Short North Stage

When Pigs Fly is an over-the-top musical review featuring songs, sketches and hilarious avant garde costume designs. The show tells the story of Howard, who is having trouble producing his fantasy musical review because of constant set backs, a disagreeable cast and technical problems. In addition, he is haunted by the discouraging words of his high school guidance counselor, Miss Roundhole, who told him he would work in the theater “when pigs fly.” As Howard tries to navigates the evening of skits and songs, he learns that the problem isn’t that he has “gone too far,” but instead has not gone far enough. The show closes with an unbelievable drag showgirl finale reminiscent of Beach Blanket Babylon and Ziegfield’s Follies.

The night after their grandfather’s funeral, three cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. In one corner is Daphna Feygenbam, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, self-assure, and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man, who has his shiksa girlfriend, Melody, in tow. Stuck in the middle is Liam’s brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray. When Liam stakes claim to their grandfather's Chai necklace, a vicious and hilarious brawl over family, faith, and legacy ensues.

This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, the son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother, John, are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship along with her son and brother's namesake.