Now Playing: Plays
May 12 - May 18
WHAT'S HERE: This page lists plays currently being presented in New York. Click on show titles to find out more about that show, including performance dates & times, ticket prices & ordering information, and cast & other credits. Starred shows are considered to be noteworthy or of special interest by NYTE's editor. Want your show listed on nytheatre.com? Visit the Theatre Company Resource Center to learn how.
LAST CHANCE!
These shows are closing this week
13th Street Rep Quickies!: An evening of seven short plays. Closes May 15, 2008.
A Muse in Manhattan: A new play by Terence Patrick Hughes in which the Muse asks the question, how far would you go for fame? Closes May 18, 2008.
A Year in the Life. . .: The New York premiere of a play by Matthew Fotis in which the lives of 25 strangers are woven together. Presented by Ten Grand Productions. Closes May 18, 2008.
Appearance--A Suspense in Being: An original performance work by the Actors Research Group, featuring a technique that's described as "jazz acting." At Theaterlab. Closes May 17, 2008.
Armor of Wills: The Beggars Group present a new play by Randy Anderson about a man who is bleeding to death. Closes May 17, 2008.
Ben- A Very Personal Account of Benjamin Franklin: Ryan Repertory Company presents a monodrama written by Bernard Myers about the life and works of Benjamin Franklin. At the Harry Warren Theatre in Brooklyn. Closes May 18, 2008.
Boxed In: Two New Plays: A program of two plays: Cornered by Kellie Arens and Transit by Jonathan Albert. Presented by Project Oriented Productions Closes May 18, 2008.
Cherry Docs: The New York premiere of a play by David Gow about a neo-Nazi skinhead on trial and his Jewish court-appointed lawyer. Presented by Theatre of the Expendable. Closes May 18, 2008.
Endgame: A revival of Samuel Beckett's play starring John Turturro and directed by Andrei Belgrader. Closes May 18, 2008.
Fifth of July: Michael Chekhov Theatre Company presents a revival of Lanford Wilson's play about a Vietnam veteran, his lover, and his dysfunctional extended family. Closes May 13, 2008.
God's Ear: A play by Jenny Schwartz about a married couple trying to deal with the loss of a child. Closes May 18, 2008.
Legends, Myths, and Hieroglyphs: A new play by Demetrius Wren about a young boy in Mississippi who is trying to make sense of the world around him without the guidance of a father. Presented by Mainspring Collective. Closes May 13, 2008.
Lysistrata: The Queens Players present a new production of the comedy by Aristophanes. Closes May 17, 2008.
Naked: A bare-all look at Wreckio Ensemble's creative process, featuring three original plays in various stages of development. Closes May 17, 2008.
Phallic Fables: A Rabelaisian Epic: Short plays by Walter Corwin about sex and the future. Closes May 18, 2008.
Retrograde: All Balls Out Ensemble presents a theatre work that interprets the astronomical phenomenon of "retrograde motion" via human interaction on the stage. Closes May 16, 2008.
Running: Milk Can Theatre Company presents the world premiere of a play by Sharon E. Cooper about three gay men and a widow at a funeral. Closes May 17, 2008.
Street Limbo Blues: An interactive environmental play by the Hawaiian troupe Cruel Theatre. The performance takes place all around Tompkins Square Park. Closes May 18, 2008.
Substitution: A new play by Anton Dudley about a woman coping with the death of her son. Closes May 17, 2008.
The 5 Borough Plays: Milk Can Theatre Company presents a program of five original short plays inspired by the five boroughs of New York City. Closes May 18, 2008.
The Accidental Patriot: Stolen Chair Theatre Company presents a new play by Kiran Rikhye, described as an original 1930s-style swashbuckler (as Sophocles might have written it if he’d been under contract to Warner Brothers) set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Revolution. Closes May 17, 2008.
The Fifth Column: The world premiere of a play by Ernest Hemingway about a counter-espionage agent during the Spanish Civil War. Closes May 18, 2008.
The Four of Us: When Benjamin's first novel vaults him into literary stardom, his friend David, a struggling playwright, is thrilled for his newfound success...or is he? This is a new play by Itamar Moses. Closes May 18, 2008.
The Rapid Response Team: An evening of original theatre, presented in live radio format, based on the past week's news. Closes May 16, 2008.
The Unconquered: A new play by Torben Betts about a young girl and a mercenary soldier who is an intruder in her home. This is part of the Brits Off Broadway festival. Closes May 18, 2008.
With the Current: A new adaptation of a Yiddish play by Sholem Asch. Presented by New Worlds Theatre Project. Closes May 18, 2008.
