NEW SCRIPTED PODCAST “THE OLD PEOPLE’S CHANNEL” TO PREMIERE NEXT WEEK
Press Contact:
Michael Jorgensen
michael@jorgensenpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE
SCRIPTED PODCAST
“THE OLD PEOPLE’S CHANNEL”
TO PREMIERE NEXT WEEK
CREATED & WRITTEN BY RICHARD CURTIS
DIRECTED BY MEGAN SIMARD
PRODUCTION, DESIGN & MUSIC BY STEVE MECCA
DEBUTING FEBRUARY 24TH
ARTWORK & HEADSHOTS AVAILABLE HERE
TRAILER AVAILABLE HERE
New York, NY (February 17, 2022) – The OPC – short for The Old People’s Channel – an original scripted podcast series focusing on ageism, created and written by Richard Curtis, has completed production with a cast of 30 and will debut next week on Thursday, February 24th, available on all streaming platforms.
Season One of The OPC introduces Bernard Bentlee, a wealthy octogenarian who has invested his fortune, and his family’s inheritance, in a risky new media venture. Is he living a pipe dream and destroying his family’s future, as his daughter Annette accuses? Or is he a genius whose vision bridges the generation gap, fully supported by his Gen Z granddaughters?
A modern twist on the classic radio play format, The OPC is equal parts comedy and heart. Easy to binge and hard to forget, this is one podcast that will leave you wanting more. (And more is on the way: a second season is being scripted.)
The OPC is a Mozine Productions podcast, created and written by executive producer Richard Curtis and produced and directed by Megan Simard, with technical production, sound design, and music by Steve Mecca.
The cast of The OPC features Loni Ackerman, Opal Besson, Victoria Bundonis, Joe Cosentino, Peter Dichter, Dianna Dudley, Todd Faulkner, Kerry Frances, David Gibson, Nicole Greevy, Cary Hite, Shonita Joshi, Jamie Lee Kearns, Bunny Levine, Todd Lewis, Hilary Mann, Sevans Martinez, Steve Mecca, Kris Paredes, Marina Re, Merritt Reid, Peter Reznikoff, Richard Sacher, Megan Simard, Dick Terhune, Dan Truman, Jenne Vath, and Dathan B. Williams.
“I created The OPC not just for an older audience but a younger one as well. For, as our hero Bernard Bentlee says, ‘young people are old people in training’. The most gratifying response to the series has come from the young actors, who told me that The OPC brought them closer to their grandparents and other elderly people,” says author Richard Curtis. “I think you’ll recognize and enjoy many of the characters young, old, and middle-aged that you meet in The OPC. Indeed, maybe you’ll come away agreeing with me that the aged are society’s most precious resource.”
“When Richard first told me about his idea for The OPC, I knew that I had to do whatever I could to get this project off the ground,” says director Megan Simard. “We’re living in an era of major social transition, and The OPC depicts our generational differences with so much authenticity and honesty that I am certain it will appeal to a broad audience. There’s something for everyone in this show! Directing The OPC has been a thrill and I cannot wait for our listeners to hear the stellar cast of thirty voice actors who worked so hard to bring Richard’s script to life.”
“Since the beginning of our journey with The OPC, I've just begun to understand the nuances of what it truly means to be ‘old’ in America - and that it's far more complicated than I ever imagined,” says technical producer and sound engineer Steve Mecca. “Working on this show has given me a new sense of purpose; and that is to help open the eyes of younger generations so that everyone can find a new sense of respect for our more experienced citizens, and for the next in line to feel just a little better about growing old in America.”
Additional information is available via TheOldPeoplesChannel.com.
BIOGRAPHIES
RICHARD CURTIS (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer) created The OPC to celebrate the limitless potential of senior power. Curtis, a New York literary agent, is the author of a number of stage plays, including The Tutu Trilogy and Quiet Enjoyment, both produced off-off Broadway. When the pandemic closed theaters down, he wrote and recorded a podcast series, Tales from the Creepery (Blackstone Audiobooks), in homage to the beloved radio theater of his youth.
MEGAN SIMARD (Producer/Director/Actor) is an American actor, producer, director, writer, voice-over artist, and vocalist based in NYC. Originally from Cumberland, Rhode Island, Megan graduated with honors from Wagner College, where she majored in Theatre/Speech Performance with a Concentration in Musical Theatre and a Minor in English. A seasoned performer on both stage and screen, Megan originated the role of Karma in Richard Curtis’s play, Quiet Enjoyment, and was a recurring performer on his podcast series, Tales From The Creepery. Megan is also known for playing the title role in the award-winning animated short, Dr. Mantis: Insect Analyst and was a lead performer and contributing writer for “The Rob Bartlett Radio Comedy Hour.”
