THE RIPPLE EFFECT (Award-winning full-length comedy for three actors)

[Full-length comedy, 80 minutes]

SYNOPSIS:
THE RIPPLE EFFECT, a full-length comedy set in 1995 NYC, eavesdrops on Upper West Side apartment dwellers Amy and Jeff, and their middle-aged neighbor Mrs. Ida Teitelbaum. Amy and Jeff attempt unorthodox rituals to get pregnant and take it to term; Ida deals with the aftermath of her husband’s stroke. The fabric of marriage is pulled, torn, and repaired as each...

[Full-length comedy, 80 minutes]

SYNOPSIS:
THE RIPPLE EFFECT, a full-length comedy set in 1995 NYC, eavesdrops on Upper West Side apartment dwellers Amy and Jeff, and their middle-aged neighbor Mrs. Ida Teitelbaum. Amy and Jeff attempt unorthodox rituals to get pregnant and take it to term; Ida deals with the aftermath of her husband’s stroke. The fabric of marriage is pulled, torn, and repaired as each character navigates their new normal. Science and spirituality go toe-to-toe when Wiccans enter the picture, in this comical and empathetic story of the ripple effect we create with each decision.

Note: This is the full-length, 3-character version of this play. Other versions exist: 10-minute (2 characters), 20 minute (2 characters), and 50 minutes (three characters), also on this NPX page.

Online Reading, The Depot Winter Reading Series, Hampton CT March 2026
Finalist, Waterworks Live Arts Festival 2025, VA
Workshop Production, SCDW @ The Rivoli Theatre, S. Fallsburg NY July 2024 (earlier draft than current version)
Winner, Midnight Sun Theatre Annual Serial Bowl Competition, Anchorage AK May 2024 (50-minute version)
Readers Theatre, Spirit Arts Festival, Milwaukee WI May 2024

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

THE RIPPLE EFFECT (Award-winning full-length comedy for three actors)

Recommended by

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: THE RIPPLE EFFECT (Award-winning full-length comedy for three actors)

    Amy and Jeff are having trouble trying to have a baby, and their annoying neighbor Mrs. Teitelbaum knows just how to help. With that simple set up, Arianna Rose delivers an unforgettable play about pregnancy and parenthood, and Wiccan and science in New York’s Upper West Side. With rapid-fire dialog, hilarious physical comedy, and a lot of heart, "The Ripple Effect" walks a fine line between fantasy and reality. The result is utterly charming. A sure crowd-pleaser. Very highly recommended.

    Amy and Jeff are having trouble trying to have a baby, and their annoying neighbor Mrs. Teitelbaum knows just how to help. With that simple set up, Arianna Rose delivers an unforgettable play about pregnancy and parenthood, and Wiccan and science in New York’s Upper West Side. With rapid-fire dialog, hilarious physical comedy, and a lot of heart, "The Ripple Effect" walks a fine line between fantasy and reality. The result is utterly charming. A sure crowd-pleaser. Very highly recommended.

  • Bruce Karp: THE RIPPLE EFFECT (Award-winning full-length comedy for three actors)

    It's been a pleasure seeing this sweet and funny play evolve. Ms. Rose has created "New York" characters with a clear vision, and the result is a clever and heartfelt look at the trials and tribulations of trying to become parents, while navigating a nosy neighbor (who likes to steal things left in front of apartment doors, like the NY Times and knishes). You'll enjoy the comic episodes and root for Amy and Jeff to have a baby, and to find a larger apartment. This play will be a hit!

    It's been a pleasure seeing this sweet and funny play evolve. Ms. Rose has created "New York" characters with a clear vision, and the result is a clever and heartfelt look at the trials and tribulations of trying to become parents, while navigating a nosy neighbor (who likes to steal things left in front of apartment doors, like the NY Times and knishes). You'll enjoy the comic episodes and root for Amy and Jeff to have a baby, and to find a larger apartment. This play will be a hit!

  • Karen Fix Curry: THE RIPPLE EFFECT (Award-winning full-length comedy for three actors)

    This Neil Simon-esc comedy is a fast paced and wonderful play with lots of heart. Between a young couple desperate to have a baby, and a nosy neighbor with a penchant for taking the New York Times, this apartment building’s residents will keep you in stitches. It’s a 3 character roller coaster of laughs.

    This Neil Simon-esc comedy is a fast paced and wonderful play with lots of heart. Between a young couple desperate to have a baby, and a nosy neighbor with a penchant for taking the New York Times, this apartment building’s residents will keep you in stitches. It’s a 3 character roller coaster of laughs.

View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • AMY
    Jewish, married to Jeff, creative, impulsive, slightly neurotic.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Jewish
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • JEFF
    Catholic, married to Amy. Analytical, freaks out when stressed.
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • MRS. TEITELBAUM
    female, middle-aged, typical New Yorker, nosy, has a secret.
    Character Age
    40s-70s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, Workshop Production, Rivoli Theatre, S. Fallsburg NY, Year 2024

Awards

  • Longlist Finalist
    Waterworks Live Arts New Works Festival, VA
    Finalist
    2025
  • Serial Bowl Competition 2024
    Midnight Sun Theatre, Anchorage AK
    Winner
    2024