Creative Works by Albert Fried-Cassorla  Welcome to the relatively artistic part of my site. Browse below. You'll sometimes see hypertext that links you to more information and even full text. I hope you enjoy it!

Last updated 8-25-10

BIOGRAPHIES	PLAYS	PHOTOGRAPHY	SHORT STORIES
DIRECT MAIL	NON-FICTION BOOKS	POETRY	WEB
ESSAYS	NOVELS	RIDDLES and JOKES

 

BIOGRAPHY OF: Albert Fried-Cassorla

Playwright and Author

7408 Woodlawn Ave., Melrose Park, PA 19027 U.S.A. Tel: 1-215-635-5189 Fax: 1-215-635-0461 e-mail: albert@fried-cas.com web: http://www.fried-cas.com

GENERAL BACKGROUND

Born in 1949. Grew up on Long Island. Bachelors from SUNY- Binghamton in 1971, Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Columbia University, 1973. Lived in New York City, Boston, and in Philadelphia since 1975. My writings include plays, books, pamphlets, essays and business publications. Interests are fatherhood, writing of all kinds, running, film and books. Currently president of my own advertising agency, Fried-Cassorla Communications, Inc.

FULL-LENGTH PLAYS:

Info-Boy! 90 minutes. 3 males, 2 females. Offstage voices: 1 male, 2 females. A middle-aged infomercial executive faces conflicting pressures: the desire to be close to his adult daughter, a drive to make his newest venture succeed, and the passionate attentions of his producer/lover. His latest product is Blues-Blockers. These are ultraviolet powered sunglasses that elevate peoples' moods. Cure or scam? The play lets you decide. Serio-comedy.

Options:

FULL SCRIPT - Click here for a pdf of Info-Boy!, version 14. Invitation to readings, right here. For a special invitation for direct marketers, click here. Program Book for the August 2007 Script-in-Hand reading. See it in pdf form. Use the rotate tool under "View" to turn the document 180 degrees to see some pages. Hit + to enlarge your view. A 2007 fine article by Claire Dougherty about Info-Boy!, written in The Ticket, an arts magazine of the Times Chronicle. A fine article about the play written in The Ticket, an arts magazine of the Times Chronicle. Check out an article about the play in the Times Chronicle, a suburban PA newspaper Directions to the Cheltenham Art Center in Cheltenham, PA, site of August 2007 performances

Photos of the actors and audience at the May 8, 2002 Hedgerow Theatre reading! Plus the full song, "Get Your Cool Bluesblockers!" Enjoy photos of the actors and audience at a PDC reading! See a detailed description of the play Check news release (with cute graphic) about a reading of the play Read an enthusiastic letter written about Info-Boy! by Dugald MacArthur of the Lantern Theatre.

Guerrilla! 1993. 100 minutes. 4 males, 3 females. Offstage voices: 2 males, 1 female. A full length comedy-drama about the visit of a reborn Che Guevara to a modern family, and the mayhem that ensues. Che offers the father of the family a chance to handle the Cuba account in its advertising and propaganda campaign in the U.S. Each family member reacts differently... and the unexpected happens.

The Book Club, 1983. 85 minutes. 4 males, 4 females. A full-length work about four couples in a private book club who come to terms with many questions of living, aging, loving. Presented in a public reading and well received at The Bourse in Philadelphia, through the Play Works Company.

Benefits, 1981. 70 minutes. 1 male, 1 female. A full-length drama about two people who meet on a line for unemployment benefits. An out-of-work African-American ad copywriter and a white woman slowly befriend and help each other. Includes many comedic touches. Performed as a fully staged script in hand production at Theatre Center Philadelphia and at Calvary Church in Germantown, Philadelphia.

SHORT PLAYS:

The Life in A Washing Machine Trilogy: This evening of theater consists of three short plays, using the same central characters. Each of these three plays has been written to stand on its own if necessary. The trilogy comprises:

Lifestyles of the Flaky and Incompetent, 1986. A short political satire/drama featuring Moammar Khaddafy and Ronald Reagan on terrorism and the family. Read script in hand at Dignity House, Phila. 10 minutes.

The Levity Clinic, 1988. A 7-minute comedy that is a take-off on a sketch by Monty Python called the Argument Clinic. In my play, an "Inquirer" seeks a levity clinic. Instead ghe finds three women, each in turn managing unrelated "departments." These are Brevity, Foolishness and Absurdity.

The Meaning of Success, 1985. A short comedy about two lovers who are as merchandise-crazed as star-crossed. Runs at a rip-snorting pace for its five to ten crazed minutes. Text includes an imagistic and serious counterpoint play. Performed by the Play Works Company in the Fool's Carnival at The Bourse, and praised in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 30 minutes. A home video of this production is available.

