Productions

The Oswego Players production has had numerous successful productions in 2024. The Oswego Players was adjudicated three times this year and each production received several awards. At the final Oswego Players membership meeting of 2024, every winner was celebrated and given their TANYS certificate. These awards are based on three separate designations: Meritorious Achievement, Excellence and Outstanding Achievement. Meritorious Achievement = Some advanced theatrical skill noted. Excellence = Theatrical skill base not routinely noted in non-professional theatre. Outstanding Achievement = Theatrical skill base rarely seen in non-professional theatre.

The timeless story about “the eternal light with which childhood fills the world” has returned to the stage this Holiday season as the Oswego Players proudly presents “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” There are still tickets available for the community to see this beautiful, heartwarming story. “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” second weekend is December 13th, 14th 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the remaining Sunday matinee is at 2PM. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138. The Oswego Players’ is also a drop off location for Toys For Tots this December. You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Players holiday production of “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy will get a dollar off their ticket at the Box Office. Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

Oswego Players’ is a drop off location for Toys For Tots this December. You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Players holiday production of “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy will get a dollar off their ticket at the Box Office. “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138. Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

Family is at the center of things this season – both on stage and off – at the Oswego Players’ for their Holiday production, “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138. Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

There is a generational feeling at The Oswego Players this Christmas, with familiar faces who have literally grown up onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater tackling new roles for “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

The timeless story about "the eternal light with which childhood fills the world" will return to the stage this Christmas season as the Oswego Players proudly presents “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138. Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

The classic show Arsenic & Old Lace is coming to Oswego this month, brought to us by a new Arts non-profit “Beyond the Rainbow Productions” in partnership with the Oswego Players. Director Kevin Colvin is set to bring back a well-known dark comedy: Arsenic and Old Lace. The story follows the Brewster family with elements of farce and crime. Colvin is also President of Beyond the Rainbow Productions, a multi-arts organization.  He reflects on the journey to the production of the show: “I saw the Arsenic and Old Lace film with Cary Grant for the first time in my mid 20's. It appealed so highly to my dark, morbid, twisted sense of humor that, after debating if I would like to direct a show someday, that it would be this show I would want to direct first. I am very excited and grateful that Oswego Players have agreed to coproduce it with Beyond The Rainbow, and finally give me the dream directorial debut I have been trying for over the past 6 years.”

The Oswego Players are pleased to announce auditions for their December holiday production Andrew J. Fenady’s “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” This classic holiday story for the whole family will be directed by Jennifer Hitchcock. The auditions will be a cold reading from the script held at the Francis Marion Brown theatre in Oswego on Wednesday, October 9th from 5:00 pm to 6: 30 pm and Sunday, October 13th from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. There are parts for 8 women and 17 men, with numerous roles that could be either gender, ages ranging from twenty to Sixty. There are also several roles for children ages 5 to 12 years of age.

Happy Friday the 13th! What an unlucky day to be a single elderly man with no family, alone with two ladies who have a taste for poisoned elderberry wine. Come laugh with us: https://bit.ly/3MJiVNj Show dates: Oct 25th & 26th, Nov 1st and 2nd - 7:30pm Matinees: Oct 27th & Nov 3rd - 2pm

Old friends returned to the stage for the September Oswego Players production of “While The Lights Were Out”. Karla Chandler-McCord and Eric Cronk have both returned to Frances Marion Brown stage after a lengthy hiatus. The Oswego Players production of “While the Lights Were Out” directed by Sherri Metz will run weekends September 6th-15th, 2024 at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.

Director Sherri Metz welcomes new actors to her hilarious farce “While the Lights Were Out.” Sherri looks forward to working with Desiree Martin and Richard Carpenter. Both Desiree and Richard have never had the opportunity to work with director Sherri Metz and to be a part of her skillfully crafted comedies. The Oswego Players production of “While the Lights Were Out” will run weekends September 6th-15th, 2024 at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY

A thunderstorm! The lights go out! An agonized voice! A pistol shot! The lights come up! A blonde in black lace stands over the dead man holding a bloody dagger! The detective examines the body and announces, "He's been strangled!" This is but the opening of one of the most astounding and hilarious murder mysteries ever staged. Every clue is a lulu and the plot twists furiously. The final solution involves the most bizarre motive ever conceived. Tickets for “While the Lights Were Out” are now available for purchase. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2: p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for students and may be obtained by calling the Players’ box office at (315) 343-5138, or by clicking on the link at https://oswegoplayers.org.

After an opening weekend filled with emotional moments that have moved audience in attendance, the Oswego Players’ production of “The Man Who Killed The Cure” continues with three final performances this weekend. Written by Luke Yankee and inspired by the work of Dr. Max Gerson, one of the pioneers into natural treatment methods for Cancer and other diseases, the production will run July 19-21, 2024 at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, with a Sunday matinee at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for students and may be obtained by calling the Players’ box office at (315) 343-5138, or by clicking on the “Tickets” link at https://oswegoplayers.org.

Actors from all over Central New York have come together this season to bring “The Man Who Killed The Cure” to the stage of The Oswego Players this July. Written by Luke Yankee and inspired by the work of Dr. Max Gerson, one of the pioneers into natural treatment methods for Cancer and other diseases, the production will run weekends July 12-21, 2024 at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinees at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for students and may be obtained by calling the Players’ box office at (315) 343-5138, or by clicking on the “Tickets” link at https://oswegoplayers.org. When Max Gerson and his business partner, Rudolph Heller, escaped Nazi Germany, they had no idea what awaited them in New York. Rudy wanted the good life, treating his patients the traditional way. But when Max created an all-natural cure for cancer, the medical world felt threatened…not to mention his friend and colleague. Max was determined that the world should know about his findings, while the AMA and big pharmaceutical companies would stop at nothing to bury it completely. Inspired by true events in the life and death of Dr. Max Gerson, this gripping and controversial story delves into a world of medicine where the end goal is not healing, but profits. The production is under the direction of William Edward White, who directed last season’s record-attendance and multiple TANYS-award-winning production of Yankee’s “The Last Lifeboat”. To tell this little known and somewhat controversial chapter of history, Yankee has created a cast of characters that pose a stretch for the director and actors alike. For White, that began with casting, and ultimately bringing together a company of talent from all over Central New York.

The Oswego Players are pleased to announce auditions for their September production Jack Sharkey’s “While the Lights Were Out”. This hilarious farce will be directed by Sherri Metz. The auditions will be a cold read from the script held at the Francis Marion Brown theatre in Oswego on Friday, June 28th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, June 29th 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There are parts for eight women and five men ages ranging from twenty to Sixty. Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, July 23rd and every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A thunderstorm! The lights go out! An agonized voice! A pistol shot! The lights come up! A blonde in black lace stands over the dead man holding a bloody dagger! The detective examines the body and announces, "He's been strangled!" This is but the opening of one of the most astounding and hilarious murder mysteries ever staged. Every clue is a lulu and the plot twists furiously. The final solution involves the most bizarre motive ever conceived. Show dates for “While the Lights Were Out” are September 6,7,8 and 13,14,15. “While the Lights Were Out” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

The Oswego Players have begun rehearsals for its July production of “The Man Who Killed The Cure” by Luke Yankee. Inspired by the work of Dr. Max Gerson, one of the pioneers into natural treatment methods for Cancer and other diseases, the production will run weekends July 12-21, 2024 at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinees at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for students and may be obtained by calling the Players’ box office at (315) 343-5138, or by clicking on the link at https://oswegoplayers.org.

The Bandla Family, long time members of OP will be united on stage in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap”, the legendary comedy-thriller coming to the Francis Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in May courtesy of The Oswego Players. The production, part of The Little Theatre on the Water’s 86th-anniversary season, will run weekends, May 10th through 19th, 2024. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinee curtain times at 2PM. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for students. They may be reserved online at oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ box office at 315-343-5138. Scott and Angella met on stage during the Oswego High School summer theater program’s production of Oliver! in the late 1980s. Scott visited SUNY Fredonia during one of Angella’s shows, and they started dating. The rest is history. Marrying five years after what can best be summed up as a very silly relationship, they started a family at the turn of the millennium with Will, Parker and finally Quinn each making their debut between 1999 and 2005. Years later when Angella started work as the Stage Manager on the musical, Carousel for the Oswego Opera, Will joined the cast as a young seven-year-old.

