Eastern Standard

by Richard Greenberg

Young middle class professionals working in Manhattan encounter a schizophrenic bag lady who changes their outlook on life

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama

135 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Richard Greenberg was an American playwright and television writer known for his subversively humorous depictions of middle-class American life. He had more than 25 plays premiere on Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway in New York City and eight at the South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa, California, including The Violet Hour, Everett Beekin, and Hurrah at Last. Greenberg is perhaps best known for his 2002 play Take Me Out.

Reviews

[Ashton E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this play (which it’s hard to say that sometimes about plays if you can’t visualize them). I loved the characters and a good ole happy ending. It was interesting how six strangers at a restaurant could end up becoming friends but that’s what’s so intriguing about it.

[Kodie Warnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sorry but is Drew from this play and David from Schitt’s Creek the same person?

[Guian Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

peter’s monologue… woah…

[Romeo Channer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Lovely little comedy. More appealing as a series of juicy scenes than as a play I’d really crave a production of.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this play--from start to finish. Most of the characters were likable despite their slight selfish, obnoxious, or deceitful tendencies. There was a bit in the middle that I was kind of displeased through, but it was quickly followed by a scene that I really enjoyed. The dialogue throughout was on point.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish someone would do this play, it's funny, sweet and wonderfully written. I'd love to see a good production!

[Marie Farrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of lame & arrogant with a few nice moments. Saw some friends put it on just after I read it. They did well but it's still not a great play.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming comedy.

[Yael Mccue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A seminal whiny "I don't know what it means to be American" kind of play. Witty and funny despite all its pretense.

[Brian McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

2017: Perfect example of a well-structured play from the 1980s. So glad I saw the original production.

2025: Enjoyed revisiting a play I saw with Uncle Richard in 1988.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated in that everything in it is a cliche now, but it is a well written cliche at least. A classic little romance tied up in an eighties bow, but it never quite connected. Aims for My Man Godfrey but just felt a little gross to me.