Fundraiser for Katonah writer's short film will make for a good night off the couch

MT. KISCO, N.Y.—Last year, Cheryl Hughes had her short play presented at the Hudson Guild Theater and happy with the outcome, the Katonah writer is not stopping.

“I keep pushing it to see where it lands,” she said of The Couch, and for the moment, the Genesis club in Mt Kisco is where her inspiration will plop down.

“It’s about a guy who sits too much on the couch,” said Hughes, and the fundraiser/event will help pay for the post production costs of the SAG short project production of the same name.

Comedy, classic rock by Dennis and Dropouts and a pool, the summer night will be a very nice breeze.

“It’s just going to be one of those chill relaxing nights,” she said.

In turn, the official laughs will be provided in standup routines by cast members. Alyssa Katz playing host, Christine Rose Yasi, David Beckles, Jr., Danny Livingston, Sheri Rak and Brad Bruckner will all drop the mic, and in addition, Tim Brandt is going to be performing the theme song, which he wrote.

Even so, why did the writer decide to offer this recline? In real life, three men inspired the story. Her grandpa, her dad and her husband, she felt they could all be too comfortable on the couch.

Add in a fanatical Ohio State football fandom, and Saturday afternoon can definitely leave an impression. As a result, Hughes found inactively had a way of taking precedence over family together time. So a message was sent via her pen.

Lighthearted for sure, home life sometimes is a little heavier when the couch gets too much play. “They feel the stare of my eyes,” she joked.

Back on the page, the inciting incident has the dad refusing to elevate for his daughter’s graduation ceremony. So action necessary, the couch gets sold and lands next door with a University of Michigan fan. “They get into this funny rant, and then it all resolves itself,” she assured.

Of course, the writer had to make the transition from stage to screen, with Craig David Rosen serving as the director.  

“The screenplay had to be more visual and more action orientated,” said Hughes.

Sponsored by From the Heart Productions, she has no problem seeing her life up on the stage or screen, she’s down with any revelations. “It’s an artist’s life,” Hughes clarified.

From there, Hughes has an eye on whether the film connects with people. If so, she intends to keep telling the story. “I’m talking to somebody about a pilot,” she revealed. “So we’ll see where it goes after this.”

The Genesis Club for now, the health club is a perfect conveyer. “They obviously support the message of getting off the couch and being active,” Hughes explained.

Looking forward, she likes the prospects of success.

“It’s relatable because everyone sits on the couch to watch TV, and everybody believes strongly in something,” she concluded.

Visit sagecreekllc.allyrafundraising.com to donate or purchase a tax deductible ticket. Learn more about the film at couchingallday.com.

NOTE: The event scheduled for June 12 has been cancelled. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.