Elevenses, a play written by Ode San Diego and directed by Marianne McKenzie
June 2024 - As part of the Arte GA Summer Fest celebrating Latino creatives, Marianne is directing Chilean writer and performer Ode San Diego’s play “Elevenses”. Additional performers are Rose Bianco (Cobra Kai) and Laurie Sanii.
“Elevenses" is a timely examination of the burden of modern womanhood through the lens of a mother daughter relationship. Set in a modest kitchen in a lower middle-class home in San Bernardo, Chile. Micca and Mamá are having “elevenses” (second breakfast during the evening, 5pm). Over the course of teatime, this mother-daughter duo tell each other light-hearted tales of family and friends. Soon, the stories take a dark turn, shaking the reality and comfort in which these characters abide, always with the through-line “if we don’t talk about it, it didn’t happen.”
Performances run the weekend of June 21st. More information:
Fume, a short film produced by Howling Warlocks
January 2024 - Marianne wrote a short film called Fume during the SAG/WGA strike. Howling Warlocks produced, and the film is currently in post-production.
This short film explores how major aspects of our lives can end not with a bang, but with a whimper. Marianne’s instinct as an actress and writer is to create big characters, explore epic landscapes, and play with extreme emotion. Enormous life changes, however, sometimes occur suddenly and with little fanfare. With Fume, she wants to explore this idea through the lens of a slowly unravelling romantic relationship.
Who are these warlocks?
Howling Warlocks Productions, LLC is an Atlanta-based independent production team focused on creating untold stories. Founded in 2018, Howling Warlocks Productions has a diverse range of individuals that come from all different backgrounds, generations, and livelihoods. The production company specializes in storytelling, short films, commercial shoots, social media, and much more.
For more information about Howling Warlocks, please check out their site:
Gabaghouls, a Misfits/Danzig cover band
September 2023 - Marianne has joined a local Atlanta punk band, covering both the Misfits and Danzig’s solo work. Marianne sings as “Glenda Zig”, and provides the Danzig cover vocals.
Live karaoke host, Various Atlanta Venues
September 2023 - Marianne has joined Metalsome, local live karaoke band, as “Miss Metalsome”. She hosts live karaoke on nights with the female fronted band list.
January 2024 - Marianne hosts rock live band karaoke at Black Strap in Gainesville, GA.
The Party Plays, Premiere of Marianne’s 1st Full-Length Play
March 2023 - Marianne wrote 3 short farces while trapped in her house during quarantine in Atlanta. These plays are being performed to showcase her wide variety of hilarious actor friends and for writer feedback.
"The Party Plays" are the brainchild of Marianne McKenzie, local Atlanta actor and writer. These three quick farces turn the concept of "party" on its head. Over the course of the plays we confront family secrets, the production of German vehicles, and what happens when a Goth Lolita plays Poirot. Come crack a beer, eat some popcorn, relax, and consider what banal mysteries the world of the Party Plays has to offer.
March 27, 2023 at 7PM (doors open at 6:30)
15 minute intermission, estimated 2 hour long run time followed by a 20 minute playwright/cast talk back
The Party Plays are performed by:
Marianne McKenzie
Dylan Ruggiero
Rose Mancuso
Odelia San Diego
Mustapha Slack
Alyssa Burrows
Melissa Sledge
Kristen Faith Taylor
Charlie Spillers
Directed by Marianne McKenzie
Tech: Alyssa Brosy
Produced by Some Bodies Theatre Co., Wild Goose Chase Productions, and Dad's Garage
Website: https://somebodiestheatre.com, Instagram: @somebodiestheatre, https://www.dadsgarage.com
Original Pictures: Stories from the Service Industry - “Hey Ya!” - Atlanta Theatrical Premiere
March 2023 - Marianne plays Becca in “Hey Ya!” in a short play showcase at Rob Mello Studios in Decatur.
March 25, 2023 at 8pm.