My TriniDad, 1992. A short play about a middle aged white tourist in Barbados, who meets a young Trinidadian girl while treading water in the Caribbean. Her psyche is revealed, and his is challenged. 12 minutes.

Nails of Love, 1996. A short play concerning a romantic but lonely venture capitalist, Marvin, who hopes to meet the woman of his dreams. He takes up roost at MochaBrains a Center City Philadelphia cafe. There he fixes on Alice (a.k.a. Eloise). How he approaches her, and the budding romance that ensues is the stuff of the story. 14 pages.

Psych Brats, 1985. A full length comedy about a university psychologist and his students trying to discover G.A.P., Guaranteed Attractive Power -- a love potion. Involves romantic conflicts, love-maddened gorillas, music, and more. Read script in hand at the Painted Bride Arts Center.

Two Harolds, 1992. A short play about two elderly genetlemen named Harold, who meet on a Florida bound airplane. One Harold is poor and black, the other rich and white. They discover each others' wonders and weaknesses. 12 minutes.

What Women Really Want, 1987. A short comedy about women's inner desires...and how they are confounded and interpreted by men. 10 minutes.

Click for: The Autobiographies of Betty and Lou Cassorla, 1920 -1948, as told to Albert Fried-Cassorla - A biography of Albert's parents, a 175-page book on the web, complete with many family photographs and family trees.

Coming soon!

.	The Autobiographies of Elsie Maier and Stanley Fried Joint autobiograpies, which resulted from my interviews. A very rewarding experience fore me -- getting to know two wonderful people even better.

Albert Fried-Cassorla's Autobiography This account will jump around. I'll write about periods as the spirit moves me. It may seem egotistical to write one's autobiography and publish it on the net. But then, my attitude is that most people have a story to tell... including me. Moreover, I enjoy telling the stories. The question is: Can I make it interesting enough for you? Let me know. 1949-1967 - Born in Brooklyn, playing stickball, rooting for the Dodgers, moving to Bellmore, Long Island. Encountering the world of endless lawn-mowing, dirt bomb wars, and other unnatural experiences, W.C. Mepham High School, and more. 1967-1971 - The unbelievably great experience of attending Harpur College, SUNY-Binghamton, Binghamton, NY. (A very brief account so far.) 1972 - 1985 - This period in my life included moving to New York City, attending Columbia University, living in Greenwich Village and on the Upper West Side, meeting Louie Gzinterman, two years spent in Cambridge, MA; moving to Philadelphia, and the birth of our amazing twins! 1986-1987 - My period at Roska Direct Marketing. Fun with colleagues. Cute pix of us cutting up!

Sophie and Avrahm Cassorla's Biographies These are stories about my father's parents and their friends. Right now, this collection includes stories compiled by Adele Runyan (nee Baruch), my cousin. They tell of life among Separdic Jews of Turkey, Greece and Yugoslavia, both in the old countries and here in te New York City area. Some of these stories go back as far as 1910. Thanks, Adele! Some day I hope to supplement this with screen captures and transcripts of my 1979 one-hour bio film covering similar ground, called The Grandma Movie.

"The Ultimate Skateboard Book," 1989. Published by Running Press. The most up-to-date and complete book on skateboarding in the world. Includes stunts, ramps, and a history of skateboarding. 40,000 sold to date.

"The Skateboarder's Bible," 1979. Published by Running Press. A trade paperback on all facets of the sport, with photos. Sold 20,000 copies.

"Imagination That Sells: Pharmaceutical Database Marketing," 2nd Edition published 1995. Published by Fried-Cassorla Communications, Inc. A handbook for marketers in the OTC and prescription drug markets. 205 pages.

"In-Line Skating: The Ultimate How-To Guide," Published March, 1995, by Prima Publishing. A complete guide to the sport, for beginners and advanced participants.

I wrote these poems at various time in my life, some going back as far as the 1960's. No summaries are needed because they are short enough, and because... good poetry cannot be summarized! I hope you enjoy them. If you like, HERE is a brief poet's bio....

A Boy To Kiss, A Girl To Toss - Lines written when my children were very young, but with a sense of appreciation I still feel today.

As He Breathed - A poem in memory of Milton Kessler, poet and my poetry teacher at Harpur College. He passed away in the Spring of 2000.

Carpe That Diem - Life goes by too quickly. True. But what can we do? Grab it!

Cart of Life

Cat Drama - This poem is based on a scene I witnessed at the Hotel Raleigh in the Catskills in May of 1999. There I was with some old people sitting on benches. A cat strolled by. Suddenly, we heard a terrible squeal...

