Bollywood Meets New York Theatre: Jay Patel Brings The Flowers of Forest Hills to the Stage

Indian-American actor and producer Jay Patel is stepping into a new creative chapter with The Flowers of Forest Hills, a theatrical production running from November 5 to 22 at Theater for the New City in Manhattan, New York.

Presented as “A Jay Patel Production,” the play is written by Claude Solnik and directed by Patricia Magno. Crystal Field, Executive Director of Theater for the New City, presents the production. Cameron Reilly-Steele serves as Assistant Director, with Marsh Shugart handling Sound & Light Design and Reuben Speed overseeing Set Design. The cast includes Gail Merzer Behrens, Mike Cesarano, Noah Frankenfield, Karen Freer, Jon Lonoff, Doriana Schoner and Carolyn Seiff.

For Patel, who has called New York home for more than three decades, the production marks another step in a career spanning acting, film production and now theatre. His screen credits include Bhuj: The Pride of India, Milan Talkies, Torbaaz and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, in which he portrayed Shyamji Krishna Varma.

The production also marks the beginning of a creative partnership between Patel and Solnik, with the two exploring opportunities to collaborate on more original theatre projects in New York.

“Theatre is one of the most beautiful ways to bring people together through stories, emotions and shared experiences. I am proud to support this production in New York and to be part of a creative community that continues to bring original work to audiences,” says Patel.

With connections to both India and the United States, Patel sees theatre as another avenue to support original storytelling and connect with audiences across cultures. His transition from film to the stage reflects a growing interest in exploring different creative formats and collaborating with artists in New York’s independent theatre scene.

The Flowers of Forest Hills will run from November 5 to 22 at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, New York, NY.