Yellow Moon: A new play by David Greig about two teenagers on the run in the Highlands of Scotland. This is part of the Brits Off Broadway festival. Closes May 18, 2008.
{Extinguish.}: A solo show written and performed by Ezra LeBank, described as a physically exhilarating ride in which a French clown, Irish Nationalist, slam poet, et al, grapple with the edges of life. Closes May 24, 2008.
A Political Party!: A weekly comedy/satire show that uses current news as fodder for entertainment. In previews; opens on May 28, 2008.
Accomplice: New York: An interactive theatre experience combining a scavenger hunt and a walking tour of Lower Manhattan.
Accomplice: The Village: A new theatrical interactive outdoor adventure from the team behind Accomplice: New York, this time set in Greenwich Village.
All Eyes and Ears: A new play by Rogelio Martinez about a seamstress who is catapulted into a new house, new life, and new government job in 1961 Cuba. Presented by INTAR. Closes May 22, 2008.
Almost an Evening: A program of three short comic plays by Ethan Coen; this show originated earlier this season at Atlantic Theatre's Stage 2. Closes June 1, 2008.
Architecting: The TEAM presents a workshop production of their new work, described as an American saga for the 21st century. Performances are this week only.
August: Osage County: A new play by Tracy Letts about a Midwestern family whose patriarch has vanished.
Baby Love: A revival of Christen Clifford's solo show about how having a baby affects a mother's life. Closes June 8, 2008.
Bait: A two-actor, 28-character play by David Sisco about gay speed dating in contemporary NYC. Closes May 19, 2008.
Beef: A new play by Lawrence Dial about a fractious reunion between a would-be rapper, his reluctant childhood friend, and in between, a troubled young hustler who can't remember where her days went. Presented by Slant Theatre Project. Closes June 1, 2008.
Betrayed: A new play by George Packer about three young Iraqis who go to work for the Americans during the recent invasion of their country. Closes June 28, 2008.
Beware Of A Holy Whore: A theatrical adaptation from the 1971 film by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, presented by the School of Visual Arts Department of Film, Video and Animation, in conjunction with Dangerous Ground Productions. At Visual Arts Theatre. Performances are this week only.
Birthright: A new play by Jackie Alexander about two New Orleans families one year after Hurricane Katrina. At the Billie Holiday Thaetre in Brooklyn. Closes June 29, 2008.
Boeing-Boeing: A comedy about a bachelor and his three fiancees, who are all flight attendants.
Bouffon Glass Menajoree: A return engagement of the clown-style parody of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie. Closes May 27, 2008.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: A revival of Tennessee Williams's famous play, with an all African American cast. Directed by Debbie Allen. Closes June 22, 2008.
Colorful World: A new play by James Comtois that envisions a world radically changed by the arrival of an invincible man, and not necessarily for the better. Presented by Nosedive Productions. Closes May 31, 2008.
Cooperative Village: A new play written and performed by Frances Madeson about the events that happen after a woman finds a dead body in her laundry room. Closes May 31, 2008.
Damascus: A new comedy by David Greig about an English language textbook salesman on assignment to the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. This is part of the Brits Off Broadway festival. Closes June 1, 2008.
Dinner for Two/Cena Para Dos: A play by the Spanish author Santiago Moncada about two aggressive Latinas and a skeptical widower. Presented by Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre. There are performances in English and in Spanish. Closes June 1, 2008.
Edward the King: A new play by David Brendan Hopes about England's King Edward II and his relationship with Piers Gaveston. This is part of GAYFEST NYC. Closes May 24, 2008.
Eightballs: A comedy by C. J. Thom about four 20something guys who try to party like rock stars. Closes May 31, 2008.
Ernst C. Stiefel “7@7” Reading Series: A weekly reading series of new plays. Closes June 2, 2008.
Everyman: A new production of the famous medieval morality play. Closes June 1, 2008.
F*ck Me, B*at Me, L*ve Me: A new play by Kevin Podgorski about a gay couple who confuse their own personal problems with the problems in their relationship. Closes May 24, 2008.
From Up Here: The world premiere of a play by Liz Flahive about a teenage boy who has to publicly apologize to his entire high school. Closes June 8, 2008.
Good Boys and True: A new play by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa about a scandal at a boys' prep school in the 1980s. In previews; opens on May 19, 2008.
How Theater Failed America: A new monologue by Mike Daisey that explores the current state of American theatre. Closes June 22, 2008.
Jackie Mason--The Ultimate Jew: The eighth (and, he says, final) one-man show starring the legendary comic. Closes August 31, 2008.
John Lithgow: Stories By Heart: A one-man show performed by John Lithgow, described as a meditation on the art and essence of storytelling. Closes June 2, 2008.
