Lady Jigsaw

PLOT SUMMARY
Sid Mellman has just become a resident of the Coastal Dunes retirement complex. A jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, he finds an unfinished puzzle while checking out the rec room. When he sits down to work on it, he is confronted by Mae Klein a resident of a few years. She is opinionated, set in her ways and doesn’t like anyone touching “her puzzle.” A verbal confrontation ensues, spurred on by Roz Kaplan, a long-time resident and an adversary of Mae, who happens to enter the fray. The complex’s administrator, Jennifer Ryan, also appears and calms down the developing fracas. 

When peace is restored, Ms. Ryan brings up the approaching statewide retirement complex jigsaw puzzle tournament. All three residents, jigsaw puzzle aficionados, are eager to represent Coastal Dunes, but only one team can have the honor. Ms. Ryan crafts a selection process pairing Sid and Mae verse Roz and her friend. During the two-day process Mae and Sid slowly, but steadily, begin to learn to trust, share and overcome their individual grief, and loneliness even if their irascible competitor, Roz, works against them. In the end, who will earn the coveted spots?

CHARACTERS
• Mae Klein – Between mid-60’s to early 70’s. Opinionated, set in her ways. Has been a Coastal Dunes resident for a few years. She and Madge have a hostile relationship.
• Sid Mellman – Between mid-60’s to early 70’s. Just moved into Coastal Dunes. Roughly handsome. Takes no gruff.
• Roz Kaplan – Between mid-60’s to early 70’s. Has been a Coastal Dunes resident for a few years. Flirtatious. Biting in her remarks. She and Mae have a hostile relationship.
• Jennifer Ryan – 30’s to early 40’s. Upbeat administrator of Coastal Dunes. While having a cheerful demeanor, she does run a tight ship.

EXCERPT
Click here for an excerpt from The “Lady Jigsaw” featuring Act 1, Scene 1.

PRODUCTION HISTORY
☆ June 27, 2026: Staged Reading – Hole in the Wall Theater – New Britain, CT
☆ September 5, 2025: Chestnut Playhouse 5th Annual Playwriting Festival – Chestnut Theater – Norwich, CT
☆ July 10, 2025: Reader’s Theatre Showcase 2025 – Square One Theatre – Stratford, CT