NEWSLETTER
Feltman: World's First Hot Dog
March 18 - June 14 at 36th Street Theatre
New York, N.Y. - Step into the ultimate hot dog story. Long before Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog’s, Feltman’s dominated Coney Island. In Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog, audiences travel back to 19th-century Coney Island as German immigrant Charles Feltman invents what would become an American icon. Written and performed by Coney Island native Michael Quinn, this new solo show traces the birth of the hot dog alongside Quinn’s own family connection to the original Feltman brand. The production brings to life an overlooked chapter of New York and culinary history.
Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog premiered at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it played to packed houses and received glowing reviews. The production now begins an open-ended New York run at 36th Street Theatre (The Chain), with performances currently scheduled from March 18 through June 14. The production is directed by Peter Michael Marino.
About Feltman: World's First Hot Dog
Before sliced bread, there was the hot dog! Actor, playwright, historian and former Feltman's hot dog brand owner Michael Quinn brings this incredible true story to life, performing every role in a dynamic one-person show. Travel back to 19th century Coney Island as German immigrant Charles Feltman rises from struggle to revolutionize street food. Quinn, who himself successfully revived the legendary brand before facing his own challenges, weaves a powerful parallel between past and present. Blending humor, heart and history, this must-see performance tells the story of resilience, reinvention and the food that changed the world!
Feltman: World's First Hot Dog runs March 18 - 22 with performances Wednesday - Thursday at 7pm, Fridays - Saturday 5:30pm & 7:30pm, and Sundays at 5pm. Additional performances are scheduled May 6 - 10 and June 10 - 14 with the same performance schedule. Running time: 70 minutes. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.feltmanworldsfirsthotdog.com. The Chain Theatre is located at 312 W 36th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10018.
BIOGRAPHIES
Michael Quinn (Playwright/Performer) is a New York–born actor, writer, and storyteller. He began his artistic journey in the 1990s, studying acting at H.B. Studio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he trained in both classical technique and contemporary performance. During that period, he appeared in stage and screen projects.
Quinn’s path then carried him beyond the traditional theatre world. He spent decades immersed in the cultural life of New York City, channeling its history, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit. Most notably, he rediscovered and revived the legendary Feltman’s of Coney Island brand, honoring Charles Feltman, the German immigrant credited with inventing the hot dog. Quinn’s work helped reintroduce a nearly forgotten New York icon to a contemporary audience,
Now, after years away, Quinn is returning to the New York stage with his original one-person play, Feltman: World’s First Hot Dog. Blending history, humor, and personal reflection, the work explores both the immigrant journey of Charles Feltman and the unlikely connection Quinn discovered to his legacy. www.instagram.com/worlds_first_hotdog_play
Peter Michael Marino (Director) is a NYC native. He's a writer, producer, performer, and educator whose work has been seen on five continents. He's the creator of the PIT's SOLOCOM festival which has launched over 500 original solo comedy shows, and has performed his own solo shows everywhere from NYC to Hollywood to Australia. He’s created several edutainment videos and live stage shows for Washington National Opera and The Kennedy Center. Pete's long-running, critically acclaimed, interactive family comedy “Show Up, Kids!” continues to run in NYC after six years. Co-host of the popular podcast “Arts and Craft,” where artists talk to artists from all disciplines about their art. Pete is currently adapting his acclaimed digital lock-down hit, “Planet of the Grapes” for the live stage with frequent collaborator and director Michole Biancosino. www.petermmarino.com - www.instagram.com/blackoutpete
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