The Oswego Players are on the lookout for budding playwrights eager to see their creations brought to life on stage. The Donald J. McCann Memorial One-Act Playwriting Contest, dedicated to spotlighting local talent, is now accepting submissions. President Norman Berlin III urges, "If you've ever felt the urge to write a play, now's the time to take that leap and submit your work!" Anyone interested in submitting an original One-Act Play script for the 2024 contest should contact Osweplay@yahoo.com for a complete set of rules and guidelines. All submissions for this year’s contest must be received by June 15th and sent either electronically to osweplay@yahoo.com or through the mail, Playwriting Contest, P.O. Box 183, Oswego, NY 13126. Pictured are the hilarious cast of “Old Money, New Habits” by Alexis Martin, co-winner of 2023 Playwriting Contest. From left to right are Kevin Colvin, Gina Mazzoli, Matthew Fleming, Scott Bandla and Tammy Thompson. Anyone interested in submitting an original One-Act Play script for the 2024 contest should contact Osweplay@yahoo.com for a complete set of rules and guidelines.

Five actors are busy working their way through a veritable maze of plot twists, turns, and pitfalls at the heart of Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap”, the legendary comedy-thriller coming to the Francis Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in May courtesy of The Oswego Players. The production, part of The Little Theatre on the Water’s 86th-anniversary season, will run weekends, May 10th through 19th, 2024. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinee curtain times at 2PM. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for students. They may be reserved online at oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ box office at 315-343-5138.

A little slice of Arkansaw has been growing at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in the form of a 12-foot tree at the center The Oswego Players’ April production of Aurand Harris’ “The Arkansaw Bear.” Directed by Norman Berlin, III, the play is part of double-bill collaboration with the Oswego Opera Company who will present children’s opera “Brundibár” by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása, libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, and directed by Juan LaManna. The joint production will run April 5th, 6th and 7th at the Oswego Players, “The Little Theatre on the Water.” For more information and ticket sales please visit, oswegoplayers.org or call the Players’ box office at 315-343-5138.

Oswego Players and the Oswego Opera Theater are teaming up to bring together a special double-feature of magical realism, fairytale drama, and talking animals. "The Arkansaw Bear" and "Brundibar" will be presented together side-by-side thanks to a partnership between the city's two theatrical organizations. "The Oswego Players has a long history of camaraderie with Oswego Opera Theater," says Players President Norman Berlin III. "We have both been very generous to one another with sharing resources over the years, so to combine forces and create a new kind of event together felt like the next natural step in our relationship."

The Oswego Players and Oswego Opera Theater will be presenting the double bill children’s productions at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Friday, April 5th at 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 6th at 7:30 Pm, and Sunday, April 7th, at 2:00 PM. The join production includes “The Arkansaw Bear” by Aurand Harris, directed by Norman Berlin, III and children’s opera “Brundibár” by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása, libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, and directed by Juan LaManna and Benjamin Spierman. The joint production will run April 5th, 6th and 7th at the Oswego Players, “The Little Theatre on the Water.” For more information and ticket sales please visit, oswegoplayers.org or call the Players’ box office at 315-343-5138. The Arkansaw Bear is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

The Oswego Players are seeking aspiring playwrights who want their work performed on stage. The Donald J. McCann Memorial One-Act Playwriting Contest, a competition dedicated to the discovery of local talent, is officially open for submissions this year. Oswego Players president Norman Berlin III says that, “Anyone who has ever had the slightest interest in writing a play is strongly encouraged to do so and enter!”

The Oswego Players will hold open auditions on for its July production “The Man Who Killed The Cure” a 2017 play by Luke Yankee inspired by the work of Dr. Max Gerson, one of the fathers of natural healing. Auditions will be Monday and Wednesday, April 8th and 10th from 7-9PM each evening at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Fort Ontario in Oswego. No preparation is necessary; auditionees will read sides from the script. Rehearsals will begin mid-May, 2024. Performance dates are weekends July 12-21, 2024. The production is under the direction of William Edward White, who directed last season’s record-attendance and TANYS-award-winning production of “The Last Lifeboat”, also written by Luke Yankee.

The World’s Greatest Dancing Bear will take to the Frances Marion Brown Stage in April as The Oswego Players proudly presents “The Arkansaw Bear” by Aurand Harris. Saddened and bewildered at her grandfather's approaching death, Tish runs to her "special tree." There, in a world of fantasy provided by her wish on a star, she meets the aforementioned dancing bear. He is old, like her grandfather, and is running away. In trying to help him, she begins to understand the meaning of both life and death, which helps her to cope with her own sadness. “The Arkansaw Bear” – an important work by America's foremost playwright for young audiences blends realism and fantasy, pathos and humor. It is delightfully theatrical, with music, magic, and dance, and has been enthusiastically applauded by children and family audiences alike. Directed by Norman Berlin, III it is part of double-bill collaboration with the Oswego Opera Company who will present children’s opera “Brundibár” by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása, libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, and directed by Juan LaManna. The joint production will run April 5th, 6th and 7th at the Oswego Players, “The Little Theatre on the Water.” For more information and ticket sales please visit, oswegoplayers.org or call the Players’ box office at 315-343-5138.

The Oswego Players will hold open auditions for its May production of Ira Levin’s comedy-thriller “Deathtrap” on Friday, March 15th from 7–9PM and Sunday, March 19th from 2–4PM at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre, Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. The hit dark comedy tells the story of playwright Sidney Bruhl, who has not had a hit show in years. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college – a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student for co-credit. Or is it? The production, under the direction of Inez Manor Parker, will run weekends May 10th to May 19th, 2024. No preparation is necessary; auditionees will read scenes from the script.

Two couples gathering for an overdue game night sets the stage for an evening that tests the rules of friendship in “The Game of the Week” by Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross a new one-act play that’s part of the thrilling double-bill “The Games We Play” coming to the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego on March 8th, 9th and 10th. The production is the third-annual Don McCann Playwriting Showcase. Buitron and Gross’ script, directed by Kevin Colvin is being paired with the “Old Money, New Habits” written and directed by Alexis Martin. Both plays won the 2023 competition, which features staged productions in the annual event. The Showcase kicks-off the Players’ 86th-Anniversary Season. Started in 2022 as a one-evening event, it has built into a much-anticipated, annual full weekend run, a new tradition for “The Little Theatre on the Water.” “Game of the Week” begins with Kat and her husband, Rudy, inviting Rudy's friend, Steve and his wife, Alicia, over for a game night. While Kat is making cookies, Alicia asks her about her recent stay in a psychiatric ward. When they return to the game, Steve interrupts Rudy's explanation of the rules to chastise Alicia for asking such a rude question. “Game” soon takes on a new dimension.

One Murder. Two Brothers. Three Doors. Four Suspects – and maybe some port. All will blend together in March as the Oswego Players ask the deadly, but farcical question, “Who killed Edward Eldemire Esquire?” That and many further shenanigans are explored in “Old Money, New Habits” a new one-act play written and directed by Alexis Martin. It’s part of the thrilling double-bill “The Games We Play” coming to the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego on March 8th, 9th and 10th. The production is the third-annual Don McCann Playwriting Showcase. Martin’s script, her first-ever, Co-won the 2023 grand prize. The evening will also feature the other winning script, “Game of the Week” written by Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross and directed by Kevin Colvin. The Showcase kicks-off the Players’ 86th-Anniversary Season. Started in 2022 as a one-evening event, it has built into a much-anticipated, annual full weekend run, a new tradition for “The Little Theatre on the Water.” As well as being her first staged play, Martin will be making her directorial debut. The cast for the production includes: Matthew Fleming as the Butler, Scott Bandla as Percival Davies, Tammy Thompson as Penelope Davies, Kevin Colvin as Monty Davies, Gina Mazzoli as Felicity Davies, and Peter Mahan as The Strange Man.

