By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/14/25 – At this year’s Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles, Gasbag makes its mark as an offbeat, character-driven pilot that centers on George Nordstrom, a 42-year-old travel agent whose constant chatter masks a deeper journey of late-in-life self-discovery. Created and written by Lynn Rosen and starring Chad Kessler—who also serves as co-executive producer—the 24-minute pilot is an energetic attempt at heartfelt satire. While its humor may not resonate with all viewers, there’s sincerity and a distinct creative voice behind it that deserves recognition.
Gasbag thrives on its central character’s compulsive need to fill silence, a trait Rosen says she’s long been fascinated by. “Never mocking, just curious,” she explained, describing how the idea first took shape during the pandemic. “I wrote a monologue for Chad—George Nordstrom talking to ‘Facebook Live’ (his version of it)—and we shot it on Zoom. People loved it, and that seed grew into this series.” That initial one-man quarantine sketch evolved into a colorful ensemble piece, now screening on both coasts, after a warmly received New York debut.
Rosen’s script captures the anxious rhythm of overcommunication, with Kessler channeling George’s frenetic energy in a performance that’s both precise and occasionally overwhelming. Kessler, who notes the role was written specifically for him, worked to strike a balance. “I had to set the speed,” he said. “Not too frenetic to be annoying, but lively enough to carry the show. I tried to ground George’s urgency with moments of calm—so the audience stays with him without needing to hit mute.”
The visual execution of Gasbag was a collaborative effort helmed by two directors: Christopher Gerson and Julie Kramer, each taking half the episode. Rather than directing herself, Rosen leaned on the creative chemistry of a team composed of New York theatre colleagues and LA collaborators. “Everyone knew each other’s work,” Rosen said. “We hit that vibe of camaraderie from the start—and it really shows.”
Despite its polished look, the pilot faced no shortage of challenges. Kessler recalled the chaos of their first shoot day in Brooklyn: “A major flood hit our office set. Nine inches of water, and all of our lighting gear was ruined. We had just one day to shoot instead of three, but we powered through—wet feet and all.”
Also lending flair to the pilot is actress Jackie Tohn, who makes a memorable cameo as Stella, a character as outspoken as George himself. “They said, ‘Play an overtalker,’ and I was like, ‘Say less, baby,’” joked Tohn. “The script is sharp, but Lynn and Chad gave me space to riff, interrupt, and keep talking—my specialty.” Having worked across comedy, drama, and music, Tohn described Gasbag as a project that allowed her to lean into the freedom and improvisation she enjoys most.
Though not everyone will find the pilot laugh-out-loud funny, Gasbag is buoyed by strong performances, clever writing, and a clear sense of purpose. Rosen sees the show as “an uplifting, buoyant ride that will fill you with joy and delight,” while Kessler calls it “a celebration of a late-blooming gay man discovering family, love, and his own voice at forty-two.” Tohn, in her trademark wit, simply describes it as “the life and times of an overtalker whose heart—and mouth—never stop racing.”
There’s an infectious enthusiasm behind Gasbag, both on-screen and among its creators. “Getting into Dances With Films in both New York and Los Angeles has been a huge confidence boost,” Rosen said. “As Sally Field said, ‘They like us!’” The pilot screens in LA on Saturday, June 28th at 3:30 PM in Pilot Block Six at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
Check out the interview with the creators and lead, here:
