This is called catching up on posts I have not finished. This is a little late, but the show was enjoyable enough that I felt it deserved to get finished and posted. In May, I had an opportunity to see the play Cellino v. Barnes. It is about the building and break-up of a legal firm. Yes, it is based on a true story. But for those who remember Cellino and Barnes, the jingle created to advertise the firm stands out. Take a listen:
Cellino and Barnes – Injury Attorneys – (800) 888-8888.
Years ago, advertising for lawyers who wanted to represent clients with cases involving accidents might be called ambulance chasers. But that little jingle changed how the legal field viewed advertising. So the play is about how the two lawyers came together to form their firm, how different they were, and how the jingle/advertising came to be. It also shows the expansion they enjoined for many years and eventually their break up.
The play is written and performed by Mike B. Breen (Ross Cellino) and David Rafailedes (Steve Barnes). Both of these actors do an outstanding job of portraying their characters and giving the audience a look at some of the behind the scenes thinking that went into their working together.
Cellino v. Barnes Development as a Play
The play Cellino v. Barnes premiered in the basement theater at Union Hall, July 2018. It ran at the same time as the firm’s prinicples, Cellino and Barnes were actually dissolving the firm. From there, performances were at locations in Brooklyn, Buffalo, and Los Angeles. This run, which ran from April 13 – May 7, 2023 classified as Off-Off Broadway which is always fun to go to.
Very impressive was the crowd attending the show. It appeared to be sold out. It was a 5:00 show just perfect for a little something to do before going to dinner. The make shift bar set up on the side of the room was doing a brisk business and people enjoyed a little something during the traditional happy hour while watching the show.
A Very Cool Location and Venue
A chance to see Cellino v. Barnes reminded me that one of the exciting parts of theater in New York City is the variety of venues. There is an element of hidden excitement that awaits one when attending an Off-Off Broadway production. You never quite know what kind of venue you will get. And this one turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
W. 23rd Street in a Commercial Building
I come in from New Jersey so after coming out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, I took the M011 bus down to W. 23rd Street and strolled down the street. Nothing really signaled to me where the show was at. And not being the best at following numbers on some city blocks, I had to stop to ask where the address was. It was right across the street from the residential building I had stopped at. As i got closer I saw this sign posted outside and there was a friendly person opening the door for people to enter.
When I got word about this show being in an office building, I was impressed. Post CoVid shutdown, there are a lot of reports of how many NYC office buildings are not fully in use. From the first time I heard about this, I though why not convert some of that space into theaters space. And finally it was here.
The entrance was bright and clean. It also was a storefront for selling clothing.
There were some nice looking items hanging in the store. A person was sitting there looking to provide help as needed.
But I’m not a very active shopper so I didn’t really pause that long in the entrance area. Besides, I was intrigued with the way that this theater space was set up so I wanted to get into the actual venue portion.
There were a few restrooms to pass by first and then a small concession stand was available.
Clever Stage Setting
These photos give you an idea of how the stage was set. It was on the same level as the seating so the audience feels like they are right in the offices of the lawyers.
As the play ran, the entire office space was utilized. Modern office equipment for that time period was on stage. It was interesting to watch in the play as the interaction between the two partners grew to see how different they were. These differences might have been a good reason why the firm broke apart. Good chance there was more to it than that. This play focuses more on the early years and how the firm grew to become quite large.
Follow Where Cellino v. Barnes is Next
Cellino v. Barnes is more than just a legal story. Instead it looks at the personalities of the partners and how their work together influenced the legal field.
Good chance this show will appear somewhere again. For more details about the show, visit the website.