Classics, Comedy, Suspense, Farce, True Drama, New Plays and New Directors will be making their way to the stage of the Frances Marion Theatre in 2024 as The Oswego Player proudly announces its 86th season. Since its founding in 1938, the Players have carried on a tradition of producing a full slate of productions yearly. For the 2024 season, the seven mainstage shows marks one of the most ambitious slates the company as ever mounted. The 86th-anniversary season actually kicked off last month with a dinner theatre evening of comedic one-acts, “Chef’s Kiss” held on January 27th at Canale’s Restaurant on Oswego’s west side. The show had the distinction of selling-out in just over 24 hours, leaving many in the community clamoring for a “second helping”. In March, the mainstage portion of the season begins with “Games We Play” the third-annual production of winning plays of the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest. The two one-acts, which won the 2023 competition, are: “Game of the Week” by Aaron Buitron & Phil Gross and directed by Kevin Colvin, and "Old Money, New Habits” written and guest directed by Alexis Martin. The performances will run March 8th and 9th at 7:30 pm and March 10th at 2:00 pm. This production is pay-what-you-wish with all of the proceeds going towards the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest fund.

The Oswego Players would like to announce the cast of Old Money, New Habits by Alexis Martin. This production was one of the 2023 Don McCann playwriting Winners and will be presented along with Game of the Week written by Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross. Old Money, New Habits will Alexis Martin’s directorial debut. Tagline: One Murder. Two Brothers. Three Doors. Four Suspects. (And maybe some port…) Who killed Edward Eldemire Esquire? This year’s Don McCann Playwriting Showcase, The Games We Play will run from March 8th, 9th and 10th at the Oswego Players, “The Little Theatre on the Water. For more information and ticket sales please visit, https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for one of their 2023 Don McCann playwriting Winners. Kevin Colvin will be directing prize winner “Game of the Week” written by Aaron Buitron and Phil Gross. “Game of the Week” will be presented alongside Alexis Martin’s “Old Money, New Habits” as The Games We Play on March 8th , 9th 10th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. The director of the production Kevin Colvin is looking for a cast of two men and two women. Auditions will be held on Saturday, February 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 7 00 p.m. at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre located near Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. There will be no callbacks for this production and all auditioning actors will be asked to “Cold Read” from the script. No monologues are necessary. This years showcase, The Games We Play will run from March 8th, 9th and 10th at the Oswego Players, “The Little Theatre on the Water. For more information and ticket sales please visit, https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.

Charles Dickens’ returns to Central New York with his 1843 hit-classic “A Christmas Carol.” Upon its original publication, which coincided with an early Victorian revival of Christmas celebrations, Dickens laid the groundwork for what would also become a much-beloved holiday theatrical tradition. Dickens would hold public readings of this cherished tale in his native Great Britain, but proved so popular, he went on a tour of the United States. Between December 1867 to April 1868, he performed 76 sold-out readings. But he didn’t just visit major cities, like New York and Boston. He also performed in Central New York, cities such as Utica and Syracuse. On March 9th, 1868, Charles Dickens came to Syracuse to give a reading of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Pickwick Papers.” His description of seeing the city of Syracuse was, “The most wonderful, out-of-the-world place, which looks like it had begun to be built yesterday and were going to be imperfectly knocked together with a nail or two the day after tomorrow.”

As the snowflakes gently begin to fall and twinkling lights adorn the streets, the joyous holiday season is fast approaching. With it comes, the Oswego Players highly anticipated production of Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, “A Christmas Carol.” This heartwarming adaptation by Peter DeLaurier promises to transport audiences into the enchanting world of Victorian London, where the magic of Christmas abounds. Embracing the true essence of Christmas, our cast boasts a delightful mix of seasoned performers and talented newcomers, ready to take the stage at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre. From the Narrator and Third Sprit, Chelsea Wright, to the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge played by Richard Heim, this multi-generational ensemble is set to deliver a holiday performance that will warm your heart and fill you with the spirit of the season.

When an ensemble of Oswego Players take the stage to recreate Orson Welles’1938 Martian invasion of Earth they will be doing more than just offering a great Halloween-eve’s bit of entertainment; they will be raising funds for the next generation of Theater and Writing students. The “Two Tales of Terror” combination of “The War of the Worlds” and “The Monkey’s Paw” will run as a one-night-only event on Monday, October 30, 2023 – the 85th anniversary of the original CBS Mercury Theatre radio program. Curtain time is 7 PM on stage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. Tickets are $10 a piece and may be obtained by calling the box office at 315-343-5138 or visiting the Oswego Players' website at https://oswegoplayers.org/tickets. This special addition to the Players’ 85th–anniversary season is being presented as a benefit, with all proceeds going to help fund the organization’s annual scholarship programs, which yearly gives awards to college-bound Oswego County High School Seniors intent on studying Theatrical and English Writing Arts. The programs are named for and honor the memory of two Oswego Players members: Lawrence E. Rose and Marion Green.

The Oswego Players have found great success with their murder mysteries in the past and “Night Must Fall” is no exception. The Players third production of “Night Must Fall” is being given five awards by TANYS. This taut psychological thriller, first presented in 1935, has terrified and thrilled Broadway London and Oswego audiences for decades, and has been adapted to film three times.

The infamous October night in 1938 that panicked millions of American radio listeners – convinced that a vanguard of Martians had invaded Earth – will come alive again as The Oswego Players proudly presents The Mercury Theatre’s version of “The War of the Worlds”. The recreation of the legendary “panic broadcast” will run as a one night only event on Monday, October 30, 2023 – the 85th anniversary of the original CBS radio program. Curtain time is 7 PM on stage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. Tickets are $10 a piece and may be obtained by calling the box office at 315-343-5138 or visiting the Oswego Players' website at https://oswegoplayers.org/tickets. This special addition to the Players’ 85th–anniversary season is being presented as a benefit, with all proceeds going to help fund the organization’s annual scholarship programs, which yearly gives awards to college-bound Oswego County High School seniors intent on studying Theatrical and English Writing Arts.

Murder most foul is in the Autumn air as the Oswego Players brings “Night Must Fall” by Emlyn Williams to the stage of the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY on October 6, 7, 8, 13,14, and 15. The production features the talents of Kimberly Vogt, Josh Mumm, Ashalee Caggy, Allison Vanouse, Nelson Metz, Jessie Dobrzynski, Rachel Leotta, William Edward White, Christina Rodgers, and Michael Moss. The play is under the direction of Gina Mazzoli. Curtain times for the Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM. Sunday matinee performances are at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and may be obtained by calling the box office at 315-343-5138 or visiting the Oswego Players' website at https://oswegoplayers.org/tickets. “Night Must Fall’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

“Night Must Fall” by Emlyn Williams has an enduring legacy at the Oswego Players. The current production is the third production in 74 years. The play has been a smash hit for the Players twice and the third production will be no exception. Who doesn’t love a good psychological thriller with a little murder on the side? This third production of the classic psychological mystery is directed by Gina Mazzoli. Gina’s brother Mark played the lead male role of Dan, the mysterious stranger in the 2000 production. Nelson Metz is reprising his role of Hubert Laurie from the 2000 production. The cast of 2023 version also includes Kimberly Vogt as Mrs. Bramson, Ashalee Caggy as Olivia Grayne, Christina Rogers as Nurse Libby, Jessie Dobrzynski as Mrs. Terence, Rachel Leotta as Dora Parkoe, William Edward White and Donald Crowe as Inspector Belsize, Michael Moss as the constable and Josh Mumm as Dan. Don’t miss out on this gripping classic murder mystery. Get your tickets by calling the box office at 315-343-5138 or visiting our website at https://oswegoplayers.org/tickets. “Night Must Fall’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. https://www.concordtheatricals.com/ This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for their upcoming December production of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Peter DeLaurier. The director of the production Jennifer Hitchcock is looking for a cast of a 16 to 35 men, women and children ages 4 and up. Many of these roles are gender flexible and more actors can be a part of the ensemble roles. Additionally, Hitchcock is seeking singers to carol before the show and during intermission, along with a choir director for singers during show. Auditions will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 11thfrom 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre located near Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY. There will be no callbacks for this production and all auditioning actors will be asked to “Cold Read” from the script. No monologues are necessary.

