A new play titled The Pitch is now open Off-Broadway at the Actor’s Temple Theatre. Written by Tom Alper, The Pitch could qualify as a dark comedy as it focuses on personal and work experiences of one man. Directed by Mike Keller, The Pitch is loosely based on events in Playwright Alper’s own life. He also plays the lead role with a character name of Tom.
What ensues and develops throughout the show is funny at times and a bit mysterious as well. You get the feeling that something is going on beneath the surface but you aren’t quite sure until you come towards the end of the play. The revelation makes sitting through the entire performance well worth it.
The Story
The setting for the play is in Torrance, California in 2006. The office is no-frills where desks with telephones prevail.
Tom (Tom Alper) is introduced as a widow who cares for his teenage daughter, Michelle (Sammi O’Connor). Trying to do the right thing for her is a full time job for Tom. In fact, it is his only job. He needs work. After meeting with an employee of Nexus one night at a bar, he lands a job there.
One his first day, Tom attempts to find out what the job is all about. Eventually, he discovers that the purpose of the business is to sell electronic components. Selling is the name of the game here. Even if it means selling refurbished components without telling that to the customer.
However, Tom realizes quickly on he has to do very well after I.R.S. agent Mel (Phil Hendrie) informs him that he owes back taxes. Consequences are high. Tom accepts a deal to be an informant for the government on the actions of the company. Not a comfortable spot to be in.
Tom steps up to the plate quickly as he attempt to sell to Angela (Julie Tran) on the telephone.This is one of the funniest scenes in the play as Tom romances Angels into a big sale. And suddenly, he is at the top of the heap in the office, impressing even big boss Mike (Joe Lorenzo).
The ending is very surprising. As I wrote in the beginning of this review, I said the play is both funny and poignant. And here comes the poignant with the ending. But bear in mind one statement that Mike makes and it will make sense when you see this play: Mike thinks of the employees who work at Nexus as his family.
The Characters
The story is well carried out by the characters who work in the office. Nicknames are reverently given and used with the exception of the big boss, Mike. You meet: Skunk (Joey Russo), The Kid (Connor Killeen), Ricky Roy (Mario Corry), and Scramby (Kevin Bartini).
Dialog is funny and well written to allow the characters to show various sides of themselves.
The set is open allowing the characters to display how a real office doing this kind of work might actually look.
Go to See The Pitch
The Pitch is an enjoyable show to see. The cast does a superb job of telling the story.
It runs now through November 17, 2025 at the Actor’s Temple Theatre on W. 47th Street. Visit their website for more information and to purchase tickets.