Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival

 One Act Festival 2025
Chain Theatre
February 12, 2025 

Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Chain Theatre’s One Act Festival is running through March 2.  This is a bi-annual festival that showcases a variety of playwrights, director, and actors, eager to share their work.  This winter’s festival contains twenty-five programs, which include ninety-six plays, each running for three to five dates, with selected live stream broadcasts.  It is a phenomenal festival involving a diverse group of artists.  Here are a few highlights:

Program #1  (remaining performances Feb. 21, 8:30; Feb. 23, 5:00; March 1, 8:00)

The Robot, the Spy and the Love of A.I. by John Arthur Long, directed by Kirk Gostkowski         

Trevor (played by Gabriel Rysdahl) is a spy, working to smuggle top secret information through an A.I. robot dog named Robie (voiced by David Rey and operated by Dariel Garcia).  Melanie (played by Monica Park) is studying Robie’s progress, but is unaware of Trevor’s secret operation.  Now that the project is complete, Melanie is dispensable, except that Robie has grown attached to her and has other priorities.  Mr. Rysdahl and Ms. Park have most of their dialogue with Robie.  They effortlessly make these scenes work, allowing the cautionary message to be clearly heard. 

Brothers written & directed by Lyle Kessler                                                                       

Christopher Cortez Adams and Connor Chase Stewart both deliver powerful performances as brothers, struggling for survival in a college dorm.  The situation is volatile, yet their trust and belief in one another is reassuring.  Kyle Kessler has skillfully crafted a potent piece of theatre. 

By the Look of Her by David Rabe, directed by Kirk Gostkowski                             

When Clara (played by Sachi Parker) slips into a diabetic coma, her daughter, Lorna (played by Christina Elise Perry) thinks the end is near.  She contacts her husband, Jim (played by Justin Andrew Davis), and her brother, Hank (played by Brandon Hughes), who get to the hospital as soon as they can, only to find Clara alert and enraged.  Director Kirk Gostkowski eases this cast into the rhythm of David Rabe’s writing to connect the actors on their journey of this weighty story.  Christina Perry draws the audience in by delivering a compelling portrayal of Lorna.  Sachi Parker’s explosive energy as Clara is confrontational and intimidating. 

Program #3  (remaining performance Feb. 22, 2:00) 

Eulogy written & directed by Gus Kaikkonen                             

This solo piece is a touching and poignant eulogy Gus delivers at the funeral of his father.  Mr. Kaikkonen recollects the tender moments of their relationship.  It is personal and moving. 

YOLO by Raven Petretti-Stamper, directed by Allen MacLeod       

Ralph (played by Mitch Greenberg) meets Judith (played by Susan Neuffer) on the platform of the E train at 4:00 AM.  This chance meeting changes the trajectory of their lives.  Mr. Greenberg and Ms. Neuffer have an genuine connection, creating a tender atmosphere of trust and adventure. 

Mr. Daniels by Jonathan Green, directed by Josh Kellman           

Mr. Daniels (played by Brad Fryman) is visited by a stranger (played by Orlando Segarra), who is there for a very specific reason.  The contrast in these two characters build the mystery and suspense of the piece.  It is exceptionally written, directed, and performed. 

Poke Along the Ohio by Colleen Cosgrove, directed by Mary Linehan             

Addie (played by Colleen Cosgrove) is upset when she overhears something her grandson, Horace (played by Daniel Antonino) said to their pastor at the conclusion of Sunday service.  To distract herself, she reminisces about all the well-known historic figures who sailed down the river, passing by their small Indiana town.  Ms. Cosgrove and Mr. Antonino have an excellent rapport and develop a truthful relationship.  Director Mary Linehan illuminates the natural rhythms in Ms. Cosgrove’s dialogue to evoke the time period and create a rural atmosphere. 

The Barbecue written & directed by John Avino          

This beautifully crafted play tells the touching and heartbreaking story of how following though on the final wishes of a family member suffering with dementia affects his loved ones.  Gary Dooley, Kiran Merchant, Julia Pasiorowska, and Gilly Caulo all deliver moving performances.  Their characters are distinctly driven by their personal need, as they struggle to release their individual expectation. 

Don’t miss out on the best one act festival in NYC.  Check Chain Theatre’s website for the full list of programs, dates, and times.  All tickets are $23 in advance and $26 at the door.  

Domenick Danza