Jay Patel Joins Theatre for the New City Production This November
Indian-American Actor Jay Patel Enters New York Theatre with ‘The Flowers of Forest Hills’
The play opens on 5 November at Theatre for the New City in Manhattan, bringing together New York actors and theatre artists under the direction of Patricia Magno.
Indian-American actor and film producer Jay Patel is entering New York’s theatre scene with The Flowers of Forest Hills, a stage production scheduled to run from 5 to 22 November 2026 at Theatre for the New City in Manhattan.
Presented under the banner of A Jay Patel Production, the play is written by Claude Solnik and directed by Patricia Magno. It marks Patel’s move into theatre production after years of working in Indian cinema.
Jay Patel has lived in New York for more than three decades. His decision to produce a play in the city adds another area of work to his career, which includes acting and film production in India.
The production also brings attention to New York’s independent theatre community, where smaller venues provide space for new plays and performers outside the large commercial productions of Broadway.
Theatre for the New City, located at 155 First Avenue in Manhattan, has been part of New York’s theatre community since 1971. Founded by Crystal Field and other theatre artists, the organisation has supported original plays, experimental performances and productions by emerging writers.
The theatre is known for giving writers and performers opportunities to present work that may struggle to find a place in larger commercial venues.
Crystal Field, the theatre’s Executive Director, is presenting The Flowers of Forest Hills.
The production team includes Cameron Reilly-Steele as Assistant Director, Marsh Shugart as Sound and Light Designer, and Reuben Speed as Set Designer.
Seven New York performers make up the cast: Gail Merzer Behrens, Mike Cesarano, Noah Frankenfield, Karen Freer, Jon Lonoff, Doriana Schoner and Carolyn Seiff.
Their involvement places the production within a local theatre community that continues to depend on smaller stages for original writing and live performances.
For audiences, such venues offer opportunities to watch plays at close range, where actors perform directly before viewers without the editing or repeated takes used in cinema.
The play is set after the Second World War and follows an Austrian family that moves to Forest Hills in Queens, New York.
Three generations of women, including a grandmother, mother and daughter, face the difficulties of settling in America. As they adjust to their new home, hidden family matters begin to emerge.
The story draws on playwright Claude Solnik’s family history. In an article published by Queens news outlet QNS in October 2026, Solnik described how his mother’s childhood in Forest Hills and memories of his grandparents influenced his writing.
The play’s treatment of migration gives it a subject that remains familiar to many New York families.
Jay Patel’s involvement includes financial and creative support for the production. He is also developing a working relationship with Solnik, with both men interested in producing further plays.
“Theatre is one of the most beautiful ways to bring people together — through stories, emotions and shared experiences,” Jay Patel says. “I am proud to support this production in New York and to be part of a creative community that continues to bring original work to audiences.”
He also hopes their association will continue beyond the current production.
“I really value the relationship we are building with Claude,” Jay Patel says. “This production is important to me, but I also see it as the beginning of something bigger. We share a passion for stories, artists and meaningful work, and I hope there will be many more productions we can bring to audiences together.”
Further productions have yet to be announced.
Before entering New York theatre, Jay Patel worked on Indian films including Bhuj: The Pride of India, Milan Talkies, Torbaaz and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
In Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, he played an Indian freedom movement figure, Shyamji Krishna Varma.
The film received national recognition in 2026 when Randeep Hooda, its director and lead actor, won the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
Indian-origin performers including Mindy Kaling, M. Night Shyamalan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kal Penn and Aziz Ansari have established careers in American entertainment. Jay Patel’s work now extends to the smaller independent theatre sector.
“I believe stories can travel far beyond where they begin,” Jay Patel says. “New York is one of the greatest cultural cities in the world, and I want to be part of creating work here that can connect with audiences anywhere.”
The Flowers of Forest Hills will run in the Cabaret Theatre at Theatre for the New City from 5 to 22 November 2026.
Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, with Sunday shows at 3 pm.
The running time is one hour and 40 minutes. General admission tickets cost $20, while students and senior citizens can attend for $15.
The production brings Solnik’s family history to the stage while giving Patel his latest role behind a New York theatre production. Its November run will introduce audiences to a story about an immigrant family’s efforts to build a life in post-war America.