Help Save the Stars of ‘Life and Trust’: Support the Show’s Cast After Sudden Closure!

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As a passionate cinephile, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the magic of live performances lately, and one production that truly captivated me was an immersive off-Broadway show titled “Life and Trust.” This extraordinary blend of LARPing, video games, theater, dance, and narrative retold the classic Faust myth, interwoven with elements from “The Portrait of Dorian Gray,” all set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age. I was so moved by this unique experience that I was eager to pen a glowing five-star review. However, fate had other plans. On April 20th, Easter Sunday, without any prior notice or explanation, the doors of “Life and Trust” were unceremoniously closed. An email was sent to the fans, but more importantly, to its devoted staff, informing them that the theatrical run had come to a sudden end “last night.” This abrupt closure left many talented individuals out of work, which unfortunately is far too common in our current creative landscape. But there’s hope! You can help rewrite this story with a brighter ending.

In the realm of creativity and fandom, the reverberations of recent Hollywood Writers, Actors, and other strikes are still strongly felt. During those periods, it became clear how challenging it can be for even the most renowned artists to receive fair recognition and compensation for their tireless, crucial work. However, many artists lack the protection offered by a union when they need it the most. Art, being the lifeblood of our society, serves as a shield against despair and provides us with a means to grapple with concepts that transcend our individual limitations.

Instead of art thriving solely on financial success, it is nurtured by the bond of community. When faced with cold closures and harsh cancellations, there lies the optimism and unity among those who feel a connection that transcends mere monetary value. In light of an overwhelming display of sympathy from the audience of “Life and Trust”, the production company has launched an official GoFundMe campaign to support the cast and other personnel affected by the suspended show. You can contribute to this fund if you wish to help them.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my dismay over the situation with “Life and Trust.” This team of extraordinarily gifted, non-union theatremakers were the lifeblood of this production, with the show initially scheduled to run until May. We poured our hearts out, offering every drop of blood, sweat, and tears, and above all, a profound, heartfelt love for the production.

However, as per the GoFundMe reports, no aid was extended to the team following their abrupt dismissal. Yet, the reality remains that rent still needs to be paid.

On April 20, 2025, the captivating production called “Life and Trust” unexpectedly ended, leaving everyone involved without any notice, severance, or security. The GoFundMe page for this production was set up by and for the entire company of “Life and Trust”, including performers, stage managers, crew members, GAs, and all those who labored tirelessly to bring it to life. This fund is intended for company members who have lost their income, are facing financial difficulties, and require temporary assistance to keep afloat until they can secure new opportunities.

Most likely, numerous readers haven’t had the chance to witness “Life and Trust”. This fact is deeply regrettable, a sorrow I struggle to put into words (yet, look forward to expressing further in a retrospective). However, if you have ever cherished any form of art, envision that affection, and ponder that a contribution to this GoFundMe campaign would be supporting the survival and growth of such feelings in a world made warmer by passion and creation. You can view some remarkable excerpts from the performance in the links provided.

The play titled “Life And Trust” was penned by Jon Ronson and brought to life by Teddy Bergman, who also handled the direction and scenic design alongside Gabriel Hainer Evansohn. Additionally, Jeff Kuperman and Rick Kuperman collaborated as co-directors and choreographers for this production.

Life and Trust presented a distinctive show where the actors’ roles altered each night, offering numerous leading performers instead of the typical setup. According to Playbill, this diverse ensemble consists of Bria Bacon, Tony Bordonaro, Sophie Bortolussi, Nathaniel Buchsbaum, Marc J Cardarelli, Aaron Dalla Villa, Tiffany Violet De Alba, Charles-Alexis Desgagnés, Mia DiLena, Brendan Duggan, Zachary Eisenstat, Raymond Ejiofor, Kim Fischer, Jennifer Florentino, Reshma Gajjar, Douglas J Gillespie, Annie Grove, Alonso Guzman, Dorchel Haqq, Casey Bronwyn Howes, Karl Kenzler, Majella Bess Loughran, Jodi McFadden, Nando Morland, Parker Murphy, Kevin M Pajarillaga, Marla Phelan, Randolph Curtis Rand, Luca Renzi, Gabriella Sibeko, Tori Sparks, Brandin Steffensen, Derek Tabada, Tony Torn, Mike Tyus, Robert Vail, Ryan VanCompernolle, Jacob Michael Warren, Maleek M Washington, and Madeline Wright.

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2025-04-26 18:03