For the Benefit of Jimmy Mangiaroli

by Michael C. O'Day

[ONE ACT] An angry young man riding the Staten Island Ferry receives a video call from his mother, terrified that he's been roped into some sort of criminal activity. And indeed, the drug-dealing, sordid local legend Jimmy Mangiaroli has asked him to run a special errand. It may not be illegal, but with New York in the grip of the covid pandemic it might be even more dangerous.

[ONE ACT] An angry young man riding the Staten Island Ferry receives a video call from his mother, terrified that he's been roped into some sort of criminal activity. And indeed, the drug-dealing, sordid local legend Jimmy Mangiaroli has asked him to run a special errand. It may not be illegal, but with New York in the grip of the covid pandemic it might be even more dangerous.

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For the Benefit of Jimmy Mangiaroli

Recommended by

  • Samantha Marchant: For the Benefit of Jimmy Mangiaroli by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    A fascinating character study. I feel like I really got to know Billy (and his mom and Jimmy) during these 20-some pages. A snippet of a moment in an American life and in time.

    A fascinating character study. I feel like I really got to know Billy (and his mom and Jimmy) during these 20-some pages. A snippet of a moment in an American life and in time.

    ”
  • Vince Gatton: For the Benefit of Jimmy Mangiaroli by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    Michael O’Day's Billy and Ma are hilarious, and their zippy dialogue delivers primo, salty, Staten Island-y goodness. There’s also something much sadder, and even a bit scarier, lingering just under the surface in this portrait of an isolated and frustrated young man, fighting to prove his worth to a world that always seems a step or two ahead of him. This short winner takes place not very long ago, but the world today is more full of Jimmy Mangiarolis than ever. A funny, sweet, and sad warning of a play.

    Michael O’Day's Billy and Ma are hilarious, and their zippy dialogue delivers primo, salty, Staten Island-y goodness. There’s also something much sadder, and even a bit scarier, lingering just under the surface in this portrait of an isolated and frustrated young man, fighting to prove his worth to a world that always seems a step or two ahead of him. This short winner takes place not very long ago, but the world today is more full of Jimmy Mangiarolis than ever. A funny, sweet, and sad warning of a play.

    ”
  • Nandita Shenoy: For the Benefit of Jimmy Mangiaroli by Michael C. O'Day
    “

    A wry look at the effects of the pandemic from an unusual angle - that of the Staten Island ferry! O'Day captures a specific moment in time to illuminate the larger political implications of our times.

    A wry look at the effects of the pandemic from an unusual angle - that of the Staten Island ferry! O'Day captures a specific moment in time to illuminate the larger political implications of our times.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
1 Male (late 20s), 1 Female (50s)

Development History

  • Reading, Dead Playwright's Society, 2021

Production History

  • Workshop, Vampingo Productions, New York, 2021