Three Short Plays by edward allen baker
Written by Edward Allan Baker; Directed by Ed Bianchi
AMT Theater | 354 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
August 31 - October 19
I spent August working out of the city and missing most of the summer theatre that happens in NYC. Thankfully, I returned just in time to catch an open dress for Three Short Plays by Edward Allan Baker. If you are unfamiliar with this master’s work, then you are in for a treat. Baker provides the meat an actor loves to sink their teeth into. The richness of the characters and writing is matched only by O’Neill’s most personal plays and specificity to the working class of Providence, RI harkens Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle. If you were already a fan of Baker’s, then this production will not disappoint.
I will admit, I didn’t have high hopes. I arrived to the theatre just before curtain, to find the house not open. Late starts are a good indication that something isn’t ready. As I entered, there was still some hustle and bustle happening on stage, and some calls up to the booth. But shortly afterwards, the lights changed, and the woman who had been coordinating with the booth was very much in the world of the play. And once they began . . . there was no stopping them. Rosemary with Ginger starts the night in a closed diner with two intense performances. Two sisters both on the verge of separate crises, face off in a tense 30-min play. It was positively riveting. Suzanne Di Donna absolutely did not have time for her sister’s drama today. Her performance is nuanced, layered and an absolute masterclass that is synonymous with members of the Actors Studio. At the end of the evening, I learned that her sister, who should have been played by Kirsten Russell who was unfortunately out sick, was a last minute addition. This actress had been working on the play in her acting class, and got a call that morning saying, “We need you to go on!” And so a star was born! I do not know her name, but will as soon as this hits the web! [Update: Julia Burnier]
Next comes Dolores! Again, sisters on the verge even if one didn’t wake up this morning thinking her life was going to take a turn. Ava Bodnar is just trying to keep her life in order, while Mira Skye Sorbara Korngold (Dolores) is in a constant, unending state of falling apart. Both turn in delicate, anxious performances. Last on the slate is Face Divided, the only on the scripts I was not familiar with. A young woman (Sadie Bones) sits in a hospital room waiting for news on her daughter’s condition. As the father (Lucas Wilson) arrives, we start to wonder if this accident was no accident. You will be left with your heart breaking for all.
Perhaps later performances will have some technical polish, but that will just be a cherry on an already delicious cake. There is no better acting anywhere in New York City on Broadway or off. Prepare to have your heart broken, but your soul enriched.
Click HERE for tickets.
Circle Festival operates on a simple principle: a room, an audience, and the courage to make something real. The 2025 lineup showcases both emerging voices and established artists, many presenting new works-in-progress for the first time.
Review by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on September 2, 2025. All rights reserved.