Morningside Theater Co. continues its commitment to developing bold new work with the next installment of its Monthly New Play Reading series—an intimate staged reading of When the Bird Is Done, a new play by Michael Fishman.
Taking place on Sunday, January 11 at 5:00 PM, the reading will be held at 100 La Salle Street, New York, NY 10027, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with a new script in its formative stage .
Set in a walk-up apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side during Thanksgiving in the present day, When the Bird Is Done centers on a family gathering that unravels beneath the weight of a long-buried truth. As bourbon is poured and the turkey is carved, humor and warmth give way to regret, confrontation, and emotional reckoning.
The play is described as “bourbon and turkey with a side of regret”—a sharply observed, human story about what happens when families are finally forced to say the things they’ve avoided for years .
The staged reading is directed by Susanna Frazer, bringing her sensitive, actor-focused approach to this ensemble piece. The cast includes:
Mark Hofmaier as Frank
Danielle Johnson as Emily
Bridget Leicester as Ann
Eli Mazursky as Max
James Nash as Adam
Donna Welby as Martha
Morningside Theater Co.’s reading series is built on the belief that audience feedback is indispensable to playwrights. By hearing the play aloud with a live audience, writers gain insight that simply can’t be achieved on the page alone.
Audience members are encouraged to stay, listen, and respond—making each reading a collaborative step in the play’s evolution. As always, admission is free, and refreshments (drinks and snacks) will be provided .
If you’re passionate about new theater, contemporary storytelling, or simply want to experience a compelling family drama in an intimate setting, this reading promises a meaningful and engaging evening.
For more information about upcoming readings and productions, visit morningsideplayers.org and follow Morningside Theater Co. as they continue championing new voices on the New York stage.
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