On the stage of the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at the Oswego Players, a new production of “Peter Pan” will fly into Oswego this summer. As one of the longest-serving community theatre company in the nation, the Players have invested in the future with this latest show—casting actors as young as 5 (Tinker Belle) in the ensemble troupe. Come see the antics of the famous Boy Would Not Grow Up as conceived in the Edwardian age to a contemporary Girl Who Does Not Want to Grow Up. The production is based on the classic children’s book, “Peter Pan and Wendy” by J. M. Barrie. This new version has music by Lutz Mayer, lyrics by Joel Shatzky, book by Jack Carr and music arrangements by Julie Along Carr with music direction by Juan LaManna. The production, part of the Oswego Players’ 85th anniversary season, will run weekends August 18-20 and August 25-27 at Frances Marion Brown, Oswego, NY. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinee at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Reservations may be made by calling (315) 343-5138 or going to https://oswegoplayers.org.

The production is based on the classic children’s book, PETER PAN AND WENDY by J. M. Barrie. This new version has music by Lutz Mayer, lyrics by Joel Shatzky, book by Jack Carr and music arrangements by Julie Along Carr with music direction by Juan LaManna.   The intergenerational cast includes Michael Moss, Ashley McKinstry, Jake Barton (appearing as both the hapless Mr. Darling and our favorite villain Captain Hook), Beatta Collins, Wendy Thompson, Paul Thompson, Jennifer Waugh, Grace Syrell, Caroline Auler, Katie Auler, Melany Van Deviver, Austin Bryan, Chelsea Wright, Virgil Fitzgerald, Kieran Henderson (in the title role), Charlotte Gilkey, Este Barreto, Charlie Thompson and Liliana Salinas. Beatta Collins and Liliana Salinas alternate as Wendy Darling and legendary veteran actor Nancy Kane (last seen as Melissa Gardner in LOVE LETTERS on our stage) makes a special guest appearance as Mrs. Darling for the August 20 matinee.  

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for their upcoming fall production "Night Must Fall" a dramatic thriller centered around murder, love and suspense. Director Gina Mazzoli is looking for a cast of 9 actors, 5 women and 4 men. These roles are large in nature with the exception of the additional inspector who has been added by the director for dramatic effect. Auditions will be held on Monday, August 7th and Wednesday, August 9th from 7pm until 9pm at the Francis Marion Brown Theatre located at Fort Ontario in Oswego NY. There will be no callbacks for this production and all auditioning actors will be asked to "Cold Read" from the script. No monologues are necessary. All characters will be required to do accents either upper class English or Cockney. Please be prepared to try using a accent and demonstrate this at auditions.

On the stage of the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at the Oswego Players, a veritable Titanic “museum” is being assembled to present their July production of Luke Yankee’s play “The Last Lifeboat”. The play explores the life and memory of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of The White Star Line. An upper-crust Englishman who always did what was expected of him, Ismay went to the best schools, married the right society girl (even though he was in love with someone else) and vowed to his staunch, unfeeling father on his deathbed that he would take over the family shipping business and build the biggest, most opulent ship the world had ever seen: the RMS Titanic. The production, part of the Oswego Players’ 85th anniversary season, will run weekends July 14 through July 23 at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre in Fort Ontario Park, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night curtain times are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinee times at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Reservations may be made by calling 315-343-5138 or going to https://oswegoplayers.org. While the Last Lifeboat centers on the sinking of the Titanic and its aftermath, it does so through the memories of Ismay and those who lives crossed paths with him. To bring this to the stage, guest director William Edward White’s vision for the production is a Titanic Museum filled with images and memories. The walls of the theater are coved by real newspaper headlines and photographs of the victims and survivors of the sinking. To further create immersion of a Titanic museum, the lobby of the Oswego Civic Arts Center is graced with items from a local Oswegoian’s collection.

On the stage at the Oswego Players, an ensemble group of a dozen actors are testing their theatrical sea legs in Luke Yankee’s play “The Last Lifeboat”. The play explores the life of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of The White Star Line. An upper-crust Englishman who always did what was expected of him, Ismay went to the best schools, married the right society girl (even though he was in love with someone else) and vowed to his staunch, unfeeling father on his deathbed that he would take over the family shipping business and build the biggest, most opulent ship the world had ever seen: the RMS Titanic. The production, part of the Players’ 85th anniversary season, will run weekends July 14 through 23 at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night curtain times are at 7:30PM, with Sunday matinee times at 2PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Reservations may be made by calling 315-343-5138 or going to https://oswegoplayers.org.

THE LAST LIFEBOAT is the untold story of J. Bruce Ismay, the owner of the White Star shipping Line when The Titanic sank, whose decision to save himself rather than go down with the ship made him the scapegoat for one of the greatest disasters of all time. This epic tale explores not only the tragedy itself, but the sensationalized trials and aftermath of the night that changed the world forever.

Actors looking to join the ride to Never Never Land are welcome to audition for the Oswego Players’ upcoming original musical, Peter Pan. Auditions will be held Monday, June 12th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario. All ages over 5, all abilities, all ethnicities, all gender fluidities, all experience levels welcome. Those hoping to perform onstage should be prepared to tell a brief joke and to sing "Happy Birthday." The Oswego Players’ Peter Pan is a new version of the classic story with music and lyrics by Lutz Mayer and Joel Shatzky. Schoolchildren wishing to audition should bring a school photo and an adult. Production dates for Peter Pan are August 18th – 20th and 25th – 27th. For further details on auditions and ticket information please visit www.oswegoplayers.org or phone (315) 343-5138. Above is Sadie Niggli with Lucca performing as a flower and Nana in last year’s production of Peter Pan.

The Oswego Players announce auditions on Monday, June 12 (5pm -7 pm) for their upcoming original musical, PETER PAN, at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario. The production dates for Peter Pan are August 18-20 and 25-27. All ages over 5, all abilities, all ethnicities, all gender fluidities, all experience levels welcome. Schoolchildren should bring a school photo and an adult. Those hoping to perform onstage should be prepared to tell a brief joke and to sing "Happy Birthday."

The Oswego Players will be hold auditions for “The Last Lifeboat” – a play about the sinking of the Titanic and the man became forever blamed for the incident. Director William Edward White is looking for strong actors 18 to 60+ for an ensemble cast of eleven. Auditions will be Monday and Tuesday, April 24 and 25 from 6:30-9PM each night at the Players’ home, the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Callbacks, if needed, will be on Tuesday, May 2, also from 6:30-9PM. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue. Written by Luke Yankee, the play explores the life of J. Bruce Ismay, owner of The White Star Line. An upper-crust Englishman who always did what was expected of him, Ismay went to the best schools, married the right society girl (even though he was in love with someone else) and vowed to his staunch, unfeeling father on his deathbed that he would take over the family shipping business and build the biggest, most opulent ship the world had ever seen: the RMS Titanic.

The Oswego Players 85th season continues with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the award-winning play based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens. Matthew Fleming directs this production, running April 21s 22nd, 23rd, and April 28th, 28th ,30th at The Francis Marion Brown Theatre, “the little theatre by the water” in the historic Fort Ontario barracks building. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, revolves around 15-year-old Christopher, and the unique way he experiences life around him. Christopher has an extraordinary mind, making him exceptionally skilled at things like mathematics but leaving him in the dark when it comes to social interactions. He has lived a fairly sheltered life in his quiet neighborhood, with his parents, and his teacher Shioban to guide and support him, until at 7 minutes after midnight he finds himself standing over his neighbor’s dead dog, and his life turns upside down. Christopher sets out to solve this mystery, and in the process, shows himself, and others, that he is stronger than even he believed.

