About the Play:

New York Stories is a collection of five one-act plays by Jason Milligan. A selection of quirky, comic plays reflecting life in New York City and featuring a cast of characters that could only live in that metropolis. Zany, funny and even a little bit sad, the short plays range from wacky comedy to romance to drama. The plays can be played independently or as a complete evening under the collective title New York Stories.

The Best Warm Beer in Brooklyn is a wild farce is about two old friends, Joey and Eddie, who are reunited late one night in Joey's bar. Eddie tells Joey about the bizarre, horrible things he's subjected himself to so that he might suffer enough to create a masterpiece novel. Stoic Joey reveals that inside he's the one who is really suffering. To help each other, they form an insane plan to "kill two birds with one rock." (First performed in 1986 at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York City; Cast: 3 male)

John's Ring has three women fighting over the ring given to them by John Lennon. In the 1970's when John Lennon lived in New York City, three young women who worship the Beatles stumbled into the event of a lifetime: after seeing John on the street and professing their admiration, he gave them his ring! Who gets to keep it? A knockdown, drag out fight ensues and the winner takes all after a wacky duel of wits. (First performed in 1985 at the Sanford Meisner Theatre in New York City; Cast: 3 female)

Next Tuesday is a duologue between a prisoner and a church visitor. On five Tuesday afternoons during the spring of 1955, a young mobster in prison is visited and counselled by a young church volunteer. Mickey is less than enthused at first. As time passes, these two fight, make up, laugh, learn, change ... and fall in love. (First performed in 1988 at the Sanford Meisner Theatre in New York City; Cast: 1 female, 1 male)

Nights in Hohokus is a funny and poignant look at what happens to a friendship when half of it grows up and moves on. Manny and Lenny are wild and crazy guys who spend their time in a bar in Hohokus, New Jersey, complaining. Lenny wakes up one day and realizes he's got to do something with his life. He gets a job as an Astroturf groomer at Giants Stadium, much to the dismay of Manny who claims he can't work because he has a metal sliver in his hand. (First performed in 1987 at the Riverwest Theatre; Cast: 2 male)

In Shoes Jim struggles to run a failing diner in a bad neighbourhood. His brother drops by once a week to give him a hard time. On one such visit, they come face to face with a strange shoeless visitor who can barely speak English. Is he a bum? A homeless man? Is he lost? Was he mugged? A searing conflict over how to help the mysterious visitor brings the brothers together on a touching, personal level and they realize just how important family is. (First performed in 1984 at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville; Cast: 3 male)

Each of the plays in New York Stories originally premiered as part of an evening of one-acts on New York stages. Shoes was originally presented in 1984 at Actors Theatre of Louisville. These plays have been performed in regional, fringe, middle school, high school, college, and community theatre productions.

About the Playwright:

Jason Milligan is the award-winning author of plays and original audition material. His many stage plays have been performed in numerous productions across the United States, as well as in Canada and Europe.