Atlanta Representation
February, 2023 - Marianne is represented by Aligned Stars Agency throughout the Atlanta, New York, and LA markets. For more information, please visit: https://www.alignedstars.com/
As Long As I Can Remember, short film produced by Buzz Studios
November, 2022 - Marianne was cast in a short film produced by Buzz Studios, playing the character Catherine. Currently in post-production.
Gummy, short film written by Marianne McKenzie, produced by SJC Productions and directed by Rose Mancuso
November, 2022 - Marianne wrote the short “Gummy” inspired by her friend’s true story. Actors: Marianne McKenzie and Charlie Spillers, directed by Rose Mancuso and assisted by Dylan Ruggiero, DP - Sajid Chaudhary. Currently in post-production.
Elevenses, written by Odelia San Diego, Stripped Bare Project at Synchronicity Theatre
August, 2022 - Marianne worked as the Dramaturg and Assistant Director for this full length play performed as part of the Stripped Bare Project at Synchronicity Theatre, produced by Some Bodies Theatre Co. The cast included Rose Bianco, Stephanie Escorza, and Odelia San Diego.
Booger Girl, written by J.S. Boutell, staged reading at Rolecall Theater
March, 2022 - Marianne narrated this staged reading. Summary: Sam is a mess...and she's minutes from hosting a loaded baby shower for her best friend, Nancy, when she receives an unexpected phone call that catapults her on a surreal journey across the country to help her dying mother. While Sam travels forward, she is forced to look back, and through the absurd situations she encounters along the way, Sam discovers that self-acceptance is her most powerful tool to free her from her traumatic past.
Pandora, short film written/directed by Marianne McKenzie
September, 2021 - February, 2022 - A woman caught in a suicidal spiral is forced to confront her choices via an unexpected visitor. This film is currently in post-production.
Indie Feature: Love, Misery, and the Goth Girl, written and directed by Eric Willis of Shining Light Industries
May/June 2021 - Marianne recently wrapped this local indie full length feature film, playing the supporting character of Emily, a stern law student with a wild side. This film is currently in production and expected to release late 2022.
Marianne Moves to Atlanta!
March 2021 - Marianne is moving to Atlanta!
She will continue to split her time between Kansas City and Atlanta. Marianne’s Kansas City commerical, theatrical, and voiceover agent is Exposure Inc: https://exposureinc.co
market for soup, written by Charlie Weitkamp and Michael Hillary, directed and edited by Marianne McKenzie, COVID-19 Project
December 2020 - March 2021 - market for soup is a whacky web series about a real estate agent and how his obsession with soup dictates his life and the lives of those around him. A collaboration with local Kansas City arts collective 1009 arts, Marianne directed and consulted on this project. Shooting wrapped late February, 2021.
Marianne is currently editing the web series, and it is expected to release in April/May 2021. For more information on 1900 arts, please view their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1009arts/
Butter, written and directed by Marianne McKenzie, COVID-19 Project
September 2020 - Butter is a short film about a troubled sibling relationship. Marianne wrote and directed this film, JT Nagle plays the brother, and Jerry Manan played the one-man film crew and editor.
View here! https://vimeo.com/488635885
The Fixer, written and directed by Max Jolley and produced by SJPSKC, COVID-19 Project
August 2020 - The Fixer is a short film about two women in dire straits, who turn to a supernatural force to solve their problems. Marianne plays Kennedy, the leader and bully of the group.
View here! https://vimeo.com/472687441
The Murder Wenches, written and directed by Marianne McKenzie, COVID-19 Project
March-May 2020 - The Murder Wenches is a COVID-19 passion project.
It is a short film detailing the story of the world’s most famous two lady metal band and their (and their personal chef’s) struggles with living at home during quarantine. Marianne plays lead singer Leslie, a woman raised by wolves coming to terms with her humanity (it’s funny, we promise).
The film is currently in post production.
