December 8-9, 2023
December 8-9, 2023
Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Written by Patrick Gabridge
Mom and Dad have never quite gotten around to telling their 30-year-old son, Jeffrey, the truth about Santa Claus. This Christmas, they finally spill the beans about some family secrets including the big one.
The Even-Littler Match Girl
Written by Edward Bloor
An older window dresser - no fan of the December holidays - has a run-in with a young department store worker who adores the Christmas season.
The Noir Before Christmas
Written by John Minigan
On Christmas Eve, Mary Claus brings a missing persons case to private detective Jack Frost. Who’s missing? The Fat Man himself! Can Jack find Santa and save Christmas? Will his ex-lover Rudee learn to lay off the peppermint schnapps before her nose goes permanently red?
A Christmas Presence
Written by Felix Racelis
A veteran actor auditions for "A Christmas Carol" and reads for an up-and-coming director, but things don't go exactly as planned.
Yes, Santa Claus, There is a Virginia
Written by Bill Brohaugh and Lisa Holt
In 1897, Santa himself guides the editorial writer of The New York Sun as he writes the classic “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”
SANTA DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
THE EVEN-LITTLER MATCH GIRL
THE NOIR BEFORE CHRISTMAS
A CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
YES, SANTA CLAUS, THERE IS A VIRGINIA
“Oh, what joy. Bravo! The writing - so very clever. The acting - top notch. The production - perfection. Each play was wonderful, merry, and bright. Tonight, I’ll go to sleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. Thank you!! ”
“I found it interesting that a few of the plays touched on aging creatives. Very relatable. ”
“Great selection of plays tonight. Thanks for the holiday cheer.”
“Thank you, George D., for extending our love and appreciation for Jan & Mary Ann. PZ is quite the wonderful ensemble led by these two amazing women and incredible tech staff. ”
“Wonderful entertainment tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Congratulations to all who make PlayZoomers such a tremendous vehicle for creativity and a showcase for so much talent! I’ll be back!! ”
“Really enjoyed all the plays! Congratulations to the writers, directors, actors, & all those behind the scenes bringing it together! I think we all need some of that childhood innocence. Bravo! ”
“How lucky to find two, terrific Santas (Steve Allison and Don Converse) with full, white beards and a ring-ting-tingling HO HO HO! ”
Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Written by Patrick Gabridge
Directed by Morris Schorr
With George Dougherty, Mary Carroll Dougherty, Sean Dube
Mom and Dad have never quite gotten around to telling their 30-year-old son, Jeffrey, the truth about Santa Claus. This Christmas, they finally spill the beans about some family secrets including the big one.
“Wonderful acting by Mom (Mary Carroll Dougherty), Dad (George Dougherty), and Jeffrey (Sean Dube)! Is 30 really too old to still believe in Santa?”
“Poignant contrast between sweet dishonesty and not-so-sweet.”
The Even-Littler Match Girl
Written by Edward Bloor
Directed by Rhonda Goldstein
With Morris Schorr, Jade Williams
An older window dresser - no fan of the December holidays - has a run-in with a young department store worker who adores the Christmas season.
“What a great contrast between the aging curmudgeon and the sweet young thing from H.R.! ”
“Loved the backgrounds, especially the montage of NYC holiday windows! ”
The Noir Before Christmas
Written by John Minigan
Directed by Joshua Secunda
With Jamie Zemarel, Lisa Graham Parson, Jeanne Louise, Don Converse
On Christmas Eve, Mary Claus brings a missing persons case to private detective Jack Frost. Who’s missing? The Fat Man himself! Can Jack find Santa and save Christmas? Will his ex-lover Rudee learn to lay off the peppermint schnapps before her nose goes permanently red?
“Lovely noir piece! ”
“I really felt the noir-ishness! ”
“Loved the hilarious takes on Christmas tropes, such as “North Pole dancing.” ”
“Wonderful acting, all! Jamie Zemarel as Jack Frost, Lisa Grahm Parson as Mary Claus, Don Converse as The Fat Man, and Jeanne Louise as Rudee. Superb ensemble. ”
A Christmas Presence
Written by Felix Racelis
Directed by Kristina Lloyd
With Kate Sargeant, Jim Gerlich
A veteran actor auditions for "A Christmas Carol" and reads for an up-and-coming director, but things don't go exactly as planned.
