Review Fix Exclusive: Renee McNeil Talks ‘Paradise Gained’

Review Fix chats with playwright Renee McNeil about her newest production “Paradise Gained,” currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. McNeil also discusses her creative process and what she hopes people get out of the production, as well as what makes her a unique playwright.

Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?

Renee McNeil: I have had this project in the works for years. It is the longest play, I have worked on….of course it has transformed and I am finally happy with where it’s going. I shortened this version to fit the short play category, the best I can. I’m quite attached to it. But I think it’s time to let it go and trust the outcome of it.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

McNeil: It depends. Sometimes I will get up and write a whole story from beginning to end, then look at it and break it down and put it in a play structure, analyze the themes, which is what I’m big on and does it have suspense at all? Mystery, Why is this important? Why do I need to say it?

Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?

McNeil: I am big on spiritual themes. I believe in God. And spiritual themes are infused in my work because I am spiritual. The emotional or physical life of showing something is not complete with me. And whether one believes or not. I show both sides. It’s important in this day of age. Well, it’s important to me.

Review Fix: Is his what you always wanted to do?

McNeil: I’m finally realizing yes! It is one of things I want and meant to do! And also, has come back to me full circle. So, when I was young in grade school. I would make up these little miniature plays from things I saw, (mostly on TV) and somehow got the faculty to let me put on these plays in front of the bigger grades. So, I was like in third grade or something doing this! And it felt natural! Saying “were going to do this and your going to go along with it!” I guess, I was bossy then, the same today. But when I’m sure of something. I’m sure of it!

Review Fix: What makes this production special?

McNeil: Like I said….this play has been brewing for years…revising, put it down, revising…a few readings. Day in and day out in front of the computer. I think that process will change and become less redundant as I am honing the craft and my niche and trusting. My friend said; it’s your baby. I guess. But I’m ready to let the baby go on it’s own.

Review Fix: How is your cast unique?

McNeil: My cast is unique because they are great, hardworking, dedicated, beautiful actors! And I love them dearly and have known them all except for a few a long time. I am so grateful for them to go along this journey with me and to be able to trust, to be so confident and brave. It really is a hard piece in that way. It is blunt and bold. And they are willing to go there! Wow! And the audience will be moved!

Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?

McNeil: So, much! So much! How do I begin? Perseverance pays off! Learning to trust what you have. Learning to let go…learning to also listen to other insights, perspectives…learning to strip down and reveal more inner-self. I am also in the play. So, it’s taking me places personally and emotionally that frighten me…but the discovery of it, is so exciting, exhilarating and freeing!

Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?

McNeil: I love John Chatterton and his festivals…to find a place I can explore my visions and not feel having to change any part of that, has been so freeing for me as a playwright, performer, artist! It is the coolest thing to be able to operate in total freedom! To reveal who I am, fully and then continue to discover who I am and different facets of myself.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?

McNeil: To have this production move on to the full length version…obviously more production of it, with the resources to explore more staging, lighting, sound etc. but that also depends of course, do I need to even say much more?  Does the full length have it all already? Or does this version say enough? Right now, I have to focus on what’s in front of me!

Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?

McNeil: I think everyone will. Because the play says so much and through these characters. I really do believe everybody will get something out of it. I promise you, you will definitely feel and think in ways that maybe haven’t felt or stayed dormant inside you. And you will definitely think!! I know it!! I’m excited for the audience!!

Review Fix: What’s next?

McNeil: To breath a bit.

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About Patrick Hickey Jr. 13819 Articles
Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communication & Performing Arts and Director of the Journalism program at Kingsborough Community College and is the chairman of the City University of New York Journalism Council. He is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of ReviewFix.com. He's also a former News Editor at NBC Local Integrated Media and National Video Games Writer at Examiner.com where his work was mentioned in National Ad campaigns by Disney, Nintendo and EA Sports. Hickey was also the Editor-In-Chief of two College Newspapers before he received his BA in Journalism from Brooklyn College. Hickey's work has been published in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Complex, The Hockey Writers, Yahoo!, Broadway World, Examiner, NYSportScene Magazine, ProHockeyNews.com, GothamBaseball.com, The Syracuse Post-Standard, Scout.com and the official sites of the Brooklyn Aces and New York Islanders. His first book, The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult And Classic Video Game Developers was released in April 2018 and is chock full of interviews with legendary developers. His second book in the series, The Minds Behind Adventures Games, was released in December 2019. His third book, The Minds Behind Sports Games, was released in September 2020. His fourth book, The Minds Behind Shooter Games, was released in March 2021. The Minds Behind Sega Genesis Games and The Minds Behind PlayStation Games were released in 2022 and The Minds Behind PlayStation 2 was published in January 2023. Hickey is also a contracted comic book writer, currently penning his original series, "Condrey," as well as "The Job," "Brooklyn Bleeds" "Dem Gulls" and "KROOM" for Legacy Comix, where he serves as founder, owner and Editor-in-Chief. Hickey Jr. is also a voice actor, having starred in the 2018 indie hit and 2019 Switch, PS4 and Xbox One release, The Padre (also serving as English language Story Editor), from Shotgun With Glitters. The sequel, The Padre: One Shell Straight to Hell was released in February 2021- Hickey also served as a Story Editor and Lead Voiceover performer. He has also done narration and trailers for several other titles including The Kaiju Offensive, Relentless Rex and Roniu’s Tale. Hickey is also the lead voiceover performer on Mega Cat Studios’ upcoming title WrestleQuest, responsible for nearly 90 characters in the game, as well as Skybound's Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, where he voices both Dracula and Renfield, as well as several other characters. He also stars in Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2, where he performs the VO of nearly every male character in the game. He also worked on the Atari VCS’s BPM Boy.

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