Do you really want to know what goes no on the sets of some of your favorite TV shows and movies?
Maybe it's better not to know, maybe it's better to think that everyone is just one big happy family and gets along really well, like the characters do in their roles.
But if you do want to know more of the reality behind-the-scenes then go see Movies TV Mayhem, playing at Theater Row in New York City April 23rd - May 9th, 2026.
Movies TV Mayhem is the brainchild of writer Dean Taucher, who has spend decades on the sets of some of our most beloved TV shows and movies. And he's seen it all.
The play is a three-hander Jason Donavan Hall, Grant Neal and Oneika Phillips and is directed by Richard Calliban.
As I was invited to Opening Night, I had asked Dean if some of the stories in the play were based on real situations, and he said about 70% of them.
Movies TV Mayhem is centered around a show business podcast. In the play, the podcast hosts educate their listeners with showbiz terms, like "production assistant" and then give examples. If you're not in the business, it's a tad educational. If you are in the business, you'll understand some of the nuances.
It took me a few minutes to understand the format of the play. The hosts give a word to learn, and then one of the actors acts out a scenario related to the term.
The performances were all well-acted, some of them truly showcased the talent of the actor as he/she brought the story to life. I will say, as each was performing their story, I wondered if the situation was based on reality and if so, who it was based on. There was some name-dropping going on throughout the whole play.
The play brought together a lot of different stories, many unrelated and touched upon many aspects of the entertainment business as well as life today and the climate we currently live in. Though all these different themes made the show interesting and had me hanging on every word, it was a lot to take in.
The play was very well-written with careful sentence structure and vocabulary. It also had a twist at the end I did not see coming (isn't that the best kind?) I was also impressed with the production technology of the play, the visuals on two screens were very good and kept me engaged. It did not feel like a static stage. The director also provided enough movement of characters to keep the eyes busy.
It also had it's comedic moments, many delivered superbly by the cast, but really I left more pensive and curious than feeling like I watched a sitcom.
If you want to see a play in Manhattan, and at a reasonable price, head on over to see Movies TV Mayhem. It's an enjoyable, entertaining interesting and I dare say educational play showcasing some great NY actors.