Cafe Resistance at Theater for the New City
Robert Monticello Play Directed by Lissa Moira
By: Susan Hall - Apr 14, 2025
Cafe Resistance, a new play by Robert Monticello, and directed by Lissa Moira, is playing at Theater for the New City through April 27th. Set in Paris in 1940 as the Germans enter to occupy the city, a bordello is the perfect place to watch all the parties in action.
Where else could German officers be nuzzling ladies of the night on sofas and in beds while the madam Louise hides refugees.
Cafe Blue Parrot, we’re told, is not the Folie Bergere. In Montmartre it serves as a gathering place for all sides. The girls are not going to tell on French citizens hidden away, preparing to leave the country and its occupiers in their dust.
They sing and dance and make out like nothing has changed.
The play is made up of a series of cabaret moments. Some of them are traditional: like the piano player’s tunes and singing and dancing. Others are moments from the action of the play.
The acting is first rate. Louise, the newly appointed madam played by Marlain Angelides, is a marvel of invention. Susan Mitchell as the countess is the epitome of challenged elegance. Each of the working girls have a special touch that distinguishes them from the others, yet contributes to the group portrait.
The play, presented by Crystal Field, is a call to action in these parlous times in America. You’ll have fun as you are startled to recognize the very same dangers we face.
Tickets here.
The actors are Marlain Angelides, Robyn Belt, William Broderick, Tristan Cano, Donovan Counts, Rachel Drummer, Jack Farrell, Matthew James Fitzgerald, Michael A Green, Inma Heredia, Sandra Leclercq, Zachary Harris Martin, Jon McHatton, Samantha Mileski, Susan Mitchell, Ren Ragsdale, Caitlyn Serra Rose, Francoise Traxler, Luka Zylik and Niko Zylik.
Stage Manager is Rachel Drummer. Musical Director is Peter Dizozza. Choreographer is Taryn Lynch. Fight choreographer is Jiggers Turner Set design is by Lytza Colon. Lighting designer is Marsh Shugart. Sound design and video projections are by Roy Chang. Onstage accompaniment is by Tristian Cano (as Casimir, the club's pianist).