NEW YORK — In a city where cultures, ideas and stories intersect, theatre remains one of New York’s most powerful meeting places. This season, Indian-American actor and producer Jay Patel brings his creative vision to the stage with The Flowers of Forest Hills, a theatrical production at Theater for the New City in Manhattan.

Presented as “A Jay Patel Production,” the play marks another chapter in Patel’s journey across film, acting and the arts, reflecting his longstanding connection to New York, a city he has called home for more than three decades.Written by Claude Solnik and directed by Patricia Magno, the production is presented by Crystal Field, Executive Director of Theater for the New City. Cameron Reilly-Steele serves as Assistant Director, with Marsh Shugart handling Sound & Light Design and Reuben Speed responsible for Set Design.The cast features an accomplished ensemble of New York performers: Gail Merzer Behrens, Mike Cesarano, Noah Frankenfield, Karen Freer, Jon Lonoff, Doriana Schoner and Carolyn Seiff.For Patel, the production represents more than another theatre credit. It reflects a broader creative journey from India to New York, spanning film production, acting and now live theatre, while exploring the cultural connections between India and America.“Theatre is one of the most beautiful ways to bring people together — through stories, emotions and shared experiences,” Patel says. “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.”A Creative Partnership Taking ShapeAt the heart of the production is Patel’s growing relationship with playwright Claude Solnik, built around a shared appreciation for original storytelling and opportunities for artists to bring their work to audiences.Patel sees The Flowers of Forest Hills as the beginning of a longer creative conversation and potentially a broader collaboration in New York theatre.“I really value the relationship we are building with Claude,” Patel says. “This production is important to me, but I also see it as the beginning of something bigger. We share a passion for stories, artists and meaningful work, and I hope there will be many more productions we can bring to audiences together.”That collaborative spirit reflects New York’s enduring role as a home for artists from different backgrounds and cultures.An Indian-American Voice in New York Theatre Indian and Indian-American talent has established a significant presence across American entertainment. Figures such as Mindy Kaling, M. Night Shyamalan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kal Penn and Aziz Ansari have built influential careers in film, television and popular culture.Patel’s path follows a different direction, bringing together independent film, acting, producing and New York theatre.With deep connections to both India and the United States, he views these creative worlds as complementary rather than separate. Theatre offers another opportunity to build bridges between cultures through shared stories and experiences.“I believe stories can travel far beyond where they begin,” Patel says. “New York is one of the greatest cultural cities in the world, and I want to be part of creating work here that can connect with audiences anywhere.”From Film to the Stage Patel’s theatre debut follows a career that includes acting and film production. His screen credits include Bhuj: The Pride of India, Milan Talkies, Torbaaz and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, in which he portrayed Shyamji Krishna Varma.Swatantrya Veer Savarkar became a significant milestone in his recent creative journey. At the 72nd National Film Awards in September 2026, director and lead actor Randeep Hooda received the National Film Award for Best Debut Director, presented by President Droupadi Murmu.Moving from film to theatre presents a different creative experience. Unlike cinema, live performance brings actors and audiences together in an immediate, shared space. For Patel, this transition represents an important step in his evolution as a producer and his commitment to supporting original storytelling.For New York audiences, the production also celebrates the city’s vibrant independent theatre community and the artists who continue to create original work on its stages.