Published on October 30, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
From the left, Helene Montanga, Eric Weil, Mike Veasey, Fay Corinotis, Becky Braswell, and William Montgomerie
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre announces six one-act plays and the creative team for “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2026,” to be presented Nov. 14 through Nov. 22 at New Dorp Moravian Theatre’s Parish House.
This marks Sundog Theatre’s 25th production of six new and original short plays about everyone’s favorite boats.
The company received 81 submissions of new plays from writers around the world. This year, playwrights were asked to embody the theme “Anniversary.”
Sundog Theatre’s “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2026″ winning playwrights are:
“Ask Me Tomorrow” by Helene Montanga
Montanga has been involved in Staten Island theater for more than 40 years. Her most recent work, “The Elevator Game,” was a part of the Women’s Playwright Collective in 2024.
Directed by Craig Stoebling, the play features Sidney Cotto and William Soued.
“Five Years to Fifty” by Eric Weil
Weil is a retired English professor who lives in Raleigh, N.C. His plays have been produced in several states, including North Carolina.
Directed by Larry Marshall, his play features Dominic Raymond and Abby Vicens.
“The Deadline” by Mike Veasey
Veasey has written plays produced by Sundog Theatre, Chain Theatre, and Manhattan Repertory.
This will be Veasey’s fifth time having a play in “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry.”
Directed by Catherine Lamm, the play features Igor Reyes and Shea Ryan.
“Our 25th – Hack’d!” by Fay Corinotis
A native Staten Islander, Cortinotis’ works have been performed publicly as staged readings and full productions in and around New York City, New Jersey, and Boston areas, including several by Sundog Theatre.
Directed by Ken Tirado, the play features Abigail McBride and Jessi Tinley.
“Remembering Francis” by Becky Braswell
Born and based in Oklahoma, Braswell is a teacher and an active part of her school’s theatre community.
She has been a board member of Oklahoma Thespians for 11 years. Braswell has always been a writer and enjoys letting creativity shine through theater.
Directed by Beth Gorrie, her play features James Cunningham and Madelynn Dabbs.
“Reserved” by William L. Walker Montgomerie
Born and raised in Texas, Montgomerie was inspired by his grandfather to create compelling and relatable plays about family and personal relationships.
Directed by Joy Kelly Smith, the play features Isabelle Garbani and Dave Polgar.
Co-producers are Susan Fenley and Melissa Holland. Stephen Fehr is technical director and Emma Ferguson is production stage manager.
“The process of creating the ferry plays has evolved over the years,” says Susan Fenley, Sundog’s executive director. “In the beginning, playwrights spent Friday evening making four round trips on the ferry, writing plays for two or three pre-auditioned actors whose headshots and resumes they had received in advance. Today, we solicit plays nationally, receiving submissions from across the United States and sometimes around the world. Apparently, our ferry is iconic far beyond Staten Island.”
Performances of “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2026″ are set for Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 and Nov. 20 and Nov. 22, with Friday/Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances at 3 p.m. at New Dorp Moravian Theatre at the Parish House, 2205 Richmond Rd.
Tickets are on sale now and are priced at $25 for students and seniors and $30 general admission.
To purchase, visit www.sundogtheatre.org or pay cash at the door.
