Actor Tom Koch Performing A New One-Character Immersive Play In Manhattan

Those looking to immerse themselves in a new theatrical experience this month will rejoice as Fire on the Moon, a New York-based production startup dedicated to helping musicians create quality promotional content and captivating performances, announced this last December the debut of the first installment of its new music-driven, walkthrough series entitled “Nighttime Stories: A Doomed Village”. 

A Doomed Village is a truly multidimensional experience that artfully combines all the best elements of live music, film and physical theater. The piece is directed by Nicolle Marquez and stars the leading man, and only live actor, Tom Koch. This series with the intention to inspire understanding and community through the medium of a darker, interpersonal narrative is coming to the Gene Frankel Theatre on January 14th. 

Koch, the 24 year old actor, originally from France, had his Off Broadway debut last April in the play Science written by the late Tom Attea. Since then Koch starred in several festival-bound dramatic feature and short films, namely the period film Terra Incognita, set right after the Sack of Baltimore in 1631, Koch played Irish a slave taken from his home by barbary pirates. He has also continued to find success onstage through leading and supporting roles in both Off-Broadway productions of Richard III and Port Chicago 50

Koch, who said in a recent interview, “I always wanted to mix film and theater, and working on A Doomed Village felt like exploring what this new medium could be”, will be challenged to lead the audience on an up close and personal walkthrough as they navigate a completely transformed Gene Frankel. The remarkable set consists of tight passageways and cramped quarters, limiting the audience both physically and thematically. Koch, who has experience with physical theater, movement-based pieces will shepherd the viewer along the linear storyline, all while interacting with holograms, projections, and short, filmed, vignettes. More about the actor here.

The twisted storyline takes place in a dark forest full of the unknown. The audience will find themselves in a bonafide cabin-in-the-woods where they will meet with Krem (played by Koch). A frightening isolated townsman with nothing left to lose, Krem is just one of the villagers of Mount Tumoe. As Krem assists the audience in the investigation of murder and corruption in the town, Koch will be using his expertise to transform into the multi-layered conflicted character. While his movement forward storytelling progresses expect a completely original score, composed by the talented Drew Storcks, accompanied by precision special effects designed by Reid Sullivan. 

It is sure to be a fresh and exciting production, unique in its composition and execution. A Doomed Village will open this upcoming Saturday, January 14th, and will hold performances every night through the 21st with a matinee on the 22nd (time slots vary) Intended to be more affordable for younger audiences (13+), tourists, and students, the tickets are priced at $20 each. For more scheduling information, or to buy your tickets now, visit fireonthemoon.co. 

CEO and Founder of Fire On The Moon, Astrid Lark-Peterson, had this to say about the Startup, “The Fire on the Moon project was born from a desire to attempt the seemingly impossible: empower musicians to sustainably self-produce their own unique shows that intrigue and allow audiences to see the creative concepts and stories embedded in their music come to life in an emotionally impactful and memorable way”. Blending the minds of six separate creators, it is safe to say that this piece will be a major accomplishment for the intimate production group. 

Director Nicole Marquez revealed that, “A Doomed Village is an offering, an amulet, a time capsule”. Marquez goes on to say, “We are celebrating the magic of storytelling, aiming to contribute to greater collective awareness of the human condition and trigger visceral responses that mirror the social imprint of this day and age. Whether you’re a fan of the performing arts or are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience to immerse yourself in, this show is the one for you.”

The complete list of creatives responsible for organizing A Doomed Village is as follows:

Nicole Marquez, Director. 

Drew Storcks, Composer.

Nino Amari, Scenic Designer. 

Reid Sullivan, Lighting Designer.

Astrid Lark-Peterson, Creator and Executive Producer.

Nick LaFalce, Producer.

Soundtrack by Astrid Lark-Peterson and Nick LaFalce.

Nodderly Media Production, Sound Design Partner