Cherry Hill's own Allegra Cohen has been very busy since leaving South Jersey for New York City.  The Cherry Hill West graduate has been making quite a name for herself as an actress, and now producer of an endearing new film, Putzel.  I recently spoke with Allegra about her memories of South Jersey, and the new project she's so passionate about.

Heather DeLuca interviews Allegra Cohen about life in South Jersey and the new film Putzel: [FULL INTERVIEW]

Allegra first found her affinity for the arts performing with the famed dance company Marcia Hyland, as well as appearing on the local entertainment program Al Alberts.  She was also very involved in school theater.  A graduate of Montclair State University, Allegra moved on to pursue acting professionally in New York City.  She has worked as an actress and producer in all areas of entertainment: web, television, theater and film. She can even be seen and heard on dozens of voice overs and commercials.

 

courtesy Allegra Cohen, Facebook
courtesy Allegra Cohen, Facebook
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Allegra co-produced Best Comedy Winner at the New York Television Festival, Split the Difference, later bought by NBC. She followed with The Crawl, which evolved into Spike TV's Weekend Pre-Game.

Cohen works with The Collective at Sundance, an elite group of leaders from around the world in entrepreneurship, film, philanthropy, technology and business who share a passion for changing the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

courtesy IMDB
courtesy IMDB
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But Cohen's biggest accomplishment to date is as film producer for, Putzel, a movie in which she also plays Willa, the wife of the main character.  The film has been favorite at countless international and domestic film festivals.  It won Best Picture at the 2013 Phoenix Film Festival. The independent feature film, stars Melanie Lynskey (Ever After, Two and a Half Men), Jack Carpenter (I Love You Beth Cooper), and John Pankow (Mad About You).

Putzel follows Walter Himmelstein, a young man with the nickname Putzel, who's life hasn't gone further than his family’s fish store and his community on the upper west side of Manhattan. In this heartwarming comedy, Walter’s aspirations of taking over his uncle’s fish emporium are disrupted by the arrival of Sally (Lynskey), who becomes romantically involved with his very-married uncle. While Walter tries to thwart their romance in order to ensure his taking over the business, he finds his life thrown off kilter, and, after years of being undermined by his family and friends, he finally starts to realize his full potential. With Sally’s help, Walter confronts his fears and proves he is more than a Putzel.

PUTZEL: AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON DIGITAL OUTLETS APRIL 8TH
Comcas ON DEMAND, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Xbox Video, Sony Playstation, Cinemanow and Vudu

Allegra is also currently in development for America's Amazing Teens, an online competition that will identify, honor, and mentor exceptional teenagers whose discoveries will change the world.  Allegra describes this new project as a cross between Shark Tank and American Idol for teens.

Allegra is also quite the philanthropist, volunteering for not-for-profits Glamour Girls (advisory board member), The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Live Wright Society, Hamilton Madison House, and the movement, 2BePositive.

Putzel on Facebook.

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