CityKid

Dignified Passenger - The elderly gent sitting next to you on the subway may be enjoying the ride, the scenery, and the passengers. Or...

Empty Nest, Full Life - When our children left home for college, it was not one of life's easier passages. Still, you can find wisdom there. This poem starts sentimentally, but I do not think it ends that way. In fact, I dare to hope it will be a tonic for other parents. August 21, 2000.

Ever - This poem was written in reaction to the World Trade Center attack. But do not look for direct descriptions of the event. It is a more personal reflection. September 12, 2001

Flanagan on Lexington - I attended a jazz concert with my son -- we caught the Tommy Flanagan Trio at the Jazz Standard on Manhattan's East Side. Loved it! Here's how my fingers tapped the palmtop keyboard between and upside the notes...

Fluid Funeral - A macabre poem about a car crash. The animated graphic I've added is Dali-esque and cool! In fact, it's rather insane and probably overshadows the poem. What do you think? I published this poem in Black America Magazine in the mid-1970's, when I was editor.

Joyous Circle - A reverie about children, play, fleeting moments, restorative appreciation... just to name a few!

Joyous Circle

Roethke of the Raleigh - While spending a raucous weekend at the Raleigh Hotel in the Catskills, I broke away for a solitary walk in the woods. This is a memory of those moments. Theodore Roethke is a poet with a special affinity for nature, and whose work I admire.

 

Sixers - Why I Care! - Any true fan will understand my enthusiasm for the Philadelphia 76ers circa 2000. Just substitute your favorite team and year!

Summer - This is a kind of dreamy report poem, inspired by a concert by the Edguardo Citron Latin Quartet, which played at Curtis Arboretum, Cheltenham, PA in the summer of 1999.

The Dangling Lead - A reflective, Fall verse.

Two Things I Saw Today What do you make of the sights you see in everyday life? Walking? Jogging? Here's what I saw one day, and what I thought about it. 6-10-02

 

Walking in the Snow With You Have you enjoyed the snow beneath your feet, and felt the great silence?

RIDDLES and JOKES

These are self-originated, me-myself-I riddles. They may be lame, but hey....their mine! (first column only)

Originals by Albert:	Other favorites:	Other favorites:
Mesopotamia	French Kitchen
Pharaoh	Two Electrons
Venetians

 

 

 

So far, I have only one story posted, as you can see. Perhaps others will follow.

Love on Wheels - This tale was to be a part of my book, In-Line Skating: The Ultimate How-To Guide by Prima Publishing, 1995. But at the last minute it got nixed. Said an editor: "What's that thing called? Sex on Wheels?"

 

I'm just an amateur, but I enjoy what I shoot. Maybe you will, too!

Barcelona A Memory in Photographs and Words of Our Trip, December 24 - 31, 2007 by Albert Fried-Cassorla Last updated 12-26-07. Your thoughts? Send them to albert@fried-cas.com Hope you enjoy the journey and that these photos make you want to make the trip yourself!

Cape May, New Jersey - About 45 minutes south of Atlantic City is this oasis of Victorian architecture, fine food, B&B's, and bird sanctuaries. A great place for a getaway that I've enjoyed. Here are just a few shots, mainly of homes.

Cranberry bogging - Those red veggies, in glorious local color!

 

 

Greece! A Memory in Words, Photos and Videos of Our trip to Athens, Siros and Santorini   June 25 – July 5, 2010 Your thoughts? Send them to albert@fried-cas.com

 

Grounds for Sculpture A few photographs I have taken of the fabulous sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey. Click HERE. Your thoughts? Send them to albert@fried-cas.com

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - This is a just-built, striking new home for the Philadelphia Orchestra and other arts organizations! A $260 million structure, this building gives our orchestra a fabuous new home. The architecture is an expereince in itself, and the music makes it world-class. Come enjoy the great views!

Korean Market Tour My take in photos on our fascinating Asian market. This page includes exotic foods and bemused neighbors on our annual Melrose Park Asian Market Tour! Beware of the amazing Mugari!

Melrose Park - Scenes from the neighborhood, taken with an affectionate eye.

 

New York City! In addition to the special NY sections below, these are a handful of my favorite shots of the great metropolis. Includes: Carnegie Hall, Central Park Lake, a Chelsea scene, and more

 

American Museum of the Moving Image A fun movie museum in Astoria, Queens, NY. Click above to see sample photos, but beware of an extremely ghoulish Linda Blair, from the Exorcist! Almost as ugly is Dustin Hoffman as Little Big Man.