“This cast was hilarious! ”
“Loved “la-la-la-la-la”! (Should it have been fa-la-la-la-la?)”
“Great to have bits of “A Christmas Carol” without the whole thing. ”
Yes, Santa Claus, There is a Virginia
Written by Bill Brohaugh and Lisa Holt
Directed by Gary Giurbino
With MaKenna Spencer, Adam Triplett, Steve Allison, Rachel Hoover
In 1897, Santa himself guides the editorial writer of The New York Sun as he writes the classic “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”
“Such a clever take on the classic story! ”
“How lovely to have a young person as an onstage character in this delightful, upbeat, humorous play. ”
“Loved the period costumes and the Christmas cookies!”
September 29-30, 2023
September 29-30, 2023
Pre-War
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
In her New York City apartment building, Elena -- traumatized by a recent loss and struggling with agoraphobia -- encounters Clara, her older, Czechoslovakian neighbor. During a heartfelt conversation, the two women discover they have more in common than they realize.
Winner of Seven Gold Medals
Written by Ken Green
While performing a mundane household task, a mother and grown son discover some long-forgotten mementos. These act as a catalyst for them to revisit the unexamined past and come to grips with both the present and the future.
Grandma and her Bar Mitzvah Boy
Written by Ernie Joselovitz
Alan is struggling in school and studying for his Bar Mitzvah when his maternal grandmother comes to live with his family for a year. Much later, he looks back upon this time with gratitude for his Grandma’s profound influence on his life.
PRE-WAR
WINNER OF SEVEN GOLD MEDALS
GRANDMA & HER BAR MITZVAH BOY
“Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. What a wonderful evening of theatre! Three marvelous plays highlighting relationships between generations in such insightful and unique ways. What a pleasure to see these very real people—non-stereotypical characters—interact. How well the voices of each generation are written and portrayed. Bravo to the entire PlayZoomers team. ”
“These are all very effective human plays with a theme of older women trying to provide guidance to younger people, with the inevitable frustration. Very well done and the technical features really added to all three productions. ”
Pre-War
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Directed by Mary Ann Nichols Hubbard
With Veronika Pomyateeva, Nancy Dydak
In her New York City apartment building, Elena -- traumatized by a recent loss and struggling with agoraphobia -- encounters Clara, her older, Czechoslovakian neighbor. During a heartfelt conversation, the two women discover they have more in common than they realize.
“Nancy Dydak and Veronika Pomyateeva beautifully executed Jennifer O’Grady’s concise but poignant dialogue — a wonderful example of how less is more. Kudos to you all, and to your very insightful director, Mary Ann Nichols Hubbard. ”
“Kudos to the technical and artistic teams. ”
Winner of Seven Gold Medals
Written by Ken Green
Directed by Guy Kapulnik
With Christian Arden, Kim S. Monti
While performing a mundane household task, a mother and grown son discover some long-forgotten mementos. These act as a catalyst for them to revisit the unexamined past and come to grips with both the present and the future.
“It is a lovely story heartwarming, and I love the connection to the culture that feels so real. ”
“Christian Arden played Phillip with naturalness and joy that just felt right. Kim S. Monti was suitably clueless and loving as the mom. Skillfully directed by Guy Kapulnik! ”
Grandma and her Bar Mitzvah Boy
Written by Ernie Joselovitz
Directed by Scott Sedar
With LB Zimmerman, Ethan Mathias, Brad Van Grack
Alan is struggling in school and studying for his Bar Mitzvah when his maternal grandmother comes to live with his family for a year. Much later, he looks back upon this time with gratitude for his Grandma’s profound influence on his life.
“This was a poignant “memory” play by Ernie Joselovitz. The three actors – Brad Van Grack, LB Zimmerman, and Ethan Mathias – brought to life the characters of older Alan, younger Alan, and Grandma. ”
“Congratulations to all of you. Great plays, acting, and wonderful productions. PlayZoomers is such a gift to all of us. ”
“Wonderful work, everyone - strong acting, directing, and writing! Thank you! ”
June 16-17, 2023
June 16-17, 2023
Can You Hear Me Now?
