New Year’s Eve at the Stop-n-Go by Samantha Oty

Full-Length - 90min

A coming of age story about a group of friends who confront change, and each other, on December 31, 1999

Physical Copies of this play will be available for purchase on April 1, 2022.
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New Year’s Eve at the Stop-n-Go

Recommended by

  • James Perry:
    12 Jan. 2024
    “ “New Year’s Eve at the Stop-n-Go” is about a group of friends coming of age amidst the Y2K panic of 1999. This play had me hooked from the character descriptions at the beginning all the way to the end of the play. I couldn’t put it down. I found the characters to be relatable and genuine, and the dialogue was stirring and precise. This is easily one of my favorite plays on the New Play Exchange. ”
  • Daniel Prillaman:
    5 Oct. 2023
    “ When the clock turned us into the new millennium, I was just young enough to not have to worry about it. The same cannot be said for Oty's fun cast, who must face not only the clock, but the hardest transition of all, graduating from high school. This is a nostalgic journey about coming of age, figuring out what you want from life, and the realization that some friends might not stay friends forever. Just like good gas station candy, it's bittersweet and full of verve. ”
  • Chris Smith:
    7 Jul. 2023
    “ This play takes me back. Remembering the angst of not knowing what to do after school and the "sort of" friends we make that we leave when life calls. This is one of those shows that feels like Bogosian's "Suburbia" or Weller's "Moonchildren" where the world comes crashing down on a character without direction. If you're in college and want to do a show where you get to play your age and your emotions, this one will probably work for you. Good work! ”
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Character Information

Customers and Paramedics can be doubled.

  • Austin
    19
    Our main character, though he’s never really stood out from the crowd.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jimmy
    23
    The self-described leader of the friend group. He dresses like a knockoff Billie Joe Armstrong/Sid Vicious and thinks he’s cooler than he actually is. Should be played like he’s in love with Austin.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Mary Jane
    17
    Jimmy’s younger sister, who’s said to be a gifted ballerina (though she refuses to dance for her friends). She’s undervalued by everyone in her life.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Swearsky
    19
    An intelligent stoner living in his brother’s shadow.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Mindy
    34
    Austin’s mother who’s doing the best she can.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jennifer
    19
    The high school valedictorian. Had a “thing” with Austin for about a week.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Eric
    19
    A jerk. Everybody hates Eric.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Unofficial Rag-Tag Group of Friends
    ,
    2020
  • Workshop
    ,
    Pharmacy Theatre
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • University
    ,
    YES Festival - Northern Kentucky University
    ,
    2022
  • Community Theater
    ,
    Pharmacy Theatre
    ,
    2022