Published on November 13, 2025 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
Sundog Theatre will stage 24th edition of‘Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry’ Nov. 15 to 23
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre is spreading the word about its seven one-act plays and the creative team for “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2025,” to be presented from Saturday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 23 in New Dorp Moravian Theatre at the Parish House. The production is Sundog Theatre’s 24th annual presentation of seven new and original short plays about everyone’s favorite boats. The company received 99 submissions of new plays from writers throughout the world. And this time around, playwrights were asked to bring alive the theme “It’s About Time.” New this year are pre-show and intermission acts, including musician Steve Thomas on Nov. 16, comedian Tracey Rosenberg on Nov. 22, comedian Danielle Hernandez on Nov. 23 and Sanchie Bobrow, and The Mighty Strings Demons on Nov. 23.
She was playwright-in-residency for Curtain Players Theatre New Works Initiative and had a winning play in AACT’s NewPlayFest 2026.
Directed by Catherine Lamm, it features Eduardo Ramirez and Elizabeth Kenney.
“I Need More Time” by Jaclyn A. Lurker, a Staten Islander who has had plays produced here and in Manhattan, also has hosted mystery events and lectured on the “Queen of Crime,” Agatha Christie. She also has a blog this year dubbed “The Year of Sherlock.”
“See You in a Minute” by Staten Islander Courtney Emerson, a writer whose latest play, a Y2K adaptation of “The Importance of Being Earnest” was produced by the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre. Her first short film, “In an Instant” is scheduled for release this fall.
Directed by Timmy Gage, the play features Connor Burke, also of Staten Island, and Ye Ji Shin.
“Teddy Better Be Late” by Island local Matthew Gilleece, who has 20 plus years of experience as a broadcast traffic manager and talent payment manager working with top agencies.
His work has been produced in New York City, including past ferry plays. Directed by Courtney Emerson, the play features Abbey Vicens and Matthew Gilleece.
“The Captain’s Watch” by Rishi Chowdhary, born in Kenya and based in North Carolina.
Rishi’s plays often explore nostalgia, humor, and personal history. His play “Eight One Eight Two” was a finalist in the Samuel French OOB Short Play Festival.
Directed by Beth Gorrie, the play features Jai Sada and Gregory McGovern.
“The Last Shine” by Brian S. Brijbag, based in Florida and whose work explores human connection through absurdist wit. He also is the author of two nonfiction books and founder of the Brijbag Family Foundation, supporting inclusion and justice.
Directed by Joy Kelly Smith, it features Frank Ninivaggi and Evan Schmidlin.
“Where’d the Time Go?” by local writer and filmmaker Louis Affortunato, who has penned and directed several short films and one feature.
He has written for Ghostlight Players and created “Lost Connection,” a 2024 ferry play.
Directed by Ken Tirado, his play features Matthew Abatemarco and Isabelle Garbani.
“We are excited to be able to present seven – instead of six – plays this year,” says Fenley, Sundog’s executive director. “As an addition, Sundog Theatre is bringing on board special performances by artists that range from musicians to comedians before the show or at intermission. And, as always, there is ‘Food from the Staten Island Ferry’. We really have something for everyone.”
