REVIEWS & PRESS
"HAPPY HOUR"
A Feature Film Co-Written and Directed
by Mike Bencivenga
Tulley, a once-promising literary star now toiling at an ad
agency, moves from cynicism to acceptance as he hopes to
write a great novel before his drinking gets the best of him.
Starring Anthony LaPaglia, Caroleen Feeney & Eric Stoltz
With Robert Vaughn, Mario Catone and Thomas Sadoski
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BEST DIRECTOR: 2004 Desert Reel Festival in Midland, TX
BEST FEATURE (AUDIENCE AWARD): 2004 Florida Film Festival
BEST SCREENPLAY: 2004 Tiburon Film Festival in Tiburon, CA
PRISM AWARD (2004): For the accurate portrayal of alcohol abuse
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Limited Theaterical Release in 2004
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime and other platforms.
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"BILLY & RAY"
A Full-Length Comedy Play by Mike Bencivenga
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BILLY & RAY is the incredible true story of how Billy Wilder and
Raymond Chandler wrote the screenplay for DOUBLE INDEMNITY,
invented film noir and nearly killed each other in the process.
WINNER: 2013 W. KEITH HEDRICK PRIZE for Best Play in New York
PREMIERED (LA): The Falcon Theatre (2013) directed by Garry Marshall
OFF BROADWAY (NYC): The Vineyard Theater (2014) directed by Garry
Marshall and starring Vincent Kartheiser and Larry Pine.
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BILLY & RAY has enjoyed sold-out runs at The Falcon Theater,
The Vineyard Theater and Laguna Playhouse.
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A movie adaptation written by Mike has been optioned
by legendary producer Robert Greenhut.
"SUMMER ON FIRE"
A Full-Length Comedy Play by Mike Bencivenga
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Due to a scheduling snafu an ultra-right wing commentator for
FOX News must share his Fire Island rental home with a decidedly
left wing young singer and her lesbian girlfriend. The clash of
politics and personalities make for a lively Labor Day weekend
in the summer of 2008.
SUMMER ON FIRE is a comedy about sexual misconduct, political turmoil, burgeoning fame, elusive justice and long lasting love.
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SUMMER ON FIRE premiered at The Scorpion Theater in 2016
WINNER: CHRISTOPHER WOLK PRIZE (2014) for best play in NYC
WINNER: BEST PLAY (2013) Awarded by HRC Showcase Theater
FINALIST: NUVOICES Competition (2013) Charlotte, NC
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BONUS VIDEO!
Watch Mike on the second to last ever JOE FRANKLIN SHOW.
Mike discusses the release of his first feature, LOSERS IN LOVE,
with Joe Franklin along with the movie's star Nick Searcy.
Plus a clip from LOSERS IN LOVE!
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WINNER: Best Low Budget Feature (1993) Houston Film Festival
WINNER: Best First Feature (1993) Suffolk County Film Festival