STEVE MECCA (Producer/Technical Director/Actor) is a technician who serves as Director of Production at Flushing Town Hall, a robust cultural institution in Queens, NY. As an accomplished musical performer, Steven Mecca has entertained tens of thousands of music lovers and party goers at various night clubs, weddings and concert halls, acting as the front man in original and event bands for over 20 years; and has acted and provided voiceovers in numerous published web shorts, radio commercials, and podcasts. Steven also writes his own music and continues to exercise his creative abilities while contributing other artist's creative projects as a guest vocalist and producer.
LONI ACKERMAN (Actor) has been a longtime favorite of Broadway theatergoers. She captivated New York audiences in such coveted roles as Eva in Evita and Grizabella in Cats. Other Broadway credits include leading roles in The Magic Show; So Long, 174th Street; No, No, Nanette; and George M!. She was in the original cast of Starting Here, Starting Now and appeared Off-Broadway in Diamonds; The Petrified Prince (both under the direction of Hal Prince); Brownstone; and Dames At Sea. She is married to Tony Award winning sound designer Steve Canyon Kennedy. They have two terrific sons, Jack and George, two beautiful daughters-in law, Mary and Jami, and one (can't stop kissing her) grandaughter, Magaret!
OPAL BESSON (Actor) brings her dynamic range, relatable voice, as well as creative play to every story. Her core mission is to deliver carefully crafted and sincere messages aimed to illuminate every project. After taking the windy yet scenic path of working in the corporate legal world in NY and then for nearly a decade in France, her true calling to live out her dreams of a life in the arts always beckoned. As she could no longer delay this persistent call, she summoned all her courage, joie de vivre, and curiosity into plunging full-time in extensive acting training with such esteemed teachers as Bill Esper and Wynn Handman. She continues to make major inroads in the commercial and corporate voiceover/dubbing world, having voiced projects for such top industry players such as Netflix, Sony, KPMG, La Roche, SAP, PBS among others. She is committed to inspiring and motivating diverse audiences on the small and big screen as well, and continues to retain a curiosity and zest for life.
VICTORIA BUNDONIS (Actor) has toured North American in the Broadway revival of The Music Man as well as Grease starring Frankie Avalon. She has performed at regional theatres, in films, on television, and is often found in a sound booth happily recording all sorts of voiceovers. Some favorite stage roles include Della (The Cake), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Kate Macauley (The Human Comedy), Bananas (House of Blue Leaves), Mama Rose (Gypsy), Carlotta (Follies), and Hesther (Equus).
JOE COSENTINO (Actor) has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Rosie O’Donnell (AT&T Industrial), Nathan Lane (Roar of the Greasepaint), Holland Taylor (“My Mother Was Never a Kid” ABC-TV movie), Charles Keating (“Another World” on NBC), and Jason Robards (Commercial Credit Computer commercial). He is currently a theatre professor/arts department chair at a college in upstate New York and is happily married. Joe has authored over thirty award-winning mystery and romance novels, including the popular Nicky and Noah mysteries, Jana Lane mysteries, Player Piano mysteries, and Cozzi Cove series.
PETER DICHTER (Actor). His marketing agency Peter Dichter & Associates specialized in niche marketing, product positioning, consumer segmentation, licensing and image. As a writer, Peter’s Principles, a monthly trade magazine column and commentary on the fragrance and cosmetics industry was the most-read column in the magazine. I have written and developed corporate Web sites, magazine articles for various publications and public relations brochures. After retiring, he spent two years studying at the New York Voiceover Academy where he was in the designated category “Voice of God”, becoming valued for his ability to do narration if not for his limited ability to act. He also sings in three choirs where he is valued for his audible low F if not for his limited ability to hold notes as written.
DIANNA DUDLEY (Actor) is an actor and VO actor based in NYC. A former compliance officer for a global bank, I have reinvented myself in the entertainment industry booking national and regional television commercials, magazine print modeling work, and VO for Audible, political candidates, and various podcasts and television. I have worked in the entertainment industry both in front of and behind the camera, as well as the owner of a production location service.
TODD FAULKNER (Actor) is the co-creator and a primary writer on the award-winning supernatural anthology podcast Uncanny County (think Twilight Zone by way of the Coen Brothers). Learn more at uncannycounty.com. As an actor he is best known for his appearances as Agent Loeb throughout all six seasons of the critically acclaimed FX series “The Americans” (FX). He has also appeared on “The Blacklist” (NBC), as well as “Mindhunter” (Netflix), “Seven Seconds” (Netflix), “Bull” (CBS), “God Friended Me” (CBS), “The Following” (FOX), and many other New York based television shows. Onstage, Todd appeared as Sarge/Scarlett in the York Theatre’s critically acclaimed off-Broadway production of Yank! A New Musical. He is currently recording roles in several new upcoming professional podcasts (all of which are currently still top secret) and he is thrilled that SAG-AFTRA has embraced this still- growing platform for drama.
