AT THE DAKOTA

by William Ivor Fowkes

FULL-LENGTH PLAY (1 HOUR, 35 MINUTES). In 1999, when a closeted married gay man shows up at New York’s infamous Dakota Apartments for a sex hook-up with a virile bodybuilder he met online, he is shocked to discover that the man is actually a 71-year-old recluse. Eager to see the inside of this historic building, he hides his disappointment and lets his host regale him with reminiscences of life among the Dakota...

FULL-LENGTH PLAY (1 HOUR, 35 MINUTES). In 1999, when a closeted married gay man shows up at New York’s infamous Dakota Apartments for a sex hook-up with a virile bodybuilder he met online, he is shocked to discover that the man is actually a 71-year-old recluse. Eager to see the inside of this historic building, he hides his disappointment and lets his host regale him with reminiscences of life among the Dakota’s glitterati. When their encounter turns ugly, a woman arrives and demands that the whole story be re-told differently. As alternate versions of the story battle, the play exposes the price people pay for living lives in denial and explores possibilities for inter-generational relationships.

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AT THE DAKOTA

Recommended by

  • Donald Loftus: AT THE DAKOTA by William Ivor Fowkes
    “

    AT THE DAKOTA by William Ivor Fowkes is a poignant and sharply written two-hander that blends wit, vulnerability, and social insight. Set within the iconic New York building, it explores loneliness, identity, and connection with emotional honesty and surprising humor. The evolving relationship at its center is both compelling and deeply human, making this a moving and resonant theatrical experience.

    AT THE DAKOTA by William Ivor Fowkes is a poignant and sharply written two-hander that blends wit, vulnerability, and social insight. Set within the iconic New York building, it explores loneliness, identity, and connection with emotional honesty and surprising humor. The evolving relationship at its center is both compelling and deeply human, making this a moving and resonant theatrical experience.

    ”

Character Information

  • Earl Mumford
    A retired architect. Distinguished and charming.
    Early 70s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Mark Manning
    An accountant. Cocky and suspicious.
    Early 40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Marjorie
    Gracious, but cold and controlling. (In scene 6 – warmer and more sympathetic)
    60s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Elizabeth Mumford Allen
    Smart and accomplished, but insecure and defensive.
    30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Gary
    Sexy, romantic, and a bit naïve.
    Mid 20s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, William Inge Theater Festival, Independence, KS - a reading of an excerpt ("AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK"), 2017
  • Reading, Pittsburgh New Works Festival, Original Play Readings, Carnegie, PA - a reading of an excerpt ("AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK"), 2017

Production History

  • Workshop, Black Box Festival, Gallery Players, Brooklyn, NY - production of an excerpt ("AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK"), 2016
  • Workshop, Downtown Urban Theater Festival, Cherry Lane Theatre--production of an excerpt ("THE DAKOTA")--winner of BEST SHORT PLAY AWARD, 2005
  • Workshop, Octoberfest, Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York--production of an excerpt ("THE DAKOTA"), 2005

Awards

  • 16th Annual New Voice Play Festival -- award for an excerpt ("AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK")
    The Old Opera House Theatre Company, Charles Town, WV
    Honorable Mention
    2016
  • Best Short Play Award for an excerpt ("THE DAKOTA")
    Downtown Urban Theater Festival
    Winner
    2005