynch. A story of one man’s struggle to bring his wife back from the dream world she refuses to leave behind. Shot in Brighton Beach over the course of two days, with a budget of only $500. Check it out on Vimeo.
Upcoming projects: MARY ROBERTS, a short film that tells the story of one woman’s night of agony as she comes to terms with the illicit relationship that existed between her daughter and husband. Also, the feature length, ALREADY GONE, set in a dystopian future, which deals with two lovers, Ben and Ivy, who have only few days left before they are hauled off to slaughter.
M.J. Menter has been in the industry since 2006.