Washer/Dryer by Nandita Shenoy

Sonya and Michael's recent elopement in Vegas seems like a dream come true until they try living together in Sonya's Manhattan studio apartment. As they discover that they haven't been entirely honest with each other or themselves, secrets come home to roost along with an intrusive mother, the co-op's strict Board president, a harsh best friend, and a fabulous washer-dryer.
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Washer/Dryer

Recommended by

  • Shelby Seeley:
    22 Dec. 2022
    “ Such a fantastic read. I found myself flying through the pages and laughing out loud. A joyful farce. ”
  • Chima Chikazunga:
    10 Mar. 2022
    “ Such a pleasure to revisit this romantic comedy again after a few years of seeing it in NYC. The humor and characters leap off the page, with themes that resonate with all. Shenoy’s pure gift of storytelling shines as we watch this story unfold. Can’t recommend this play enough…especially if you’re looking for stories featuring strong women of color … a pure joy, you won’t be disappointed ”
  • Jenny Mercein:
    20 Aug. 2020
    “ I was lucky enough to see this show in Los Angeles and NYC. It is a brilliant and hilarious modern farce! I cannot recommend more highly! ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

SAM also doubles as FELIPE, Male, Latin or Filipino, off-stage voice of conformity and rules

  • Sonya
    mid-30s,
    South Asian American
    ,
    Female
    Slightly neurotic, totally quirky, fast-talking Manhattanite with an independent streak
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Michael
    mid-30s,
    East Asian American
    ,
    Male
    A laid-back Brooklyn type with a gaming vibe that hides his inner child
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Dr. Lee
    late 50s - early 60s,
    East Asian
    ,
    Female
    Michael's severe Chinese mother determined never to have another woman take her place in her son’s life, has the accent of an immigrant who has lived in America for a long time
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Sam
    mid-30s to 40s,
    BIPOC
    ,
    Male
    A fabulous gay man and Sonya’s best friend who speaks the truths that no one else will
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Wendee
    40s,
    White
    ,
    Female
    A New Yorker who controls her life by ruling over the co-op, very concerned about her teenage son’s sexual orientation
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Ma-Yi Theater Company
    ,
    2015
  • Workshop
    ,
    Ma-Yi Theater Company
    ,
    2014
  • Workshop
    ,
    East West Players
    ,
    2014
  • Reading
    ,
    Ma-Yi Theater Company
    ,
    2013

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Pratidhwani and SIS Productions
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    Ma-Yi Theater Company
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    East West Players
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Rasaka Theater at Victory Gardens
    ,
    2015