Written by Morey Norkin
Bell and Watson invent a way to revolutionize communication. If only they can find enough string.
The Audition
Written by Steven Otfinoski
A theater director thinks he’s seen everything when an actor auditions for him whose crowning role is the title character in “Waiting for Godot.”
The Sirius Interview
Written by Barbara Alfaro
Tad Sirius, an international dog superstar, is interviewed on a major television network.
The Waiting Room
Written by Steven A. Shapiro
Peter and Wesley, two people brought together with the aspiration of returning to a measure of normality, unearth that which is messy, heartbreaking, and undeniably painful. Did we mention this is a comedy?
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
THE AUDITION
THE SIRIUS INTERVIEW
THE WAITING ROOM
Can You Hear Me Now?
Written by Morey Norkin
Directed by Patti Allis Mengers
With Mike Cohen, Norm Thibeault
Bell and Watson invent a way to revolutionize communication. If only they can find enough string.
“
Very fun to watch and so well acted with the interaction just flowing between Watson and Bell!!”
“Hilarious! Applause, applause!! ”
“Funny and touching! ”
The Audition
Written by Steven Otfinoski
Directed by Joshua Secunda
With Devin May, Gary Giurbino, Mary Ann Nichols Hubbard
A theater director thinks he’s seen everything when an actor auditions for him whose crowning role is the title character in “Waiting for Godot.”
“The idea of an offstage actor is priceless and Gary Giurbino carried it off superbly!”
“By the end, I was starting to believe in offstage actors! ”
“I laughed out loud! (Possibly my neighbors could hear me!) ”
The Sirius Interview
Written by Barbara Alfaro
Directed by Morris Schorr
With Anthony Backman, Shelby Janes, Ian Nemser
Tad Sirius, an international dog superstar, is interviewed on a major television network.
“Hilarious! ”
“So clever and well done! Arf!!”
“Puns were flying!”
The Waiting Room
Written by Steven A. Shapiro
Directed by Bari Biern
With Kevin Corbett, Jenny Corbett
Peter and Wesley, two people brought together with the aspiration of returning to a measure of normality, unearth that which is messy, heartbreaking, and undeniably painful. Did we mention this is a comedy?
“
I loved the twist at the end and really got sucked into the storyline! The actors were riveting and poised, and the writing was outstanding. Enjoyed that performance immensely! ”
“
I was really struck by how funny and outrageous it begins, then becomes so rich and poignant. Bravo!”
““The Waiting Room” was clever, witty, and moving. The acting couple were wonderful together. ”
May 5-7 2023
May 5-7 2023
HUNKER DOWN
Written by Robert F. Benjamin
A spunky older woman clashes and banters with a crusty, whimsical curmudgeon. They experience isolation in May 2020 and then a year later, grapple with their changed reality and the need for engagement. Can social distancing spawn an unlikely, lasting friendship? Or more?
Hunker down
HUNKER DOWN
Written by Robert F. Benjamin
Directed by Duchess Dale
With Howard Raik, Carolyn Wickwire
A spunky older woman clashes and banters with a crusty, whimsical curmudgeon. They experience isolation in May 2020 and then a year later, grapple with their changed reality and the need for engagement. Can social distancing spawn an unlikely, lasting friendship? Or more?
“
I LOVED it!! It was like a tennis match. The acting was SUPERB, and the writing is 5 stars. Funny and tender, I loved how the characters change. The ending is beautiful. ”
“What a wonderful production! The story is so true to what so many of us experienced during the core of the pandemic. The writing, direction, and acting were all superb! As an older actor, I appreciate the careful attention to the needs and wishes of older people and the dedicated effort it takes to create and produce this lovely production. Congratulations to all!! ”
“Congratulations to everyone—the playwright, director, actors, producers—for a terrific performance. It was very sweet and filled with much truth and wisdom. And a special congrats to PlayZoomers on your third anniversary. ”
March 24-25, 2023
March 24-25, 2023
OSCAR & WALT
Written by Donald Steven Olson
On his first American lecture tour in 1882, Irish poet & playwright Oscar Wilde, calls on his literary hero, the venerable poet Walt Whitman. Cultures clash, egos flare, words fly and secrets emerge as these two geniuses face off in one unforgettable meeting of hearts, minds, and poetry.
oscar & walt
OSCAR & WALT
Written by Donald Steven Olson
Directed by Ansley Valentine
With Steve Scott, Devin May and Greta Lind
On his first American lecture tour in 1882, Irish poet & playwright Oscar Wilde, calls on his literary hero, the venerable poet Walt Whitman. Cultures clash, egos flare, words fly and secrets emerge as these two geniuses face off in one unforgettable meeting of hearts, minds, and poetry.
