Plays by Sella Páls in English
Plays by Sella Páls in English
Embedded Files
4 From Abroad
4 From Abroad
4 From Abroad is Sella's lates play and her ode to New York immigrants.
This new musical follows four immigrants in New York City—Emeka, a Nigerian finance master driving a Tesla taxi; Priya, a fiery Indian painter serving tables; Kai, a Chinese comedian hiding his true self; and Sofia, a Venezuelan soprano trapped in a nursery. Bound by a shared refusal to remain "invisible" or return home in defeat, they form "The Abroad," a grassroots alliance dedicated to transforming their obstacles into assets.
As they navigate the the city they move from seeking permission to claiming their own space, proving that their presence is not a deficit, but a vital credit to the city they now call home. Through a score that pulses with the energy of hip-hop, Broadway, and the New York skyline, 4 From Abroad is a bold, modern anthem for anyone who has ever had to build their own seat at the table.
Look for a production in New York in the fall of 2026.
The Sweet Spot
The Sweet Spot
Retired social worker and hopeful jazz singer Clara is desperate to get her sedentary, chess-obsessed husband Wilbur out of the house. She pushes him into golf, a sport she detests, but her plan backfires as Wilbur is transformed into a fanatic golfer, playing frequently with the competitive Imelda, whose looks make Clara jealous, spurring her to attempt the sport herself—with disastrous, yet hilarious, results. Clara soon finds a creative counterpoint in Imelda's husband, Ricardo, exploring her own passion for jazz and scatting. With her marriage to Wilbur stretched between his obsession with golf and her need to shine, Clara must find The Sweet Spot in their relationship.
The Sweet Spot -
Reading held in NYC Nov 3, 2025
The first reading was held in New York November 3rd, 2025. Pictured from left to right: Alyssa Broughton (Narrator), Jason SweetTooth Williams (Wilbur), Jill Abramovitz (Clara), Sella Páls (Playwright), Jared Zirilli (Roberto), Jenny Lee Stern (Imelda), John Znidarsic (Director)
Clarifying Chaos -
Clarifying Chaos -
A Subatomic Screwball Comedy
A Subatomic Screwball Comedy
Ronald just wanted a little afternoon fun. But when he brings his flirtatious mistress Melinda home while his wife is away at a spiritual retreat, the laws of physics—and marriage—collide.
The simple tryst turns into a subatomic meltdown when Lennie, a switchblade-wielding intruder, breaks in and holds the lovers captive—only to be interrupted by a surprise homecoming from Ronald's wife, Janet, and Wangpo, a perpetually laughing Tibetan monk. To settle the score, Ronald and Janet launch a war of words, challenging each other to write the ultimate self-help book.
As their theories on "Atoms" and "Souls" go viral, Lennie transforms from a common thief into a slick media sensation. Supported by Melinda's kinetic energy and unconventional outlook, the group spirals into a state of constant vibration where Ronald is forced to face the one variable he can't calculate: his own heart. In this screwball journey through science and spirit, Ronald and Melinda learn that you can’t clarify the chaos of life—you can only join the dance.
Pictured from left to right: Sella Páls (playwright), John Znirdasic ( director), Jonny Beuchamp (actor), Dana Jarae Dantzler (actor), Jenny Lee Stern (actor), Simon Lee (actor) Adam Grupper (actor) Adam McDowell (narrator)
A reading was held of Clarifying Chaos on April 8th, 2025. The audience unanimously enjoyed the play, and the comments included:
"Very funny play" - "Ahhh, Sella... loved what your cast brought to this reading. It didn't even seem like a reading most of the time! It was a fully imagined play! Thank you for your work, your brain your humor ..... you rock! "....."It is always so nice discovering a new piece of art! " . . . . . ."Well done! Funny play. Congrats!!"
"Sella: I so enjoyed your play! I have been thinking about how well it is written and beautifully thought out. It is yet also SO funny. " Gerard Alessandrini
A previous reading of Clarifying Chaos with invited guests was held in New York City on Sept. 22. 2024
Pictured from left to right: Dave Shalansky (actor), Jonny Beuchamp (actor), Clara R. Stewart (actress), Lori Hammel (actress), John Znidarsic (director), Adam McDowell (actor), Simon Lee (actor), Sella Páls (playwright)
The very first tablereading held in New York City on September 17th, 2023
Pictured: Michael Crowley, Glenn Bassett, Gerard Alessandrini, Josie DeGuzman, John Znirdasic, Cassidy Lobb
Mounting Tosca - A comedy
Mounting Tosca - A comedy
Mounting Tosca follows a high-stakes gamble by an accomplished talent agent who is handed a blank check by a billionaire and a seemingly impossible task: mount a single, flawless production of Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera.
The catch? The production brings together a "dream team" that is a logistical nightmare. The vision is led by a notoriously controversial director whose methods push boundaries and patience. On stage, two legendary opera stars—whose mutual loathing is as famous as their voices—must find a way to sing of love while harboring thoughts of professional sabotage. It is a sophisticated, character-driven pressure cooker that explores the thin line between creative genius and personal vendetta.
Mounting Tosca Reading
A reading with invited guests was held in New York City on Sept. 18th 2023
Pictured: Glenn Bassett (the narrator) Gerard Alessandrini (Directed the reading) The actors: John David West (Stefan the director) George Lee Andrews (Felix the tenor) Karen Murphy (Arianna the Soprano) and Jenny Lee Stern (the agent)
The Forgiveness - A dramedy
The Forgiveness - A dramedy
For sixty years, Rosemary has been the "anchor" for Frank, a celebrated detective and local hero. But as Frank faces his final days, he becomes obsessed with an investigation into his own soul, demanding that Rosemary find a "quick fix" for his conscience within the pages of the Bible.
What begins as a final act of service turns into a reckoning. As Frank’s hidden past begins to leak out, the family’s carefully constructed reality starts to unravel: Their daughter, Laura, a state police officer, struggles to finish her father’s biography while realizing that the "truth" is far more complicated than the hero she worshipped. Andy, the "loser" grandson, provides the blunt honesty and unexpected support Rosemary needs to stop being an "accessory" and start living for herself..
WHATEVER WILL BE ... WAS
Sella is working on a new one woman play (accompanied by a saxophonist) based on the first 38 years of her life. Jenny Lee Stern read it in Boston on February 7, 2025. We are hoping to stage a limited run in New York in 2026.
Jenny wrote this on the photo:
"Also while in Boston I managed to squeeze in a reading of a beautiful new play by the stunningly talented Sella Páls. "Whatever Will Be . . . Was." Thank you so much for trusting me with this piece. It was an absolute joy to read it for you."
Come Dance With Me - A musical
Come Dance With Me - A musical
Come Dance with Me
A musical play in English, staged in a bar where six customers tackle with love and loss during the AIDS crisis.
The musical was produced as an Actors' Equity showcase in New York at the Chernuchin Theater in 1996. Music by Icelandic composer and celebrity Egill Olafsson. Book and lyrics by Sella Palsson (Pals). Musical Director: Pete Blue. Performed in New York by Bernadette Drayton, Kevin Connell, Rita Harvey, Curt Hostetter, Peggy Shay and Jon Vandertholen.
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