Testimonials

This past year and a half has been very difficult for all of us. With the pandemic, we all have suffered, especially us, the seniors. We were in isolation and had nowhere to go. The Arrochar Senior Center which I belong to was closed. But, they were able to have Zoom classes, some of which were Music and Theater Appreciation that Christine and Victoria from Moonlight Productions taught. This helped me an awful lot. It was at these classes that I was made aware of the “CSI Options Program for Seniors.” I could take more Zoom classes at CSI, The College of Staten Island. Christine and Victoria made sure I had all the information I needed. If it were not for them and the confidence they had in me, I would not have done it. I took their classes at CSI. I have found that their method of teaching can be applied to real life. You take what they teach you and look at Theater differently. They teach you how much work goes into producing a play or making a movie–all the different jobs and the many people. I must say I have learned a lot about Theater from taking their classes. I also had the courage to take a few other classes. In closing, if you would had said to me six months ago that I would be taking classes at CSI my answer would have been “NO NOT ME”

- -Matilda Medaglia, Participant, CSI Options & Arrochar Friendship Club

Christine and Victoria have led various Theater and Music Programs in our West Brighton Senior Center. The programs have been of the most popular and well received “arts and culture” programs that we have provided to our seniors. This is due to the quality of service, care for the seniors and dedication to the program that Christine and Victoria have demonstrated. They have built beautiful, lasting relationships with our seniors within and outside the center. The structure of their programs require the seniors to open up about their lives and sometimes reveal aspects that are difficult and painful to discuss. This is because the scripts are developed with and by the seniors based on their own life experiences. This would not be possible unless Christine and Victoria build genuine trust with the seniors which they have done year after year. They spend time getting to know each and every personality, everyone’s strengths and they respect the vast diversity of life experience among the group. Christine and Victoria are each reliable, dedicated and have excellent work ethics. The final scripts and eventual productions have always been of high quality and thoroughly enjoyed. The productions were initially meant to be performed in our senior center alone, but they were so well received that they were performed at centers throughout Staten Island. I believe that Christine and Victoria are talented individuals who have a gift for working with people, particularly vulnerable populations like senior citizens. I would highly recommend them in all aspects.

- Michelle LaVignera, Director of Social Services, Catholic Charities of Staten Island

I was able to step out of my comfort zone when I first encountered Christine and Victoria’s Moonlight Productions class at Lifestyles for the Disabled. It’s so crazy how I vividly remember the very first time I met them. I wanted nothing to do with them because I was too shy to participate and speak to them when I didn’t understand something. From that very moment I knew that those two amazing people would change my life forever and for the better. Those two people have helped me in many ways that no one else can and I’m extremely grateful for that. From this experience I have learned that change can be great when you’re open to it. I was so uncomfortable with meeting new people at the time and making new friends but I eventually broke out of my shell and became the best of friends with Christine and Victoria. Not only are they great friends to me but they are also amazing teachers and mentors as well. Without them I would never have gotten out of my comfort zone

- Kayla Meehan, Participant

When Christine and Victoria teach a class, it becomes a very special experience. That is how it was for me. The passion they have for what they do comes through in their teaching. They have a great command of the material and are dedicated and caring. They were able to draw from me capabilities I never thought I had. From the first class they get to know each student and create a curriculum with each person’s wants and expectations in mind. And if that’s not enough, they make it fun! Both of them possess a good sense of humor and make the classes very enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong! They are both serious instructors and you will learn a great deal about theatre and performing. They have a knack for making everyone feel very comfortable which makes it easy to participate in class. Their class made me feel good about myself. The experience gave me such a sense of accomplishment doing something I had never done before. I received a new knowledge of theatre including – writing plot and character development, doing improv and performing. The theatre class I took with them was extraordinary and I can’t imagine any of their other classes being anything less.