La Femme Est Morte: A revival of this contemporary adaptation of the Phaedra myth, created and performed by The Shalimar. Closes May 24, 2008.
Last Jew in Europe: A tragicomedy by Tuvia Tenenbom about the resurgence of anti-Semitism in today’s Europe. Presented by The Jewish Theatre of New York.
Len, Asleep in Vinyl: A new play by Carly Mensch about a disillusioned music producer who is visited by his estranged star and a pop star. This is part of Second Stage's Uptown Series. In previews; opens on June 2, 2008.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses: Roundabout Theatre Company presents a revival of Christopher Hampton's play about two scheming friends and occasional lovers. Closes July 6, 2008.
Line: Israel Horovitz's one-act dark comedy about a group of people who are waiting on line, though they don't know for what. Now in its 32nd year.
Lone Wolf Series: Four original solo shows by women, all dealing with the theme of isolation, presented in repertory by Coyote REP. In previews; opens on May 18, 2008.
Macbeth: The Chichester Festival Theatre production of Shakespeare's famous play comes to Broadway; starring Patrick Stewart. Closes May 24, 2008.
Marathon 2008: The 30th annual festival of one-act plays, featuring work by Frank D. Gilroy, Neil LaBute, Taylor Mac, Jose Rivera, and many others. Closes June 21, 2008.
Mary Trilogy: Mir Productions presents a program of three short plays that explore stories from various Greek tragedies. Closes May 25, 2008.
Me: A new play by Kirk Wood Bromley that explores what plays and playwrights are for; with music by John Gideon. Presented by Inverse Theater Company. Closes May 24, 2008.
Mill Fire: A revival of the play by Sally Nemeth about a woman who goes up against the company that dominates her town. Closes May 24, 2008.
My First Time: A new play written and directed by Ken Davenport featuring true accounts of first sexual experiences.
My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy: A one-man comedy by Steve Solomon, performed by Paul Kreppel.
November: A new play by David Mamet that takes place days before a major presidential election, and involves civil marriages, gambling casinos, lesbians, American Indians, presidential libraries, questionable pardons, and campaign contributions.
Occupant: A portrait of acclaimed sculptor Louise Nevelson and a quest to capture a charismatic and complex artist and persona. This is a new work by Edward Albee, starring Mercedes Ruehl. In previews; opens on June 5, 2008.
Old Comedy from Aristophanes' Frogs: A new adaptation of Aristophanes's famous satire, written by David Greenspan. Presented by Target Margin Theater. Closes May 31, 2008.
Past Half Remembered: New Victory Theatre presents this show by New International Encounter Visual Theatre, about a woman who survived a hundred years of turmoil in Russia. Closes May 25, 2008.
Perfect Crime: Convoluted murder mystery involving a dangerous psychiatrist, her patient, a detective, and a man who may or may not be her husband. Implausible, but entertaining; this is the longest-running straight play in New York history.
POP!: Riffs, rants and ramblings on the current state of popular cultural affairs, presented by At Hand Theatre Co. Performances are this week only.
Port Authority: The New York premiere of a play by Conor McPherson about three generations of Irishmen and their experiences with loss, failure, and elusive love. In previews; opens on May 21, 2008.
Prisoner of the Crown: A new play by Richard Stockton about the trial of Irish patriot Sir Roger Casement, which was tainted by the discovery of papers purporting to depict his homosexuality. In previews; opens on May 22, 2008.
Rafta, Rafta: The New Group presents a comedy by Ayub Khan-Din about a close-knit Indian family living in England, and how their lives are disrupted when the elder son moves in with his new bride. Closes June 21, 2008.
reasons to be pretty: MCC Theater presents a new play by Neil LaBute about America's obsession with physical beauty. In previews; opens on June 2, 2008.
Steve and Idi: A new play by David Grimm about a gay man who is visited by the ghost of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Closes May 24, 2008.
Stretch (a fantasia): This new play by Susan Bernfield imagines the final days of Rose Mary Woods, Richard M. Nixon's longtime loyal secretary. Closes May 26, 2008.
Sympathetic Division: A new play by Gia Marotta about two well-established scientists whose stormy marriage ultimately implodes their family structure. Performances are this week only.
TELL: A new collaboratively-created play by Subjective Theatre Company about the role of confession in our society. Closes June 1, 2008.
The 39 Steps: A comic parody of the famous Hitchcock thriller, with four actors playing all the roles.
The Actor's Nightmare & The Real Inspector Hound: T. Schreiber Studio presents a double bill of these meta-theatrical comedies by Christopher Durang and Tom Stoppard. Closes June 15, 2008.