KERRY FRANCES (Actor) is an actress, singer, songwriter, voice over artist, and producer. Kerry played Sally, a role specifically written for her, in the Oscar and Golden Globe nominated film Knives Out (Lionsgate/Rian Johnson) opposite a star-studded cast. On stage, Kerry has played the fourth daughter to notable Tevye’s including Harvey Fierstein, Topol, and Theo Bikel, and was honored to be a part of the 50th Anniversary of Fiddler On The Roof at Town Hall NYC. Other notable theatre work includes originating the lead in Delirium’s Daughters off-broadway, and playing Ermengarde opposite Sally Struthers in the title role of Hello, Dolly! She’s also been seen and heard in many commercials and voice overs, along with various recordings. When not acting or singing, Kerry can be found with her sweet pup, advocating for dog rescue, or dreaming up what’s next.
DAVID GIBSON (Actor) has been working in theater, film, television, on-camera commercials, and voiceovers for almost 50 years. Recent television credits include “Stranger Things”, “Better Call Saul”, “Monogamy”, “FBI”, “Bull”, “The Americans”, “Quantico”, and “Billions”. In the multiplex and on-demand, David has appeared in the feature films Wander, Human Capital, Paul's Promise, Joker, and Ocean's Eight.
NICOLE GREEVY (Actor) is the voice of Sheriff Jane Rowland (and others) on the multiple Parsecs and Audioverse Awards winning podcast “Uncanny County,” including an Audioverse Best Actress award. She is also the writer of several “Uncanny County” episodes. Recent stage work has included Beverly in The Shadow Box and Leona in Small Craft Warnings (both with Regeneration Theatre). She lives in New York City with her husband, Todd Faulkner (also in The OPC!) and her son, Griffin Robert Faulkner.
CARY HITE (Actor) is a NYC-based actor and voice-over artist. He is excited to add his voice to this great project and talented cast. His new favorite quote is from Dick Gregory - “When light gets scared of darkness, then you violate the universe.”
SHONITA JOSHI (Actor) is a South-East Asian Actor and she graduated from Stella Adler School of Acting, New York. She worked at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park where she performed in A Christmas Carol, Stuart Little, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and is currently performing 'Shakespeare in the Park' with HiptoHip Theatre in NYC.
JAMIE LEE KEARNES (Actor) is proud to take part in another Richard Curtis work. She's thankful for the technology that's allowed this strange 'season' to be one of new possibilities. Favorite roles include Juliana Chasen in Quiet Enjoyment, Marion Kent in My Father's Play, and most recently... 'Mum' in real life to one magical daughter.
BUNNY LEVINE (Actor) longed to act full time for most of her adult life and has been able to do so since taking early retirement as a school librarian. Since then, she has appeared Off-Broadway and in numerous film, TV and commercial projects. Her most recent TV appearance was as a very off-color old lady in the final season of Showtime's “Shameless”.
TODD LEWIS (Actor) has most recently appeared in NBC's “The Blacklist” as The Commissioner. Other credits include the Netflix series, “The Good Cop” with Tony Danza; “Bronx SIU” with Brian White and Shanti Lowry and the sci-fi/horror film, Alterscape with Michael Ironside. He recently had his photo on a giant electronic billboard in Times Square for Tootsie, the Musical. He finally made it to Broadway! He also records voice over and audiobook in his NYC recording studio.
HILARY MANN (Actor) is thrilled to be part of the OPC family! In addition to lending her voice to numerous commercials, she also voiced “Charlotte” on the Original Cast Recording of Macy’s Yes, Virginia: The Musical alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew Broderick. Her TV/Film credits include: “Show Me a Hero,” “FBI,” “The Detour,” and Here And Now. She wrote and produced The Finger, which screened at The Nantucket Film Festival, and is available on Amazon Prime. She and her team won Best Film at the 48 Hour Film Project’s first “Masters of Short Film” competition at the The Cannes Film Festival in 2016.
SEVANS MARTINEZ (Actor). A goofy fun improv comedian who leads from behind. Your witty friend that always has the best advice. A voiceover artist who last looped “Blue Bloods” and voiced the English females PCs and NPCs in Korean videogame RebirthM. With on screen principal work (“Blue Bloods”, “The Affair”), an affinity towards Shakespeare (Kent/Fight Captain in King Lear and Benvolio/Fight Captain in Romeo & Juliet at Soñadores Shakespeare Co) and a BFA in musical theater- a jack of all trades. On the side, a daredevil who loves stunts and a set medic/EMT (13 yrs) to patch one up afterwards.