“Stunning and remarkable in every way! ”
“I loved the humor and bon mots! ”
“I’m so impressed with the production – the writing, acting, and directing! ”
“To quote Col. Pickering, it was a triumph! Great story, dialogue, acting, set dressing, etc. Truly, a home run. ”
“WOW! We really enjoyed the play — from the story to the acting to the direction and set. ”
“Fabulous play & performance!!!! Loved the comment that it was like old-time TV of live plays. ”
“I loved every minute as did my friends. ”
February 10-11, 2023
February 10-11, 2023
Speed Dating
Written by Curt Strickland
A widow and a widower – each deeply affected by loss – reluctantly attend a dating meet-up in a hotel conference room. Their back-and-forth banter leads somewhere different than they expected.
One Night Stan
Written by Adam Szudrich
Three women recount their dates with Stan in a rat-a-tat barrage of lust, self-doubt, and questionable dance moves. A comedy about seeing the same things through very different eyes.
Expectations
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Novelist Charles Dickens and his wife Kate Dickens speak about the legal separation he initiated after 22 years of marriage and nine children—narratives that differ substantially from each other. A play about power and women's lives.
The Pickup
Written by Donald Loftus
He sees her and gives her the eye. She sees him and flirts back. And then, just when it appears something is going to happen, the cell phone rings.
SPEED DATING
ONE NIGHT STAN
EXPECTATIONS
THE PICKUP
Speed Dating
Written by Curt Strickland
Directed by Jan Carpman
With Jamie Zemarel, LB Zimmerman
A widow and a widower – each deeply affected by loss – reluctantly attend a dating meet-up in a hotel conference room. Their back-and-forth banter leads somewhere different than they expected.
“A perfect combination of writing, directing, and acting. The initial funny dialogue was delivered seriously, which made it work so well! It was a real conversation, not dueling monologues. The “reveal” of their actual histories rang true and made me happy that these two characters whom I had grown to care about would get together. ”
“Kudos to Ms. Zimmerman and Mr. Zemarel for their dry delivery!”
“I loved “Speed Dating”! It made me laugh out loud! I was really happy with the unexpected switch at the end. Bravo!”
“My wife and I loved this “wit-matching” contest of two delightful characters. Fabulous directing!”
One Night Stan
Written by Adam Szudrich
Directed by Duchess Dale
With Kristin Naomi Garcia, Kim S. Monti, Mira Singer
Three women recount their dates with Stan in a rat-a-tat barrage of lust, self-doubt, and questionable dance moves. A comedy about seeing the same things through very different eyes.
“The pacing was accomplished really well! ”
“Really enjoyed “One Night Stan” showing how one event can be experienced so differently.”
“Charming and funny! ”
Expectations
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Directed by Marc Verzatt
With Don Converse, Nancy Dydak
Novelist Charles Dickens and his wife Kate Dickens speak about the legal separation he initiated after 22 years of marriage and nine children—narratives that differ substantially from each other. A play about power and women's lives.
““Expectations” was both poignant and enlightening — bravo to the actors, director, and playwright. ”
“I was moved by Charles and Kate Dickens. ”
“The characters came off as believable personalities! ”
The Pickup
Written by Donald Loftus
Directed by Morris Schorr
With Patricia Mizen, Anthony Backman, April Lipscott
He sees her and gives her the eye. She sees him and flirts back. And then, just when it appears something is going to happen, the cell phone rings.
“Loved “The Pickup”. Excellent script and fantastic acting. ”
““The Pickup” theme is so necessary in these times. ”
“The ending surprised (and delighted) me! ”