The Aspern Papers: A new play by Martin Zuckerman based on Henry James's famous novella, presented by Turtle Shell Productions. Closes May 24, 2008.
The Best Party Ever: A comedy about a keg party, written by Annie Ward. At the Richmond Shepard Theatre. Closes July 5, 2008.
The Buddha: In His Own Words: A one-man play written and performed by Evan Brenner that depicts the life of the Buddha, assembled entirely from the oldest texts. At the Lumber Theater. Closes June 28, 2008.
The Bully Pulpit: A play written and performed by Michael O. Smith about Theodore Roosevelt. Closes June 29, 2008.
The Castle: A new theatre piece that offers a first-hand look at the lives of four formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and their re-entry into society.
The Country Girl: A revival of Clifford Odets's play about an alcoholic former star trying to make a comeback. Mike Nichols directs.
The Eccentricities of a Nightingale: A revival of Tennessee Williams's play, which is a revision of his own Summer and Smoke; presented by The Actors Company Theatre. Closes May 24, 2008.
The Ghost Dancers: Stone Soup Theatre presents a new play by Adam Hunault about the Lakota Sioux and a "standoff for the earth at Wounded Knee." Closes May 24, 2008.
The Hey You Monster: Bring Us the Head of Your Daughter: A new play by Derek Ahonen described as a monumental exploration on man's accusatory nature. Presented by The Amoralists. This is the second part, about the mothers of a 21-year-old cannibal. Closes June 1, 2008.
The Hey You Monster: Pokin the Bears in a Zoo: A new play by Derek Ahonen described as a monumental exploration on man's accusatory nature. Presented by The Amoralists. This is the first part, about the aftermath of a murder. Closes June 1, 2008.
The Imagination Compact: A weekly play reading series of works that riff on A Midsummer Night's Dream; presented by Flux Theatre Ensemble Closes May 19, 2008.
The Importance of Being Earnest: A revival of the classic comedy of manners by Oscar Wilde. Closes June 8, 2008.
The Interim: A new play by Julie Troost and Scott Troost about two people who find themselves at an open grave site, not quite sure how they got there. Closes June 1, 2008.
The Manhattan Monologue Slam: A monthly "slam" competition featuring actors doing monologues, with judges; hosted by the Galinsky Brothers.
The New Century: Lincoln Center Theater presents a program of four short new plays by Paul Rudnick that looks at where the new century might be heading. Closes June 8, 2008.
The Quantum Eye: A one-man show featuring Sam Eaton performing a variety of feats of mentalism and illusion.
The Set-Up: A new comedy written and directed by James Lindenberg about a very bad blind date. Closes May 22, 2008.
The Site: A new play by Al Schnupp about a scientist who is involved in unusual field studies. In previews; opens on May 22, 2008.
The Small of Her Back: A new play by Russell Leigh Sharman about a shut-in who spends lots of time in chat rooms, who is visited by someone who may not be who he claims. Presented by Jaradoa Theater at the 411 Theater. Closes May 19, 2008.
The Sound and the Fury (April Seventh, 1928): A new work by Elevator Repair Service, based on the novel by William Faulkner. Closes June 1, 2008.
The Wild, Wild Women of Wakky-Nunu!: A new comedy by Frank Cwiklik set in an island paradise inhabited by a tribe of beautiful Amazons. Closes June 3, 2008.
The Witlings: Magis Theatre Company presents a play by Frances Burney, which was written in 1779 but has not been seen on stage until now. Closes June 1, 2008.
Thurgood: A new play about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Closes August 3, 2008.
Tony n' Tina's Wedding: The long-running interactive comedy, featuring a wedding and dinner/reception. At Sofia's Restaurant on 46th Street.
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind: A program of 30 plays in 60 minutes, presented by the Neo-Futurists.
Top Girls: A revival of Caryl Churchill's play from the early '80s about an ambitious woman who has just been appointed the head of an employment agency. Presented by Manhattan Theatre Club. Closes June 29, 2008.
Two Rooms: A revival of Lee Blessing's play about hostage-taking in the Middle East, presented by Roust Theatre Company. Closes May 31, 2008.
Van Driver: A 1960s style happening exploring life-altering experiences and the bohemian counter-culture. Closes June 7, 2008.
Welcome Home, Marian Anderson: A play with music, written by Vanessa Shaw, about the life and work of singer Marian Anderson. Closes May 25, 2008.
William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of King Richard 3: Orb THEATREcompany presents a new production of the famous play. Closes May 25, 2008.
Women Who Steal: A comedy by Carter W. Lewis about love, marriage, adultery, and the strange friendships you pick up along the highway of life. Closes June 15, 2008.