- Fran Losardo, Participant, CSI Options

I was first introduced to Moonlight Productions in 2018 through Victoria (co-owner of MP) who was a softball teammate of mine at the time. About 10 years prior, I had acted in High School and I had been getting the acting bug again… During one of our games Victoria had asked me if I would be interested in auditioning for the Moonlight Productions Christmas play. I was thrilled that she asked me and I auditioned for the part that same day! Upon arriving at the audition, I met Christine (co-owner MP) and her passion and knowledge for theater was apparent within the first minute of talking to her. I knew these ladies were the real deal and made a fantastic team. After landing the role, the process leading up to the show dates was extremely fun and educational for me. Everyone in the cast and crew was very supportive and patient throughout rehearsals. Christine and Victoria’s love and knowledge for theater really inspired the cast and crew to work hard to make the best performance possible. When it came time for the show, we rocked it! All in all I can’t say enough good things about Christine and Victoria (Moonlight Productions). Their passion is off the charts and they always strive to educate and entertain their audience. Watching them work is truly inspiring and can’t wait to work with Moonlight again!

- Joe Perri, Actor, Cameraman, Photographer

It was so much fun working with Moonlight Productions! I liked hanging out with all the actors and seeing how talented they were. I enjoyed being around Christine and Victoria because they are funny and welcoming. Victoria made me feel comfortable and Christine always told me how well I did. I like to act and would love to do it again sometime soon.

- Vincent Grimaldi, Child Actor

As a Senior Center Program Director you are lucky when you find workshops or activities members consistently enjoy and participate in, Creative Chorus staffed by Moonlight Productions is one of those workshops. Our seniors very much look forward to Victoria Venezia and Christine Zahra’s visits to the center and the year-end concert has become one of our most well attended and anticipated events. Both Victoria and Christine show great passion to their craft and our seniors take their participation in the chorus very seriously as a result. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Moonlight Productions in some capacity once we reopen the center.

- Nelson Gutierrez, Program Director, Cassidy Coles Neighborhood Senior Center

Tuesday and Wednesday are my favorite days at the club. Christine Zahra and Victoria Venezia make the classes inspiring and uplifting. Both girls are a pleasure and a joy to be with.

- Marguerite Provenzano, Participant, Mount Loretto Friendship Club

I have the pleasure of knowing Christine Zahra and Victoria Venezia for over a year now. I never realized how much fun playing ‘Name That Tune’ was until I met them. I didn’t know how much I knew about songs and singers either. They are teaching me to use my imagination a lot, more than I am used to. They are great and I wish them all good things.

- Vera Spoto, Participant, Mount Loretto Friendship Club

Moonlight Productions is unlike anything else. The passion that Christine and Victoria have with the people they work with is incredible. I got to experience watching them work with different age groups and it fascinated me because it goes to show that with a little push of motivation anyone can be a performer. They have experience and love for what they do and they deliver. It is also a very safe environment, judge free zone. I would recommend anyone to give it a try because it will open their eyes to a whole new world.

- Vanessa Rada, Intern

My experience interning with Christine and Victoria at Moonlight Productions, has been very inspiring. I witnessed them bring purpose and importance to the senior community.

Their mission at Moonlight Productions is one that I fully enjoyed being a part of. They have produced many productions at various senior centers. I was a part of the production process at The West Brighton Senior Center. I watched the participants transformation and joy as they performed their scenes. Moonlight Productions is an amazing company that I look forward to seeing grow and impact more communities in need of a voice.

- Geena Bivona, Intern

Moonlight Productions, passionately led by Christine Zahra and Victoria Venezia, is one of my favorite companies to work with. A commitment to the work and attention to detail is something every performer under their direction will recognize and appreciate. They are two of the most hardworking women in this business and I wish them every success in the world.

- Greg McGovern, Actor/Executive Director of The Pressure Players

The word heart comes to mind when I think about Moonlight Productions. In the few years that I’ve assisted behind the scenes, never have I’ve seen such a spark of joy in community theater for the people who take part in the shows that they put on. Christine and Victoria find what is special in the lives of young people, senior citizens, as well as the mentally challenged and they always find a way to bring that truth to the stage in a way that inspires us all. I see what they do as more than just teaching acting. Christine and Victoria know how to build one’s self-esteem no matter their age or handicap. Moonlight Productions’ passion to entertain and educate the Staten Island community is why we need the arts now more than ever.

- André Joseph, NYC award winning Filmmaker/President & Founder of AJ Epyx Productions