The original production will be performed at public spaces in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island from Sept. 19-27. It will be free to the public.

“Please Don’t Flush!” follows a community board scheduled to vote on a mysterious waterfront development that neighbors, seagulls and plumbers are worried will increase inland flooding. However, the board members are derailed and instead begin planning their bi-annual gala, celebrating their second-vice-chair’s half birthday and locking the “anti-anti-anti-anti-development” coalition in the bathroom. 

The production plans to bring music, laughs and resources, promising to leave audiences with bellies full of chai and, most importantly, with a call to action about flood resiliency. It is part of the Flood Sensor Aunty “extended universe,” which recently toured 20 public spaces across New York City and beyond.

Performances will be staged on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. at Staten Island Urban Center in Stapleton, Staten Island; Sunday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. at Baisley Pond Park in Jamaica, Queens; Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Van Alen in Gowanus, Brooklyn; and Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:30 p.m. at Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing, Queens.

More information can be found at PleaseDontFlush.com.
Performers make audiences laugh at last year’s touring production, Flood Sensor Aunty.Photos courtesy Rainy Day Plays

“Flooding is a dangerous hazard, but preparedness messaging doesn’t always have to be serious for effectiveness,” said Christina Farrell, commissioner of NYC Emergency Management. “‘Please Don’t Flush!’ uses humor to start important conversations about flood risk and resilience, helping New Yorkers learn how to prepare before the next storm. We’re proud to partner with Flood Sensor Aunty to bring this unique production to communities across the city and connect residents with the resources they need to stay safe.” 

“Waterfront Alliance is proud to support the production of ‘Please Don’t Flush!’, which uses the power of storytelling to make flood preparedness personal, relatable and actionable,” added Julie Raskin, president and CEO of the Waterfront Alliance. “As climate impacts become more frequent and visible, we need new ways to engage communities in preparedness and resilience. By centering lived experiences and local voices, this production helps audiences connect with the importance of flood preparedness while reminding us that resilience is built together.” 

Sabina Sethi Unni wrote and directed the production, which will feature a cast of 10 actors including Ray Jordan Achan, Fahad Ahmad, Amr Kotb, Amar Baines, Kshithij Hegde, Jess Balgobin, Jill Cornell, Maribelle Flint, Josabeth Simisterra and Tom Lee, who also serves as musical director.

The cast is joined by costume designer Zen Tunsaringkran, sound engineer Maxi Glenn, the Tea Stand founder Miles Kirsch, illustrator Abbie Preston, videographer Max Czerski, photographer Jesse Herndon and prop fabricator Caitlin Eder.

“Please Don’t Flush!” marks the fourth iteration of Rainy Day Plays’ public events, following Flood Sensor Aunty’s public performances in 2024 and 2025 that toured across 12 locations in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island, as well as one performance at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

Past and current partners offering resources, information, funding, stewardship and support include NYC Emergency Management, NYC Health Department, Waterfront Alliance, Asian Women’s Giving Fund, Queens Memory Project at Queens Public Library, Staten Island Urban Center, Nonprofit Staten Island, Staten Island Community Partnership, 149th South Ozone Park Civic Association, Center for Urban Pedagogy, Van Alen, Fifth Avenue Committee, Chhaya CDC, Center for NYC Neighborhoods, South Queens Women’s March, Rebuild by Design and more.

Photos courtesy Rainy Day Plays