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. Don is a new director for the Oswego Players but Don is well established director in Central New York. Don is so excited to be making his directorial debut with the Oswego Players. He has directed several shows for the CNY Community Arts Center in Fulton and Fulton Community Theater. A few of his directorial credits include “Christmas Carol the Musical”, “Reindeer Monologues” and “Elf the Musical”. Don has been a part of the CNY community theater scene for over 30 years both on stage and behind the scenes. He would like to thank you all for your continued support of the arts in Central New York and hope you enjoy the show.
When asked why he chose to direct Kleptocracy, Don stated this; “I chose to direct this show partly because I love working with the amazing people that make up the Oswego Players. I also love the fact that I get to help bring a local talents word’s to life. It is extra special to be the first to direct this locally written show. I feel like that I am doing my part to keep theater alive in Central New York”.
The second play being presented is “Crimes of Passion” written and guest directed by Nicholas Gentile. Nicholas Gentile is considered one of the great beauties of our time (with an outrageous sense of humor). He is also the writer and director of several plays performed in New York City such as “Space Race” (Dixon Place), “Mr. California Teen” (Manhattan Rep), “The Cool Table” (The Secret Theatre). He is also writer of “Crimes of Passion” (Oswego Players), as well as this short biography. Nick currently is animating a feature film via JumpCut!, launching the unscripted monthly soap opera Drama Club (CNY Arts Center), and co-writing an operetta to be staged at HISTORIC FORT ONTARIO later this year.
When asked why the public should come out and see Crimes of Passion, Nick emphatically had this to say: “Are you unlucky in love? A terrible flirt? Do you tend to “scare them off”? We can help! Come see the new hit play “Crimes of Passion” at the Oswego Players and you’ll leave the theater more attractive… better dressed… turning heads! They’ll be knocking down your door. You’ll have a different date every night of the week. And, best of all, you’ll hear your friends’ sigh how you have ALL the luck! Watch all three shows – March 10th, 11th, and 12th – and live the love you’ve always wanted… guaranteed! Missing a show of this caliber would be absolutely criminal”
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.
From Left to Right: Don Crowe and Nicholas Gentile
Photography by Peter Mahan