The Secret in the Wings, by Mary Zimmerman at Forge Repertory Theatre, directed by Todd Lanker
February-March 2020 - The Secret in the Wings by Mary Zimmerman is a play chock full of lesser known fairytales. Marianne is mentioned in the Broadway World review, “…Marianne McKenzie as the mother (and other characters) gives a strong performance…”
Unfortunately, the show was cut short due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
See the full review here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/kansas-city/article/BWW-Review-THE-SECRET-IN-THE-WING-OPENS-AT-THE-BLACK-BOX-IN-KANSAS-CITY-20200306?fbclid=IwAR2LI3AXoe05f_CHYcD0TSV3ezn9iO_5Q2Hv7nXw9CPGPzuAi69sdkn6uJY
The Storytelling Project, International Tour to Bolivia, directed by Karen Lisondra and music direction by Amado Espinoza
August-September 2019 - The Storytelling Project was created over 9 months in 2017 and originally was performed in February of 2019. Los Cuenteros de UMKC will be taking the show to Bolivia on tour to Cochabamba, La Paz, Sucre, and El Alto. Marianne will reprise her role as Kusillo, the trickster god.
During this time, she will be giving a workshop on Shakespeare as the company travels through Bolivia.
Shakespeare in Love, by Lee Hall at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, directed by Sidonie Garrett
June-July 2019 - Will Shakespeare is a known but struggling poet, playwright and actor who not only has sold his next play to two different producers but now faces a far more difficult problem: he is bereft of ideas and has yet to begin writing his next masterpiece. He is in search of a muse, but all attempts fail him until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps. She loves the theatre and would like nothing more than to take to the stage but is forbidden from doing so as only men can be actors. Viola is also a great admirer of Shakespeare’s works. Dressing as a man by the name of Thomas Kent, she auditions and is ideal for a part in his next play. Shakespeare soon sees through her disguise and they begin a love affair, one they know cannot end happily as he is already married and she has been promised to the artistocrat, Lord Wessex. As the company rehearses his new play, Will and Viola’s love is transferred to the written page leading to the masterpiece that is Romeo and Juliet.
Marianne plays the bodhrán in this production.
June 11-July 7 at Southmoreland Park, Kansas City
More info here: https://kcshakes.org/performances/#1465159737693-cb273f35-98c7
The Game of Love and Chance, by Pierre de Marivaux at UMKC Theatre, directed by Theodore Swetz
April-May 2019 - Unrequited love, mistaken identities and the uncontrollable power of love make up the heart of of this hysterical romantic comedy. This play will tickle your funny bone as it challenges your heart and mind. Marianne plays Lisette, the quick witted maid.
The Game of Love and Chance was originally written in French by Pierre De Mariveaux. This version was translated and adapted by Stephen Wadsworth.
Apr. 26-May 5
PAC 116: Studio Theatre
More information can be found here: https://umkctheatre.org/events/the-game-of-love-and-chance/
Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise, by Wendy Lement at The Coterie Theatre, directed by Jeff Church and Bree Elrod
January-February 2019 - The secret history of women who fought as men in the civil war is revealed in this engrossing Coterie production. Several stories are uncovered in an interlocking set of true tales of battlefront women, with a focus on the solider Private Lyons Wakeman (a.k.a Sarah Wakeman) whose letters were discovered by her nephew in an attic years after her death. Into Wakeman’s path comes an interaction with Harriet Tubman and Joseph Cassell, who went from slave to Sergeant in the 29th Connecticut Infantry, an African American regiment. In this unique production, the audience is enlisted to be medical officers who will decide the fate of Lyons Wakeman: whether the medical record will reflect this individual’s birth gender (and thus be denied a pension), or keep history hidden and receive all the benefits of military service. Marianne plays Nurse Jacobs, Lois, and Loreta Janeta Velasquez.
