Each year, thousands of people flock to New York City to pursue their dreams but living here can be a challenge. Told through a collection of five, ten-minute skits, A Crisis Called New York demonstrates why New Yorkers continue to love their city while facing crisis situations. The Kraine Theater (located at 85 East 4th Street) sets the scene of Alisha Espinosa’s Friable where Nicolasa, a recent transplant is weaving her way into New York City’s framework while James looms in the perimeter. James (Tony Curtis) attempts to form a relationship by providing domesticity and security yet Nicolasa (Kristi Stout) is determined to keep him on the sidelines frying his attempts.

Gown and Glove is stationed in a New York City subway where a brief encounter has “Glove” (Jordan Schroeder) searching for his gowned princess. As their paths, cross, she regals him with her story and through perseverance, he provides the perfect fit.

Wrestling has Sam and Dan wrestling with controversial topics that arise from living in a metropolis. Discussing taboo subjects while visiting Sam’s (Hannah Karpenko) hometown has Dan squirming uncomfortably when Sam pins down his sexual choice. Will Dan (Michael Mena) come to grips with his identity or lose the match to his friend?

Celia (Kat Moreno) is seemingly Perfect yet when her friends and suitors attest to her perfection, she teeters on an unattainable pedestal. Reported through brief encounters, the audience learns that Celia feels misunderstood and the dance they orchestrate leaves her whirling alone.

Sara (Danielle Patlingrao) is Vik’s Muse and the two formed a partnership to collaborate on Vik’s music. Sara sung her way into Vik’s (Jordan Schroeder) heart and the audience is lulled away by Sara’s lullaby. As the curtains closes on this production, more information about their upcoming shows is available at their website: Step1 Theatre Project’s.

Photo credit: Dan Fethke