CHARACTERS

Jazzy, 28, is a classic Girl from Ipanema (Tall & Tan & Young & Lovely) who believes coming to New York is the make or break moment of her life. She is vivacious and driven. Intelligent in Portuguese, she struggles with English idioms and New York slang. A delightful mix of Mary Tyler Moore and Sofia Vergara, Jazzy dreams to be the Brazilian Betsey Johnson. She is unlucky in love as she has to battle Brazilian stereotypes of beautiful dim bulbs with voracious sexual appetites. Jazzy has a hustler’s mojo, creative passion, and relentless ambition. She is in it to win it.

“Party” Marty, 29, is a snarky, lapsed club kid who works with Jazzy in the clothing boutique. Her only goal seems to be to marry a rich guy. Her jaded party monster personality connects to Jazzy’s darker, edgier side. She is a provocative guide to the underbelly of New York nightlife and “specialized” dating. Marty has a Sugar Daddy and wants Jazzy to get one too. Once a promising artist, her friendship with Jazzy reignites her creative aspirations.

Mid 40’s Stylish Argentine owner of a Soho clothing boutique, Tamara is divorced from a wealthy Spanish husband who financed her shop. Brash and combative, she has a complex relationship with Jazzy, ranging from surrogate Step Mother to competitive alpha female. Tamara, better friends with men than women, is a smart and effective networker that spends too much time out at nightclubs. She is dating a 20 year old with an ecstasy problem.

A late 20’s Brazilian gay artist who has lived in New York for 5 years, Picolé (Portuguese for Popsicle) was raised in a family that created costumes and floats for Carnival. Picolé becomes a surrogate brother to Jazzy, bringing her into his network of fashionistas, models, and wayward Brazilians. He is a gifted painter, social media maven, and hopeless romantic. He works as a makeup artist to support himself.

Dina, 26, is a Dominican bartender and aspiring dancer. Opinionated and feisty befitting her Bronx upbringing, GoGo is the go to resource for all fun outside of Manhattan and the source of many of the crazy jobs that Marty and Jazzy get involved in. Her bar becomes the place for the girls to drown their sorrows. Dina also exposes Jazzy to New York’s vibrant Hispanic sub-culture.

A late 20’s blonde corporate attorney from Pittsburgh, Randi becomes Jazzy’s first roommate. Quiet and regimented, she is extremely uncomfortable when faced with new things, particularly when packaged in a scantily clad outgoing Brazilian quasi supermodel. And please don’t mention pork.

A 23 year old Japanese girl studying to be a graphic novelist, Tomiko is Jazzy’s eventual roommate and confidant. Despite her small size, came to USA on basketball scholarship which exposed her to inner City life. Tomiko, while quiet and respectful in the Asian tradition, has a surprising wild side.

A personal trainer from Nebraska, Gabe just turned 25 and is Jazzy’s nextdoor neighbor. He loves to cook, especially big hearty meat dishes, something he has in common with Jazzy. tries to bring a little excercise and healthy living to the group. Despite being a corn fed stud muffin, it is Gabe’s discipline that most inspire Jazzy & the Girls - Yeah right!

A good looking playboy from a rich Brazilian family, Danilo came to New York to learn the club business. Finding the weather and people too cold, Danilo flees back home to his parents Ipanema penthouse. He’s never had a meaningful job in his life, spending most of his time in the gym, on the beach, and out at clubs. A big child adverse to hard work.

An early 30’s Wall Street trader, Jason starts to date Jazzy after meeting her at a gallery opening. Seeing her as the ultimate trophy girlfriend, he shows her the luxurious life of the 1% in New York. The relationship sours as Jason refuses to stay overnight at her small apartment.

Jasmina’s middle class parents, Paulo is a mildly successful architect & Marcia is a costume designer for a large Brazilian television network. They have 2 other younger children, both living at home, thereby not leaving enough extra money to send to Jasmina. They are political activists who value education and artistic puruits, encouraging thier children to be voracious samplers of life. They are still a passionate couple who met on a college vacation in North East Brazil.