Chicago Director Moves From Stage to Film in a Hit New Production

After a long- run as Director of Chicago's hit theatre production, TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING, Paul Stroili, will be temporarily swapping his artistic hat to take on the roles of Co-Executive Producer and Actor in the upcoming independent film feature,Wake. This independent film will begin production this year and starts principal photography later this month.

Stroili is excited to begin this new chapter in his career with Wake, but has mentioned that this will not be the end of his time with TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING.

"Theatre has always been my first love" says Stroili, "and jumping back into the fray of directing with TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING has been a blast -it's very cinematic, very atmospheric - when actors are playing face-to-face with guests, the performances need to be very genuine, very small - you pull them in more intimately than a stage performance."

Wake tells the story of Molly, an agoraphobic, and her mother and daughter's attempts to help her overcome her fear. It tackles the idea of mortality like never seen before - with a sense of humor and passion. This original screenplay is written by Carey Crim, based on her award-winning play, directed by Cyrus Mirakhor, and produced by Mirror Core Productions. The play originally premiered at the Jeff Daniel's Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan. The Los Angeles-based SeaGlass Theatre, where Stroili was Managing Director, produced the play's West Coast Premiere in 2014. Stroili will be taking on the position of Co-Executive Producer for the film, as well as playing the role of "Frank".

"We saw the potential for Wake as a feature immediately," says Director Cyrus Mirakhor. "It's a funny, poignant story, hinging on three strong women. Audiences have fully embraced these characters and we're delighted to have the opportunity to share Wake with the world."

In addition to Stroili, the casting lineup for Wake stuns with popular actors and actresses nationwide including: Myndy Crist from Six Feet Under, Caroline Lagerfelt from Gossip Girl, Paige Searcy from Days of Our Lives, James Denton from Desperate Housewives, and JEN RAY from The Middle, as well as high-acclaimed comedian, Jo Koy.

For more information on Wake, please visit www.mirrorcore.com or www.PaulStroili.com

About Paul Stroili

Paul Stroili is the current Director of TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING. He has made his television debut in a variety of shows including: Chicago P.D., Undercover Bridesmaid, Malcolm in the Middle, Brother's Keeper, and Chance of a Lifetime. His award-winning solo show, Paul Stroili's Straight Up with a Twist, garnered over 1400 performances nationwide and earned him nominations including an Ovation Award for Best Solo Performance and LA Weekly Award, in addition to a twice - extended Off Broadway run.He resides in Chicago.

About Mirror Core Productions

Mirror Core is a Production Company founded by Paul Stroili, Cyrus Mirakhor and Archana Shinde. It has had great success on the festival circuit with a series of short films including: Resonance of Love, Gratitude and most recently The Beating, which was written by Stroili and selected as an instructional tool for Columbia College's course of study on short filmmaking. The Beating, a dark take on collateral victims of bullying, was also presented as part of the College Town Film Festival, with Director Cyrus Mirakhor and Screenwriter/Actor Stroili presenting accompanying lectures at Ohio University and Penn State.