Observations on the Rose Center - This article and photo-essay is in the form of a letter to Professor David Helfand, a dynamic professor of astronomy at Columbia University. We had to good fortune to hear him speak, and I promised to write him with some of my observations on an upcoming trip to the new Rose Center of the Hayden Plaentarium, part of the American Museum of Natural History. The gorgeous photos I took steal the show, in my humble opinion!

New York State Truly a state apart from New York City. Here I give you very few scenes. Bu I hope you will agree they are choice ones! See: Wantagh harbor Lake Keuka, a finger lake Watkins Glen ...and more

Photos : Niagara Falls! To say that Niagara Falls is beautiful, splendid and a force of nature is to say the obvious. But to visit the Falls and feel the power and beauty for yourself -- well, that is an experience everyone should enjoy. So you can and should go. Meanwhile...

Here is one of the next best things to being there: PHOTOS from our trip!

 

Ocean City, New Jersey A few photographs by Albert Fried-Cassorla Created August, 2006 Your thoughts? Send them to albert@fried-cas.com

Philadelphia - Here are some of my views of this city, captured in several years' worth of selected photos. This batch of photos concentrates on Boathouse Row, Vets Stadium, the Rose Tattoo restaurant and more.In other words, an eclectic batch!

Wildwood, NJ! - Here are a few choice photos of this town of 50-foot tall, burger-hawking women and insane roller-coaster rides! I took the pictures in the off-season, September...a time of lassitude, summer's frenzy gone, but reminders persisting, taking a break. I did climb up and take a bite of that burger... fiberglass-flavored!

Soccer - Kids in action, yours and mine.

 

Spring! Lovely shots of flowers, mainly taken in Melrose Park over several years. Included are azaleas, irises, clematis and more.

 

Summer beauty! Colors can be extreme, gossamer, other-worldly. Let me show you!

Fall! Colors abound, beauty found..... The Fall has always been amazing in Melrose Park, PA. Let me show you some lovely examples!

 

ESSAYS

Argentina - Photos and an account of a magnificent business trip and vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina. April, 2001.

Art Reviews - Thoughts on exhibits and museums.

Book Comments -- "Friends, Romans, countrymen... lend me your ear. And word of a good book to read I will share!

Concert Reviews - Such an esthete. Oy! More opinions. But I do like music of many kinds.

Cranberry bogging - Those red veggies, in glorious local color... with my commentary.

Dance Comments - Noche Flamenca and more.

Fallingwater A Visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed Home on December 27, 2003 by Albert Fried-Cassorla I loved my visit to Fallingwater. And I think that if you like great and imaginative architecture, you will too! For photos and words click HERE!

For a National Space Toilet - My humble suggestion for a solution to the problem of excess funding for social programs.

Glacier! Glacier National Park - What a wonderful journey we had! This may end up on one of your must-do trip lists. Here is a record of a visit to this national park in Montana in July, 2004 with many photos

.

Movie Reviews - What I like and don't in flicks I've seen.

Observations on the Rose Center - This article is in the form of a letter to Professor David Helfand, a dynamic professor of astronomy at Columbia University. We had to good fortune to hear him speak, and I promised to write him with some of my observations on an upcoming trip to the new Rose Center of the Hayden Plaentarium, part of the American Museum of Natural History. The gorgeous photos I took steal the show, in my humble opinion!

Philosophical Reflections By Albert Fried-Cassorla This page last updated 1-1-04 These pages are part of what I hope will be a lifelong continuation of an adventure. Philosophy can give added meaning to life. I enjoyed studying it in college. Now, I am returning to it. With a friend, I recently began a study of the history of Philosophy - not an in-depth study, but an overview of various thinkers, with special emphasis on those who seemed important, relevant or interesting.

Epicurus

 

Play Comments- Evenings at the theater in Philadelphia and New York!

Click HERE for story and photos.

U.S Virgin Islands A Visit to the Virgin Islands by Albert Fried-Cassorla The Virgin Islands have been called "the American Paradise." After our recent visit, I'd have to say: Seems so! We had a lovely 10-day journey to St., Thjomas, with an excursion to St., John via ferry. The sights were splendid. Planneed right, it can be as vigoous o relaxing as you'd like. Here's my story...

Under the Undergraduate - Written in April, 1967 at age 17, this shows how I was thinking about the process of applying to college. It covers the interminable waiting, interview tips and more.

A Visit to WRTI-FM, Temple U's radio station the Classical and Jazz Beacon of Philly by Albert Fried-Cassorla I enjoyed taking my advertising class for a visit to Temple's WRTI-FM radio station. To view pictures and for a description of the trip, click HERE!