Selected Shorts: Friendship!
Symphony Space | Released February 20, 2025

Introduction: Celebrating Friendship

In the February 20, 2025 episode of Selected Shorts titled "Friendship!", host Meg Wolitzer explores the multifaceted nature of friendship through a series of poignant and humorous short stories. Emphasizing that while holidays like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day are widely celebrated, Friendship Day remains largely overlooked, Wolitzer underscores the importance of recognizing and cherishing friendships in our lives.

1. "Let's Get Drinks" by Kelly Stout
Performed by Jane Curtin and Jane Kaczmarek | [00:08 – 07:12]

The episode opens with a lighthearted performance of Kelly Stout's "Let's Get Drinks," skillfully brought to life by actresses Jane Curtin and Jane Kaczmarek. The narrative unfolds through a comedic text message exchange between two long-time friends attempting to coordinate a meetup. Their attempts are thwarted by a series of humorous excuses and scheduling mishaps, reflecting the often chaotic nature of maintaining friendships amidst busy lives.

Notable Exchanges:

• Jane Curtin (03:32):
  "Hey girls. So great to see you at Mike's party on New Year's. You free this week? Want to grab drinks?"

• Jane Kaczmarek (03:38):
  "Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. Yo. Sorry it took me so long to respond. I am the worst."

The dialogue continues with escalating metaphors comparing their scheduling failures to significant disasters, adding a comedic layer to the relatable struggle of finding time for friends.

• Jane Curtin (05:35):
  "You're fine. I, on the other hand, am seriously, Vermont's Heroin epidemic Multiplied by Bill Cosby."

The back-and-forth banter highlights both the humor and frustration inherent in maintaining friendships over time.

Meg Wolitzer's Commentary: The Complexity of Making Plans
Reflections on Friendship Dynamics | [07:12 – 09:53]

Following the performance, Meg Wolitzer discusses the challenges depicted in the story, emphasizing how modern life complicates the process of making and keeping plans with friends. She shares personal anecdotes and insights, illustrating how cancellation and forgetfulness can strain friendships.

Key Insights:

• Meg Wolitzer (08:04):
  "That's some real deep shit."

• Meg Wolitzer (09:53):
  "We all need an assistant just for that. Someone to help us prioritize. Someone to say sorry."

Wolitzer highlights the importance of understanding and flexibility in friendships, advocating for guilt-free cancellations as a sign of true friendship.

2. "True Friendship" by Jorge F. Hernandez
Performed by Michael Urie | [09:53 – 27:13]

The second story, "True Friendship" by Jorge F. Hernandez, delves into the life of Samuel Weinstein and his enigmatic best friend, Bill Burton. Narrated by Michael Urie, the tale chronicles Sam's recurring excuses involving Bill Burton to explain his absences, revealing that Burton may not exist in reality. The narrative weaves through Sam's personal and professional life, highlighting themes of loneliness, denial, and the intricate dynamics of friendship.

Notable Moments:

• Sam Weinstein (23:13):
  "You may still think true friendship is a lie, but then you've never met Bill Burton."

• Story Development:
  Sam's reliance on Burton becomes a central motif, affecting his relationships and leading to a mysterious climax when a man claiming to be Bill Burton appears, leaving Sam in shock and questioning the reality of his long-time friend.

The story poignantly explores how one individual's need for friendship can create intricate personal mythologies, affecting both themselves and those around them.

Meg Wolitzer's Reflection on "True Friendship"
Exploring the Depths of Friendship Myths | [27:13 – 29:53]

After the dramatic conclusion of "True Friendship," Wolitzer reflects on the story's exploration of mortality and loneliness. She emphasizes how friendships, even those built on illusions, play a critical role in our emotional lives.

Thoughts Shared:

• Meg Wolitzer:
  "We all need someone to help us prioritize. Someone to say sorry."

• She appreciates the story's insight into how fleeting encounters and deep bonds shape our understanding of companionship.

3. "The Last Words of Benito Piccone" by Anthony Mara
Performed by John Turturro | [29:53 – 55:03]

John Turturro takes center stage with "The Last Words of Benito Piccone," a story by Anthony Mara that examines the enduring bonds formed through adversity and shared experiences. The narrative follows Benito Piccone, a man named after a dictator, whose life is marked by misfortune and isolation until he forms a meaningful connection with fellow patients Marie and Joseph.

Key Highlights:

• Benito Piccone (39:35):
  "The end is a drizzly evening and I cannot take my umbrella with me."

• Marie:
  "I am dying, Benito clarified. I hadn't set out to die that day, but now that it was happening, he received it as the arrival of a long lost uncle he both loved and feared."

The story intricately portrays how unexpected friendships can provide solace and meaning, even in the bleakest of circumstances.

Backstage Insights with John Turturro and Michael Urie
Understanding the Essence of Friendship | [55:03 – 56:01]

After the performance, John Turturro shares his admiration for Anthony Mara's writing, highlighting the themes of mortality, loneliness, and the human need for connection.

Turturro's Reflections:

• John Turturro:
  "It's all about mortality and loneliness and how people connect over the strangest things."

He recounts a personal anecdote about witnessing a friendly interaction on the subway, drawing parallels to the story's depiction of spontaneous and meaningful connections.

• Michael Urie:
  "So I like that."

Their conversation underscores the universal desire for companionship and understanding, reinforcing the episode's central theme.

Conclusion: Embracing Friendship Daily

Wrapping up the episode, Meg Wolitzer synthesizes the diverse narratives, emphasizing that friendships come in various forms—some simple, others complex—but all equally vital. She encourages listeners to reach out to their friends and express appreciation beyond designated holidays.

Final Thoughts:

• Meg Wolitzer:
  "After hearing all of these stories about friendships, even the hard or strange ones, I really want to reach out and tell my friends I love and appreciate them. I urge you to do the same."

She concludes with an invitation to join Selected Shorts on tour, celebrating the timeless and transformative power of storytelling in understanding and valuing our relationships.

Production Notes

Selected Shorts is produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with a dedicated team ensuring the quality of each episode. Supported by the Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, the program continues to bring compelling short stories to audiences nationwide.

Closing Quote

"No road is long with good company."
— Turkish Proverb

This proverb encapsulates the episode’s essence, reminding us that the journey of life is enriched by the friendships we forge along the way.