KRIS PAREDES (Actor) is a fluent bilingual actress originally from Lima, Peru. She has worked in theatre, films, commercials, industrials, & Spanish voiceovers. Her most recent project is a film she wrote and produced, Waiting for Valeria. Kris also starred on two of Richard Curtis’ plays— Godhead and Quiet Enjoyment. Her other passions include photography, dance, weight training, travel, & Krav Maga.
MARINA RE (Actor). 40 year proud AEA / SAG -AFTRA member. Awards: Desert Star Award (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, Maria Callas in Master Class); CT Critics Circle Award (Outstanding Lead Actress, Ripcord), IRNE Award (Supporting Actress, Warden in Holes), “Best Performance of the Year” from the Boston Globe and Boston Herald (Present Laughter, Ideal Husband, North Shore Fish, Marriage Fool, Sisters Rosensweig, View from the Bridge). Film/TV: Confess, Fletch (dir. Greg Mottola); Irrational Man (dir. Woody Allen); The Women (dir. Diane English); Iris; Talking To God; Urban Relics; “New Amsterdam”; “Nurse Jackie”; Primetme “WWYD”; Battery Park.
MERRITT REID (Actor) has worked as an actor for 15 years in indie film and TV such as “All My Children”. He began filmmaking after winning the LA Comedy Festival for his TV Pilot, “Just the Eleven of Us”. His most recent project, Bodhi, a feature documentary shot in India and the US explores mental health and transformation. Merritt is so excited to be a part of The OPC and have the opportunity to bring the role of Brandon Grayling to life.
PETER REZNIKOFF (Actor). As the camera never lies, so too the voice. Influenced by Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando as actor and Jazz Music as fillip, Peter’s aim is to bring truth and authenticity to the voice, film, and stage roles he’s been engaged to fulfill.
RICHARD SACHER (Actor) is an Actor/Singer in both NY and Florida and is thrilled to be a part of his first podcast, The OPC! He has been performing since the age of four in theatre, TV, film, voiceovers and cabaret. He most recently appeared at Don't Tell Mama in his solo cabaret shows, "Reflections: A Life Well Sung" and "Songs I Never Get To Sing!". He studied Acting at HB Studio and takes classes in Voiceovers at Actors Connection and Acting and Voice Studios. Richard is a graduate of The High School of Music and Art (now LaGuardia High School) where he was a voice major, and received his BA and MS degrees from Lehman College in Music Education.
DICK TERHUNE (Actor). Featured in the Cartoon Network animated series “Transformers: Cyberverse” as MacCadam, Prowl, Quintesson Scientist and The Dweller. Dick has recently “appeared” in the Resounding.Live online productions of “Dracula” as Prof. Van Helsing and “Clu-eth” as Dr. Pansy. He is also well-known to gamers for his roles in “World of Warcraft: Cataclysm,” “Heroes of Newerth,” “Bard’s Tale IV”, and as the title villain in “Pinstripe.”
DAN TRUMAN (Actor). Selected credits: Film: The Artist’s Wife with Lena Olin and Bruce Dern, Bronx Paradise, Tom & Francie. TV: “The Blacklist”, “Homeland”, “The Americans”, “30 Rock”. Stage: For the NY Fringe: Peter Lorre in Jeff Tabnick's Something Truly Monstrous; off-Broadway: Viva Los Bastarditos (Fringe Audience Favorite Award); Twelfth Night, Richard III, Under Milk Wood directed by Moni Yakim, The Strange Box of Dr. Oddbody. Dan is a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts and has studied at Boston University and The Royal Court Theatre. Podcasts: “Uncanny County” and “Imaginary Worlds”. Thanks to Ninon, Richard, Megan and Steven.
JENNE VATH (Actor). Credits include: Off-Broadway (La MaMa ETC, Red Bull Theater, Days of the Giants), New York Theater (Regeneration Theatre, Theater for the New City, Ridiculous Theatrical Company), Film (Lakhota Film, LooseMoon Productions, Free Cinema). NYU/TSOA graduate, IMDB, Instagram @jennevath Thank you Megan, Richard, and Steve.
DATHAN B. WILLIAMS (Actor). Broadway – Show Boat; Off-Broadway – Christmas in Hell; On Kentucky Avenue; Nathan The Wise; Buffalo Gal plus five others. Nat’ Tour - Show Boat plus three others. A lot of Regional Theater - 42 Companies recently including Southwest Shakespeare, Triad Stage, and The Cape Playhouse. International - Two Seasons at The Stratford Festival – (’91 Guthrie Award). He is the Associate Artistic Director of The Harlem Shakespeare Festival.
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