Why is everyone calling this month the "Soviet" March. Find out this weekend March 10th, 11th and 12th at the Oswego Players. On Friday March 10th at 7:00 PM, there will be a reception with light refreshments. Refreshments will also be served during intermission and after each production. This production is “pay what you wish” with all of the proceeds benefitting the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest fund. Get your tickets now by calling 315-343-5138, or you can purchase tickets online at www.oswegoplayers.org. When you arrive at the theater, you might receive a free gift at the door! And then prepare for an evening of intrigue, drama, and laugh.

Come see CRIMES OF PASSION on March 10th, 11th, 12th. www.oswegoplayers.org 315-343-5138 Dollar Dance: Starring... Emil Christmann, Sarah Galvin, Joshua Mumm. Written & Directed by Nicholas Gentile Cinematography by Peter Mahan

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” on February 25th and 26th. Auditions for Curious Incident will take place on Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Sunday, February 26th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. The auditions will be cold reading from the script. The play was written by Simon Stephens based on the novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. This production will be directed by Matthew Fleming. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” was the winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play. A short synopsis of the story: “15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world”. The dates of this production are on April 14, 15, 16 and April 21, 22, 23. The cast includes roles for 5 men and 5 women. There is some adult language peppered throughout the play. For more information and ticket sales please go to our website, https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.

The second production of the Oswego Players 85th season is Scenes of the Crime. This production is a showcase that features the two standout one-act plays that placed in 2022 Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest. These two one-act plays are written and brought to life by local, talented individuals. The first play featured in this showcase is “Kleptocracy” by Anton Porcari and guest directed by Donald Crowe. The second play being presented is “Crimes of Passion” written and guest directed by Nicholas Gentile. The dates of Scenes of the Crime are March 10th and March 11th at 7:30 pm and March 12th at 2:00 pm. This production is pay what you wish with all of the proceeds going towards the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest fund. Tickets are now on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can purchase tickets online at www.oswegoplayers.org.

The Oswego Players opens its 2023 season with a special dinner theatre production on January 20 and 21 at La Parrilla on the Water in Oswego. The “Check Please” Trilogy, a comedy about bad dating experiences, is set over three short acts. Each play follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse -- until they do.

The Oswego Players 2023 season opens on January 20 and January 21 with a special dinner theatre production at La Parrilla on the Water of the “Check Please” Trilogy. The “Check Please” Trilogy is written by Johnathan Rand, these three one-act plays are some of the most popular one acts in the world. Check Please” is a comedy about bad dating set over three short acts. Each play follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse -- until they do. Can you handle a sports enthusiast, a mime, someone with a fear of dinner conversation, a pirate, etc.? Come laugh the night away as you witness the epitome of bad dates. The cast includes funny local talent such as Donald DelPriore, Ashley McKinstry. Matthew Fleming, Jennie Patrick. Joshua DeLorenzo, Stephanie Johnson, Michael A. Bolio, Donald Crowe, Christina Rogers. Tammy Thompson ,Megan Murtha, Beverly Murtha, Katie Gerth, Beth DeRousie, Rebecca Kandt, Amy Armet , Jennifer Waugh. Directing these hilarious one acts are Kevin Colvin, Hannah Kandt and Inez Manor Parker. Dinner is at 5 pm and the show will start at the conclusion of dinner. Tickets are $60 and are on sale at La Parrilla only. To make reservations for the show call La Parrilla at 315-216-4179.

The Oswego Players is proud to introduce the Creation Studio dancers featured in their upcoming December production of “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker”. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker”, is a new version of the Nutcracker written by Ramonda Huff. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker” is directed by Amy C. Metz. It is based on the story by ETA Hoffman’s ”The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet. The production also includes excerpts from the Nutcracker ballet performed by select students from Creation Studio.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for Johnathan Rand’s “Check Please” Trilogy on December 1st and 3rd. Auditions for Check Please will take place on Thursday, December 1st at 6 pm- 8 pm and Saturday, December 3rd from 1 pm-3 pm Frances Marion Brown Theater. “Check Please” is a comedy about bad dating set over three short acts. Can you handle a sports enthusiast, a mime, someone with a fear of dinner conversation, a pirate, etc.? Come laugh the night away as you witness the epitome of bad dates. Three directors will take on this hilarious three-part comedy for an exclusive dinner theater experience at La Parrilla on the Water on January 20th and 21st. Looking for 12 individuals to take on multiple roles. Come one, come all, just come ready to laugh.

The Oswego Players still has cast members in Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker to introduce to the public. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker”, is a new version of the “Nutcracker” written by Ramonda Huff. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker” is directed by Amy C. Metz. It is based on the story by ETA Hoffman’s” The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet. The cast includes both experienced actors and talented newcomers to the Francis Marion Brown Theatre.

The Oswego Players needs to introduce even more talented Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker cast members. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker” is a new version of the Nutcracker written by Ramonda Huff. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker” is directed by Amy C. Metz. It is based on the story by ETA Hoffman’s ”The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet. The production also includes excerpts from the Nutcracker ballet performed by classical ballet students from Creation Studio. The cast includes experienced actors, amazing young performers and wonderful newcomers to the Francis Marion Brown Theatre: Kevin Colvin has worked in Community theatre since the spring of 2016. His favorite roles so far were: Max, in Oswego Players most recent production of "A Comedy of Tenors," and The Great Goblin and Smaug in "The Hobbit." Although this is only the second time he has gotten to perform stage combat, the first being "The Hobbit," it is one of his favorite performance skills. Kevin’s roles in this production are Rat King/party guest/Sugarplum Fairy's guard. Olive O’Connor is 13 years old and is in the 8th grade. In this production Olive plays the Sugar Plum Fairy. Olive likes to play instruments including the flute, the piccolo, and the French horn. Olive was in previous shows including Pride and Prejudice and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

The Oswego Players has a fantastic talented cast in “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker”. This new version of the Nutcracker was written Ramonda Huff. “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker” is directed by Amy C. Metz. It is based on the story by ETA Hoffman”The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet. The cast includes both experienced actors and wonderful newcomers to the Francis Marion Brown Theatre. Lana Hsu is very excited to be Clara Hoffman in this production of the Nutcracker. She is 14 years old and in ninth grade at Oswego High school. She loves acting and has most recently played Mae Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie” at Oswego Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys baking and gymnastics. A retired schoolteacher, Peter Mahan has been involved in community theater for over 10 years and has worked as an actor in more than 20 productions. Peter plays the role of Drosselmeyer in “Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker”. His favorite role was R. P. McMurphy in “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” which he did for both Oswego Players and the Auburn Players. His hobbies include writing, photography, and micro-budget filmmaking.

Alexis Martin is thrilled to be joining the Oswego Players in “A Comedy of Tenors”! Alexis has desired to be a performer since she learned what theatre and the arts provided. This was at quite a young age due to having a wonderful father who was a professional children’s entertainer for 36 years. Early on she was exposed not only to music and performing in general, but to the magical connection between audience and performer. Since falling in love with the arts at such a young age, her passion has grown exponentially.

Sherri Metz, the director of the Oswego Players fall production, is proud to announce the exciting cast of Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors”. Heading the lineup is local favorite Matt Fleming playing Tito Merelli- a famous Italian opera singer. Matt was last seen in this month’s production of “Pride and Prejudice”.

