 Messina was co-author of the film's screenplay.On March 29, 2012 - April 1, 2012, three of Messina's plays - "Merging", "Fugazy", and "Sick Bastids" - under the title "The Tenement Plays", were performed at the 13th St Repertory Theater.Twilight Theatre Productions performed three of Messina's plays - "Thompson Street", "Lilac", and "Fugazy" - from June 21 through August 2, 2013 at Kenlake State Resort Park in Hardin, KY.

On September 22, 2013, The Abingdon Theatre hosted a special reading of three of Messina's plays