More information can be found here: http://thecoterie.org/performance/secret-soldiers-heroines-disguise
A Christmas Carol, adapted by Eric Rosen at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, directed by Marissa Wolf
November-December 2018 - A Christmas Carol is a tradition at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted creditor, continues his stingy ways on Christmas Eve. He rejects a dinner invitation and all the good tidings of the season from his nephew, Fred; he yells at charity workers; and he overworks his earnest employee, Bob Cratchit. Until, he is visited one-by-one, by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, who show him the errors of his ways until he ultimately discovers what’s really worth celebrating at Christmas-time and beyond. Marianne plays the Laundress, Fezziwig Sister, and the Giggly Sister.
More information can be found here: https://kcrep.org/show/a-christmas-carol-2018
Dracula, by Mitch Brian at the Kansas City Actor’s Theatre, directed by John Rensenhouse
October 2018 - “Marianne McKenzie (as Mina Murray-Harker) is solid in her well-grounded approach to the character. McKenzie is logical and empathetic in how she steadies herself within the role, making it all the more believable.”
For an interview with Marianne, follow this link: http://kc.perform.ink/2018/10/theten-marianne-mckenzie/
Sensuous. Seductive. Sinister. Kansas City Actors Theatre presents its first-ever original production in this fresh adaptation, commissioned by Kansas City Actors Theatre, of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic, Dracula. Produced in partnership with UMKC Theatre, this classic tale of obsession and desire arrives just in time for the Halloween season. Directed by John Rensenhouse after his record-breaking KCAT production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None last season, Dracula promises wickedly delicious fun, thrills, theatrical magic and intense performances. Marianne will be playing the role of Mina Harker.
Dracula is a co-production with the UMKC Theatre department and is written by Mitch Brian.
For more information and tickets, follow this link: http://www.kcactors.org/shows/dracula/
Letters from Freedom Summer, by Ricardo Khan, Denise Nicholas, and Sibusisu Mamba at UMKC Theatre, directed by Ricardo Khan
May 2018 - In the charged summer of 1964, college students from across the U.S. came together to fight for voting rights in Mississippi, a state known for intimidating and terrorizing Black Americans out of their right to vote. Letters from Freedom Summer celebrates the courage and resilience of the young people who changed the fate of this nation. Marianne plays activist Joan Mulholland. For more information about this incredible icon, please view: https://joantrumpauermulholland.org/who-is-joan/
Letters from Freedom Summer is a production of the UMKC Theatre department, and is written by Ricardo Khan, Denise Nicholas, and Sibusiso Mamba. Tickets for this show can be purchased from the UMKC Central Ticket Office: http://tickets.cto.umkc.edu/shows/freedom%20summer%20-%20umkc%20theatre/events
The Storytelling Project, written by UMKC Acting MFA class and Karen Lisondra at UMKC Theatre, directed by Karen Lisondra and Amado Espinoza
February/March 2018 - An original piece of devised theatre, The Storytelling Project was created by the UMKC MFA Second Year Acting class along with Karen Lisondra and Amado Espinoza. From Karen: "It is a journey to the Andean Cosmovision (a way of perceiving and interacting with reality that is found in the indigenous culture of the high Andes) by way of the personal conflicts we face, where time and space are disrupted and the essence of who we truly are is revealed."
Marianne plays the trickster character, Kusillo. For more information, click the link below:
https://info.umkc.edu/news/take-a-journey-to-the-andean-cosmovision-with-umkc-theatre/
Trench Warfare, by Charlie Weitkamp at the National World War One Museum and Memorial, directed by Marianne McKenzie
January 2018 - Trench Warfare is a pint sized play. It is a timely examination of mental disorders in relation to the trauma inflicted by war in general, as well as how the burden of war is inflicted on soldiers in other ways. We see these soldiers slowly deteriorate over time by looking at war through the lens of World War I, leaving us asking questions about the impact that war has on any soldier. It also explores the universal theme of friendship.
For an interview with Marianne, click here: https://info.umkc.edu/unews/qa-with-marianne-mckenzie/ , and for more information about the production and other artists involved, click here: https://info.umkc.edu/news/collaboration-brings-artists-together/