Nothing says Christmas like "The Nutcracker"! The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for our December production of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday August 27th from 10 am to 12 pm and Sunday August 28th from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. Dates for the production are December 2,3,4 and 9, 10, 11. The Nutcracker will be a full-length theatrical play, with excerpts from the ballet performed by classical ballet students from Creation Studio, (a small business located here in Oswego). This fresh take on a classic story will bring to life, the magic and fantasy of Christmas Eve through the eyes of Clara. Auditions for acting roles will include roles for men and women ages 10+! Some acting roles may have moving/dancing parts, upon the agreement of the director and performer, to team up with our dancers at Creation. Actors may specify at auditions if they want to be considered for any movement sections. No singing required! To audition, please prepare a recitation of a favorite nursery rhyme or fable. Cold readings will also take place.

Celebrate the summer by going back in time to the 1813! The Oswego Players presents the “Pride and Prejudice” on August 5th and 6th at 6:30 pm. This special theatrical event will be taking place outside, presented within the walls of Fort Ontario. Please feel free to bring your own comfortable chair from home for the performance. The Oswego Players is partnering with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Friends of Fort Ontario for this production. Tickets are on sale at the box office. You can make a reservation by calling the box office at 315-343-5138, or you can make reservations online by credit card at www.oswegoplayers.org.

Great costumes add to any theatrical production’s success. A director needs the best team of costumers to make their version for the show reach the stage. The Oswego Players has an excellent group of costumers and volunteers who help make dreams become reality. Marie Sterphone and her best friend, Sonia Lough-Berlin always make the most remarkable ideas come to life. “Pride and Prejudice” features spectacular costumes that come from interesting period, the Regency era. The Regency era was a time of relatively simple and classic fashions. The Regency period itself was relatively short, lasting only from 1811 to 1820. The era's title comes from the time when Prince George IV was ruling in the place of his father, King George III.

The Oswego Players will be holding auditions for Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” on August 7th and August 8th. Director Sherri Metz says come prepared to cold read from the script on August 7th from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm and August 8th 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater. The cast includes roles for 3 females and 4 males. Dates for the production are September 30th, October 1st, 2nd and October 7th, 8th and 9th with special dinner theater performances October 14th and 15th at the Church of the Resurrection.

A Murder is Announced and someone wants Letitia Blacklock dead! Could it be sweet “Bunny” Bunner? Or perhaps Julia and Patrick Simmons are the culprits. Then there is the impetuous Hungarian maid, Mitzi. What of Mrs. Swettenham and her son Edmond or the angry Phillipa Haymes? It will take all the brilliance of Miss Marple and Inspector Craddock to solve this intriguing mystery. The cast includes Rebecca Kandt, Tammy Thompson, Megan Murtha, Josh Munn, Caylyn Salmonsen, Beverly Murtha, Kevin Colvin, Cameron Waugh, Lori Blackburn, William Edward White, Don Crow, and George Spelvin. Inez Manor Parker is directing this production. Norman J. Berlin III is producing it. Troy Pepper is stage managing and assisting the director. Ken Snow has designed and is building the set. Adele Anesko Cronk is dressing the set, and Marie Sterphone is costuming the actors.

Calling all thespians! The Oswego Players are pleased to announce open auditions for their upcoming summer productions of “A Murder is Announced” by Leslie Darbon adapted from Agatha Christie’s novel. This show is directed by Inez M. Parker. Be prepared to cold read from the script on Friday, May 6th from 6-8 pm and Saturday, May 7th from 1 pm-4 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater.

There are three more performances ready for audiences to enjoy as the Oswego Players close out their season opener this weekend. Tickets are still available for April 8th, 9th, and 10th in the Frances Marion Brown Theater by calling the box office at 315-343-5138 or making reservations online at: oswegoplayers.org. The comedy production features four local talents who join together for two hours of great laughs and a couple of tears. Sherri Metz plays the role of Randa Covington, Beth DeRousie takes on the character of Dot Haigler, Gina Mazzoli Wentworth portrays Jinx Jenkins, and Beverly Murtha becomes Marlafaye Mosley, four strangers who become fast friends over a series of funny life escapades.

She cloisters herself in a space no larger than 6’ x 6’. She is surrounded by costumes, fabric, buttons, bows, and sparkly things. The machine in front of her hums for hours and hours guided by her watchful eye, and skillful hands. She is a creative magician who often takes shapeless pieces of cloth and makes hats and masks and skirts and lots of pretty things. She’s our very own Marie Sterphone, Costume Lady Extraordinaire.

The Oswego Players’ production of their season opener brings together two talented actresses who create magic on the Frances Marion Brown Theater Stage. Beverly Murtha plays, Marlafaye Mosley a no-nonsense Texas gal, who can hold her own in a good argument. Sherri Metz takes on the role of Randa Covington a charming Georgia woman who was recently let go from her high-profile job. Together the sparks fly as these two go “toe to toe” now and then throughout the play with high energy and laughs galore.

What would a stage play be like without the sparkle of the lights, the impact of sound effects and music, and a spectacular set? Well in this case, all these enhancements will be magically present when the curtain opens in two weeks for the Oswego Players’ season opener. The play takes place in Savannah Georgia over a period of six months or so as four uniquely personal southern women forge a comradery to last a lifetime. And in the process, the audience gets to watch as they come together on the veranda to discuss life, love, and friendship. All of this is sure to bring many a smile and tons of laughter to everyone who attends. Place all of this on the Frances Marion Stage in a beautiful set constructed by Bob and Skeeter Collins along with lighting and sound by Matthew Georgiades, and POW, you have the makings of one dynamic production.

When director Paul McKinney scheduled auditions for Oswego Players” production of “The Savannah Sipping Society,” he had his fingers crossed along with a few of his toes, hoping there would be a good number of women who would be interested in reading for the play. All eight of the women who eventually read, could easily have been cast in one role or the other. However, this time around, four of these fine actresses just seemed to click with one another in their auditions together. So, he ultimately cast Sherri Metz, Beth DeRousie, Beverly Murtha, and Gina Mazzoli Wentworth to play the leads in “The Savannah Sipping Society.” And happily, Becky Kandt and Jennie Patrick, signed on to be Stage Managers for the show. Now how lucky can you get. Paul laughingly calls this his “all women show, plus one.”

So often when we go to a theater production, we get totally caught up in the action on the stage. If it’s a classic, we sit quietly as the actors recreate something from the past. If it’s a musical, we sometimes hum along with the music. When it’s a comedy we just sit back and have a good laugh for ourselves. And that is exactly what the magic of live theater is meant to do…totally immerse the audience in the moment. So often we leave the theater talking about those emotions the play brought to bear. But how many times do we think about all the creative talents who worked “behind the scenes” orchestrating all the pieces that make up the totality of the production? When “The Savannah Sipping Society” opens, Becky Kandt, Jennie Patrick, Caylyn Salmonsen, and Steve Standish will not be seen nor heard. But their talents will be ever present as they manage the many stage props and set ups the actors need to enhance the action of the play.

It’s time to sit back, relax in a comfy chair in a beautiful little theater by the water and giggle, tee hee, and probably even laugh out loud. That is exactly what we plan on happening when the Oswego Players’ season opener, “The Savannah Sipping Society,” opens in a few weeks. Now here’s the reason we think you’re going to really enjoy this comedy. The play takes place in Savannah Georgia where four unique southern gals decide the best way to handle any life crisis begins with happy hour. Drawn together by fate, they strike out to intentionally embrace new life experiences with hilarious results. They discover that husbands, careers, and firm fannies may slip away but good friendships have staying power. So let us introduce you to the Ladies of the Sipping Society. First there is Randa (Sherri Metz). Randa is an uptight, workaholic perfectionist who recently had a meltdown at her architectural firm, was fired and escorted off the premises.

We know what you must be thinking! Who are these women? What are they smiling about? Why are they holding their hands up as if they are toasting someone? And what are all those boards in the background for? Well, it’s no mystery. Really it isn’t. The answers are very simple. Here goes… The four sippers include Beverly Murtha and Beth DeRouse in the front row, and Sherri Metz and Gina Wentworth standing in the back. These four talented young (lol) actresses are the main characters in the lively comedy, “The Savannah Sipping Society.” The show is the season opener for the Oswego Players 84th Anniversary year. They are smiling because they are having great fun creating the characters they will play in the Jones, Wooten, Hope comedy April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 in the Oswego Players’ Frances Marion Brown Theater. As the titlesuggests, they are raising their hands in a toast (without glasses of course) practicing their sipping skills, of which they do a lot of in the play.

