Nestled in Midtown Manhattan just a short walk from Grand Central, Urban Stages offers a refreshing haven for new theatrical voices. Founded in 1984 by Artistic Director Frances Hill, this intimate theater prioritizes developing original works and fostering community engagement through producing new plays and having youth workshops. They also work to address socioeconomic and geographic limitations that prevent people from engaging with the arts industry.
This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending their “Dynamic Duos” program at 7 p.m., a showcase of two-actor, one-act plays selected from a pool of 300 submissions. This is a part of their playwriting competition that opens calls for submissions for one-act plays featuring two characters.
Upon my arrival at 259 W 30th Street, the theater gave a welcoming, local charm. The crowd, a mix of all ages, spilled out the door on opening night, a testament to the program’s popularity. We were greeted by Frances Hill herself and a complimentary cup of wine, exciting us for the experience. Inside, we were shocked to find a small 50-seat theater with a lone square stage. The space created a sense of intimacy, allowing the actors to connect more with the audience.
Frances Hill greeted the audience, emphasizing the competitive selection process for the “Dynamic Duos” initiative. The program featured two contrasting plays: “The Audit” and “The American Dream.” Each play was about an hour long with a 10-minute intermission.
“The Audit,” written by Lynda Crawford, presented an intriguing clash between a struggling musician, Sam (played by Joel Ripka), and a practical government tax auditor, Edie (played by Disnie Sebastien). Locked together in Sam’s cluttered apartment, these two flawed individuals, each carrying emotional baggage, navigated their differences with humor and surprising vulnerability. Sam was seeking money for his dying pet, hoping to claim his kitchen as his office space for tax purposes. As a government worker, Edie was quick to identify his scheme, but he was unwilling to let this go easily. There was bickering, many phone calls and intense moments, but ultimately, they found common ground amidst their contrasting personalities.
“The American Dream,” written by Juan Ramirez Jr. and directed by Maria Mileaf, shifted the tone dramatically. Libe Barer, known for her roles in “Sneaky Pete” and “I See You,” delivered a moving performance as Corina, an immigrant seeking a route to the United States. Juan Ramirez Jr., who wrote the play, brought an intensity to the role of Efren, her reluctant smuggler. The minimalist set–a desk, chair and cardboard box–highlighted the stark reality of their situation. This powerful piece explored the complex and often disappointing pursuit of the American dream, highlighting the contrasting perspectives of those seeking it and those who have lost faith in it.
Though different in subject matter, both plays showcased the actors’ versatility. They were both so unique but spoke to different important moral and political dilemmas. “The American Dream” spoke to the struggle of immigration and the current political climate. “The Audit” talked about the struggle to make ends meet as a musician. The “Dynamic Duos” format effectively highlighted the nuances of character interaction and how relationships form. The evening was a testament to Urban Stages’ commitment to nurturing new voices and providing a platform for engaging, thought-provoking theater. It is a gem within the New York theater community.
For an affordable theatrical experience, I highly recommend checking out Urban Stages. Student tickets are available for just $15, making this an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking a new, unique theater experience. There are performances Wednesday through Monday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. for Dynamic Duos.
