Taking place in Manhattan during the 1980’s, Marty’s Back in Town reflects on an immigrant family’s experience as they seize opportunities in pursuit of the “American Dream”. It is a comedic-drama about the ups and downs of a dysfunctional family and their relationships with each other and with the “black sheep” who is coming home after 10 years. It is relatable to all ethnicities.
TRAILER
PERFORMANCE - Boca Raton
THE PLAYWRIGHT'S THOUGHTS
PLAY DETAILS
Drama: 90-120 minutes
Ronald — 45-year-old lawyer
Joan — 42-year-old wife of Ronald
Daniel — 19-year-old son of Ronald and Joan
Mama — 67-year-old woman, mother of Marty, Ronald and Susan
Susan — 44-year-old sister of Marty and Ronald and daughter of Mama
Samuel — Father of Marty, Susan and Ronald, and former husband of Mama
Lex — 17-year-old daughter of Ronald and Joan
Marty — Older brother of Ronald and Susan, son of Mama & Samuel
Chris — Marty’s wife (English-Welsh)
Set: Living/dining room in a NY apartment, misc. props
PROCUCTIONS
Boca Raton
Philadelphia
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
“Playwright Norman Shabel has plumbed the depths of his soul to tell the story of a Jewish family living in Brownsville, a section of Brooklyn, NY…this is a family drama, crammed with portraits of his remarkable mother and a piercing look into sibling rivalries “ – The Jewish Community Voice, Philadelphia, PA
“Shabel’s extensive use of dialogue around the family table and living room, manages to keep the audience riveted as they are drawn into this dysfunctional family’s drama.” – Lisa Panzer
“Dysfunctional at its best. Jewish, Irish, Italian…we all see ourselves in it!”
“It was a really good play – well acted. This play touches on various aspects of every dysfunctional family out there.”
“Well written dialogue that keeps the play moving.”
“Bravo!”
“This play is very funny. Loved the smart alec lines. Enjoyed the relationships between the characters, The emotion through each scene was very real.”
AUDIENCE TESTIMONIALS
“Dysfunctional at its best. Jewish, Irish, Italian…we all see ourselves in it!”
“It was a really good play – well acted. This play touches on various aspects of every dysfunctional family out there.”
“Well written dialogue that keeps the play moving.”
“Bravo!”
“This play is very funny. Loved the smart alec lines. Enjoyed the relationships between the characters, The emotion through each scene was very real.”