Gina Wentworth loves community theater and has graced the stage of the Oswego Players, Frances Marion Brown Theater numerous times. Most recently she held a major role in their production of “Dearly Departed.” And in 2019, she portrayed Annie Oakley in the OP production of “Annie Get Your Gun” for which she was nominated for a SALT award for best actress in a musical. It's no surprise that this time around, Gina will be taking on the responsibility of directing the Don McCann Playwriting winning one act play, “Candy” by awardee Sara Galvin. The production will be part of the Oswego Players’ Open House Celebration on March 4th when the public will be invited to an informal reception and program to include two one act plays, and a fun session of improvisations.

In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by chance and decide it’s high time to lend a supporting word to one another over a weekly gab fab they call the Savannah Sipping Society.

Have we got a show for you! The Oswego Players had great fun with the production of Dearly Departed this fall. The playwright Jessie Jones gave us a hilarious play that delighted all those who attended a performance. Jones, along with her colleague writers Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, has done it again. This time, we meet four unique Southern women who are unexpectedly drawn together and decide it is high time they reclaim the excitement for life they seem to have lost through the years.

The Oswego Players is excited to announce auditions for their Spring comedy production of the Savannah Sipping Society January 8th and 9th from 1 to 3 pm in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Civic Art Center, 30 Donahue Dr. Oswego, NY. Here’s a little information to spark your interest.

When “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” opened this past weekend, the enthusiastic audiences were treated to laughs a plenty. If you missed it, you still have an opportunity to come to the Frances Marion Brown Theater and enjoy a couple of hours of good old fashion fun. And best of all, included in this fine cast are these three characters who will have you in stitches. We’ve already highlighted Mr. Whiteside, played by Robert Kovak, but must share a few words about Norm Berlin playing Banjo and Gary Smith who portrays Beverly Carlton.

So, let’s say you invite a famous person to your house for dinner. Let’s say he agrees to come.. Then let’s say, when he arrives, he slips on your front steps, breaks his hip, and ends up in a wheel chair. But even worse, let’s say he decides to stay until he recuperates fully. OK, so maybe you can deal with that, right? But then you find out that he is a grumpy, angry, demanding invader into your life. Hey, some would say you have the makings of a funny play. “The Man Who Came to Dinner” is just such a play. And all you have to do to experience it, is buy a ticket, get to the Frances Marion Brown Theater, sit back, and laugh a lot. Easy, isn’t it? When these three actors take the stage, you can wallow in the delight of a popular Christmas performance that will kick off your Christmas Season. These pivotal actors include Robert Novak as Sheridan Whiteside, Lori Blackburn as Ms. Stanley, and George Valentine as Mr. Stanley.

When the Oswego Players opens the doors to their Frances Marion Brown Theater December 3rd, audiences will be excited to see many veteran actors and some new faces on the stage. That smiling face you see in the photograph is none other than Robert Kovak. And hovering over him in the picture are mother and daughter team, Beverly and Megan Murtha. Beverly and Megan are fresh off the stage from the most recent production of “Dearly Departed.” Beverly will be playing the part of Maggie Cutler and Megan will take on the role of Lorraine Sheldon.

“Tis the season to be jolly” and do we have a fun filled classic for the whole family. Troy Pepper and his cast and crew invite you to join in the fun when they present, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” December 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm and December 5, 12 at 2:00 pm. in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Civic Center of Oswego, Donahue Drive.

Window Sills Productions brings two performances to the Frances Marion Brown Theater on Saturday, November 13th for a 2 pm matinee and a 7:30 evening show. Based in Cortland, Window Sills Productions is honored to offer these performances to the Oswego community as an encouragement to attend a live theater play after a long absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Oswego Players. Jack Carr and Nancy Kane, members of WSP, will take the stage for both performances.

A table, two chairs and a pair of actors reading from scripts on an otherwise bare stage sounds like one notch up from a radio play. But A.R. Gurney's deceptively simple tour de force, Love Letters, is that rare work whose emotional richness requires no embellishment to become a full-bodied theatrical experience.

When Jack Carr approached the Oswego Players with his idea of bringing A.R. Guerney’s play “Love Letters,” to the Frances Marion Brown Theater, it came as a great surprise. And, when Jack shared that he had been a part of the Players some time ago, the idea began to grow and soon developed into a firm date, time, and cast. On November 13th Jack and his actress colleague, Nancy Kane, will make the idea a reality.

The Oswego Players is very proud to be partnering with Window Sills Productions from Cortland, NY for a one day, two performance production of “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney. Based in Cortland, Window Sills Productions is honored to offer these performances as a gift to the Oswego Players as an encouragement as the theatre continues to emerge from the pandemic.

Sometimes few words speak volumes. This was the case with Axh Izyk and Kira Donaghue when they were asked to write a bio about their experiences with theater. And while neither knew it at the time, their sentiments are expressed right here in this article about the play they are performing in titled, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.” The Theater Arts Youth Academy closes out its run of this funny comedy this weekend with performances scheduled October 29, 30 at 7:30 pm and October 31 at 2:00 pm. Both new actors to the Oswego Players, are enjoying the comradery of making new friends, developing new skills, and just having a good time pretending. And after all, isn’t that what theater is all about.

I attended the opening night performance of “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” and found myself in the last row of the theater waiting for the show to begin. Our Theater Arts Youth Program is in its fourth year and this production was special for many reasons. Because of the impact of COVID-19, Bad Auditions is the first live stage production the Oswego Players’ Theater Arts Youth Academy has been able to present since 2019. This cast that Norm Berlin has so ably assembled includes students that have been with the Academy since its beginning. And most excitedly a few of the cast members are brand new to the group. In fact, a couple of folks are new to acting in general. That’s right, never been in a play of any kind.

Four years ago, the Oswego Players decided to extend their programming options for students wanting to dabble in live theater production. Player’s member Anne Raynor had provided a wonderfully popular summer weeklong workshop and production for the Players for many years and because of its popularity and impact, it was felt that a yearlong program could be made available for more participants and more activities. Thus, the Oswego Players Theater Arts Youth Academy was formed in 2018. Since then, the stage has been busy with all kinds of week-end workshops, rehearsals, and full-blown plays like Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. A number of these youngsters have matured and moved onto the Oswego Players’, mainstage for their regular season shows as well. It’s no surprise that Kat Winchek is the primary role and Caylyn Salmonsen has multiple parts in TAYA’s latest production. Kat will be graduating at the end of this school year and moving on to her next adventure, while Caylyn is just beginning her high school journey. They are two wonderful actresses and shared their thoughts so beautifully:

The Oswego Players has a long history of providing the younger generation opportunities to become involved in the theater arts. In fact, it is part of their charter outlined in 1963. And most recently their Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) has made workshops, classes, and stage productions for and about students a regular part of the OP programming. When Bad Auditions by Bad Actors opens this week, a bunch of eager and talented students will “put on a play” in which they have invested a lot of time and emotion for the past four weeks. All they need now is a lively audience to sit back and enjoy the moment. Your applause will be their reward for all the hard work and passion they have put into their show.

These three students are no strangers to the Frances Marion Brown Theater. They all have participated in the Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) and know each other well. What makes this show special is that each of these young actors have double roles in the TAYA production of Bad Auditions by Bad Actors. This gives them lots more time on stage to interact when the show opens in a few weeks. The Fowler brothers, Ethan and Ben hail from Hannibal and share many of the same interests. This joint venture into live theater has brought them together for a whole new experience. Here’s what they have to say about it… Ellie is also a veteran member of TAYA. She graces the stage this time in two funny roles and shares a few thoughts here…

So many times in life, we find ourselves so wrapped up in our job, family or life in general, we never seem to be able to do some of the things we always thought we wanted to do. As we get older and begin to settle into our daily routine, if we’re lucky, we might just find we now can explore that one thing that always alluded us earlier on our journey. That seems to be just the case for George Valentine. George took that big step recently and was cast in the upcoming production of Bad Auditions by Bad Actors for the Oswego Players and the Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA).

