Written and performed by Sonja Devi and directed by Annaporva Green, Today is a Good Day, New York, New York is a one-woman show about– in its most stripped-down analysis– a 34-year old single gal and self-proclaimed “hopeless romantic” named Malina who is looking for that one Mr. Right in a city with over 4 million men. When we first meet our protagonist, she has just been awoken by the trademark loudness of Manhattan.  But it’s actually someone else’s apartment she wakes up in… and while she has highly romanticized ideas of what happened since last evening (“It looks like it was a lucky night this time!”), the details of her alcohol-infused night remain very murky. Malina’s only clues to the trajectory of the night are a note from “John” (“Darling, thank you for an unforgettable night..”.) and some condom wrappers.  Foggy details aside, Malina retains a generous helping of hope that this could be (in the words of Natalie Cole) “an everlasting love”.  Her mind fast-forwards to marriage, motherhood, and even grandmotherhood(!). At the same time, there are some signs that the cryptic man may be more Myster-Y than Mister Right– most notably, the presence of dresses (!) in his closet (Personally, I’d be more wary of someone who still has a rotary phone and a record player more than a man who owns a few dresses…).  The audience’s mind wonders just as much as Malina’s.  It’s that sense of suspense that propels the play: We know that SOMETHING is brewing under the surface. Melina fantasizes about being the Queen of her own castle… but she must first remember who her King was! 

The inspiration for Today is a Good Day, New York, New York was likely, in part at least, the long-running TV show/cultural phenomenon known as Sex and the City, with the playwright even throwing in an “And just like that…” and a line about “Mr. Big”.  Like that show, Devi’s play brings us into a cultural landscape with too many lovers, but not enough love, where even the most sexually liberated woman (It doesn’t get more liberated than giving your vagina a name: “Missy”.) wouldn’t object to finding her long-term soulmate. Even though it takes place entirely in the single setting of an apartment, Today is a Good Day, New York, New York fully acknowledges the characteristics of its surrounding city: a 24-7 playground where, as the character states, “Everything runs on money.”  A city where no two days are ever the same, and every one of those days has the opportunity to be an adventure.  A city which allows its lucky inhabitants to experience both soaring highs and crippling lows, sometimes even in the same day.  Today is a Good Day, New York, New York, even in its relatively brief running time, manage to give its leading lady just that:  soaring highs and crippling lows in the same day. 

Eventually, the play does present its big twist, although some very astute audience members may be able to put the pieces together before the show’s revelation towards the end… but not before we learn a lot more about Malina experiences navigating life as a single girl in a concrete jungle.

Today is a Good Day, New York, New York is Sonja Devi’s show all the way. It’s mostly a smart comedy, but several serious issues are explored as well. When you create a one-person show, you better damn well make that character likeable– or at least make us love to hate the character enough to watch them for an hour or more.  Thankfully, Ms. Devi is a charismatic performer.  We really do route for her Malina and hope for a happy ending– or at least a hopeful one.  And, regardless of the outcome of this one night, we know by the end of the piece that Malina will eventually emerge triumphant… if not on this “good day”, then on another.  So, to mention Sex and the City one last time, I’ll share that Malina’s admirable attitude echoes one of the most memorable lines from the character Samantha Jones: “I love you, but I love ME more.” Lastly, it must be said that the intimate yet beautiful set design by Marissa Todd (Love that spinning bed!) really boosts Today is a Good Day, New York, New York. 

Today Is a Good Day, New York New York continues through November 22, with performances Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30pm. Running time: 50 minutes. Tickets are $36.35 and are available at www.todayisagooddaynewyorkny.com. The Gene Frankel Theatre is located at 24 Bond Street (Between Lafayette & Bowery), New York, NY 10012. Subways: 6 to Bleecker Street, B/D/F/M to Broadway/Lafayette. 

(Photos by Carlos Lising.)