It’s always great fun meeting new actors and actresses when the Oswego Players cast a new show. It’s even more exciting when TAYA takes the stage and new folks join in the fun of “putting on a play.” Norm Berlin III knew he had a winning team when he cast both Olivia and Annabella in duel parts each in “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.” As you will soon read these two are best friends, enjoy many of the same hobbies and now will be able to take part in a major theatrical production this month. Norm asked all the students to write their own biographies for the program and publicity. And you just never know what will be written. You can’t help smile from ear to ear after reading some of them and definitely want to see them perform when the show opens in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, Civic Center, 30

When the lights go up for the next production of the Oswego Players’ Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA), two veteran young actors of the organization will share the spotlight in “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.”

The Oswego Players and their Theatre Arts Youth Academy are proud to announce that tickets are on sale for their upcoming production, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” by Ian McWethy, through licensing from Playscripts, Inc.Director Norman Berlin III is thrilled to invite many TAYA veterans back again to the Frances Marion Brown stage as well as some talented new comers who are joining in the fun. Norm tells us he has gathered a very gifted group that includes: Abigail Cosmo Smith, Annabella Sobrino, Ash Izyk, Ben Fowler, Caylyn Salmonsen, Ellie Laird, Ethan Fowler, Eva Kandt, Gus McDonald, Hannah Kandt, Kat Winchek, Kira Donaghue, Olivia O’Connor, Trevor Griffiths and George Valentine.

Calling all thespians! Director Troy Pepper and The Oswego Players is pleased to announce open auditions for their production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Working along side Mr. Pepper will be Inez M. Parker, assistant to the director and Peter Mahan, Stage Manager. The cast includes roles for 9 women and 15 men. Their ages range from 15 years to 60+ years old. Auditions dates for The Man Who Came To Dinner will be on Friday October 1st from 6-8 pm and Sunday October 3rd from 1-4 pm. Please come prepared to cold read from the script. The auditions will be at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego, NY.

The Oswego Players and their Theatre Arts Youth Academy are proud to announce the cast for their next production, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors”. The cast (pictured above) incudes a number of veterans to the Frances Marion Brown stage and several newcomers for this October production. Kathleen Winchek, George Valentine, Trevor Griffiths, Ellie Laird, Caylyn Salmonsen, Abigail Cosmo Smith, Eva Kandt, Hannah Kandt, Ben Fowler, Kira Donoghue, Ethan Fowler, Olivia O’Connor, Ash Izyk, Annabella Sobrino and Gus McDonald round out this talented group.

Director Norman Berlin III, The Oswego Players and the Theater Arts Youth Academy is pleased to announce open auditions for their production of “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors,” by Ian McWethy. The cast includes roles for 12 women and 10 men. The majority of the roles are for teenagers ranging from age 13-19. Most of the roles are gender flexible and a few of characters can be played by adults. Please come prepared to cold read from the script on Sunday, September 5th from 1 pm-4 pm, Tuesday September 8th 6 pm-8 pm and Saturday September 11th 1-4 pm at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego, NY.

When Junior Turpin and his wife Suzanne are called back home to help with a family crisis, they find themselves in the car on a long road trip with three misbehaving kids and no money. Junior has recently failed at yet another hair-brained business venture and Suzanne has lots of time to remind him of it on the long drive home. Suzanne has had a dream of becoming a famous singer all her life and feels cheated in more ways than one by her bumbling husband.

When the Reverend Hooker arrives in town, little does he know what he will have to deal with when he is called to the Turpin home for support and counsel. Meeting Raynelle Turpin and daughter Delightful is an “eye opener” experience to say the least. He tries his best to support the two but somehow keeps getting blindsided by the information he is given as he attempts to find out as much as he can about Daddy Bud Turpin.

“Now Ray, there’s not going to be any problems, are there?” Jennifer Waugh (Lucille) asks Eric Cronk playing Ray-Bud Turpin in “Dearly Departed.” Poor Ray-Bud has to handle everything and everybody in the Turpin family, and his wife Lucille has to handle Ray-Bud. Which she does with a firm hand and a soothing voice. As the comedy unfolds Ray-Bud just can’t contain himself when it comes to dealing with his younger brother Junior, played by Joshua DeLorenzo.  And the sparks fly from beginning to the hilarious ending of this timely family comedy by playwrights David Bottrell and Jessie Jones.

One of the more unique characters you will meet in “Dearly Departed” is friend of the Turpin family, Nadine. Nadine is a young woman with a healthy brood of youngsters, and a star studded outlook on life. Well, that’s how she would describe it anyway. Nadine shares her philosophy on love with her friend Lucille one late afternoon as the two women meet in the park

Their conversation starts out with…”Life is like a circle.” Junior Turpin is the younger of the Turpin boys. Poor Junior just doesn’t seem to be able to get a break with his business schemes and is in constant “hot water” with his wife Suzanne because of it.

When Peter Mahan and Eric Cronk begin their scene together in the upcoming production of “Dearly Departed” it is impossible to keep a straight face. The chemistry between these two fine actors is dynamic as Clyde, played by Peter and Ray-Bud, portrayed by Eric, teeter back and forth on the stage. It is sure to get the audience laughing out loud. Both men are veteran Oswego Players’ actors and are in their best form for this raucous comedy.

Steve Standish loves community theater and the Oswego Players, Inc. is a favorite place for him. This time around, Steve has been tapped as Stage Manager for the production of “Dearly Departed” and as such is playing an important role in its success. By his side is Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA) member Katie Gerth, who also loves theater and has played numerous roles in the TAYA. Katie is Steve’s “right hand lady” and finds herself loving every minute of this production.

This great conversation was overheard the other day by an Oswego Players’ member. It seems Husband and wife Norval and Veda were chatting while picnicking at Breitbeck Park. The conversation went something like this…

As with many organizations, this past year plus has been challenging. And for theater groups everywhere, the impact has been devastating. So it is with great pride and enthusiasm that the Oswego Players announces the season premiere of “Dearly Departed.” Paul McKinney, director of this production, invites everyone to join in the fun by making reservations early. “This comedy will offer tons of laugh lines and a heartwarming journey about family, friends, and love. ‘Dearly Departed’ runs August 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm and August 8, 15, at 2:00 pm in the Frances Marion Brown Theater, 30 Barbara Donahue Dr., Oswego. Tickets go on sale July 1.”

When Jennifer Waugh walked into auditions, she was hoping to get a part in the comedy, “Dearly Departed.” She read for a couple of the female roles, had fun and left for home, not knowing whether she had done well or not. Jennifer’s prior experience with the Oswego Players was part in the ensemble of “Annie Get Your Gun.” So when Director Paul McKinney called her on the phone a few days later, she was really excited.

Before the house lights go up, the actors and crew find themselves working a 5 or 6-week rehearsal schedule. However, this show’s production schedule has carried over from last year. The cast and crew were two weeks out from opening when COVID hit and they had to shut down. Now, over a year later, they are back at it and having great fun preparing for an early August opening.

Recently widowed Raynelle Turpin has the daunting task of planning her deceased husband’s funeral with family and friends all around lending kind words of support. Well. that’s the way her family and friends see it anyway.

A little over a year ago the Oswego Players, Inc. were just a few weeks out from opening the doors to the Frances Marion Brown theater for the lively comedy, “Dearly Departed.” The cast was off book (knew their lines), the stage was set, and the excitement of everyone involved was running sky high. Then, like so many other theater companies around the country, the lights went out and the house went dark. The COVID pandemic closed the doors for the remaining 2020 season.

A documentary made by Peter Mahan during production of Cheaper By The Dozen in the Fall of 2002.