For this year’s fourth iteration of the Don McCann Playwriting Showcase, The Oswego Players is producing the four standout one act plays from last year’s Don McCann One Act Memorial Playwriting Contest. The 2024 Playwriting Contest was open to all residents of New York state, this resulted in the highest number of submissions in the history of the contest. These four prize winning one acts were chosen from a wide variety of ninety plays. The one act play that won first place in 2024 contest is “A Matter of Measurements: The Uncut Version” by Michael Brumm.
“A Matter of Measurements: The Uncut Version” is based on Ernest Hemingway’s Parisian memoir “A Moveable Feast.” In the short story of the same name, Hemingway describes the time F. Scott Fitzgerald came to him with a problem. That problem … the size of his little Fitzgerald. In Hemingway’s retelling, the two examine it in the bathroom before going over to the Louvre to look at statues for comparison. However, that part of the story is not really elaborated on. This play attempts to fix Hemingway’s egregious omission.
The author of “A Matter of Measurements: The Uncut Version”, Michael Brumm is currently a Senior Producer/Writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He was also a Consulting Producer on At Home With Amy Sedaris. And before that, he was a 4-time Emmy Award-winning writer for The Colbert Report. In addition to TV, Michael is the author of the kid graphic novel series The Cryptid Club for HarperCollins publishing. When not working, Michael enjoys writing about himself in third person for hastily thrown together bios.
Stephanie Johnson, the director of “A Matter of Measurements: The Uncut Version” believes that “this play is a fun imagined insight into some fantastic minds of history and culture. It explores friendship, our shared human insecurities and our successes in a light, fun and somewhat relatable way. It’s a very different play and fresh gem for sure.” Scott Bandla, who has the honor of portraying Ernest Hemingway believes “whatever the real story might have been between these two literary giants, this play runs the gamut of dynamics from the small, vulnerable beats of a close friendship to a full-on, manhood-challenging duel of clashing egos. It’s rare to see that kind of range in a full-length play, much less a 15-pager like this, so it’s a fun, bonkers challenge.” Tammy Thompson, who plays Zelda Fitzgerald, enjoys this hilarious play. Tammy is quoted as saying, “I thoroughly love being on stage and being directed by some of my favorite humans.” Brumm stated” I am extremely honored to have my play performed by the Oswego Players. It’s the first time I’ve ever written a play, and it was a ton of fun. Looking forward to seeing it up on stage. Go team!”
All four prize winning One-Act plays of 2024 Don McCann Playwriting contest will all be presented this year’s Showcase. The Showcase includes “Like Clockwork” by Andrada Angileri, directed by Angella Bandla, “Maybe Tomorrow” by Brian Leahy Doyle, directed by Norman Berlin III, “Birthright” by Lydia Merritt, directed by Stephanie Johnson and the winner of 2024 “A Matter of Measurements” by Michael Brumm, also directed by Stephanie Johnson.
Tickets are “Pay-What-You-Wish” with the proceeds going towards the Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest Fund. Curtain times on Friday, March 7th and Saturday, March 8th are at 7:30 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 9th.
Tickets for the 4th Annual Don McCann Playwriting Showcase are available for purchase along with the rest of the Oswego Players 87th season at https://onthestage.tickets/oswego-players-inc/season. Please be aware that all four one act plays feature adult content, so these productions are for an adult audience only. Tickets can also be purchased by clicking the ticket button on oswegoplayers.org or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.
The Annual Showcase and Playwriting Contest honors the memory of Donald J. McCann, who was a writer, director, former President and longtime historian for the Oswego Players. The annual one act playwriting contest was established in his name and provides New York State playwrights with the opportunity to get their work read and judged. The Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest is funded by generous donations received from across the community. All proceeds from this year’s production will benefit the fund’s mission of supporting new theatrical works and their creators.
Matthew Fleming as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Scott Bandla as Ernest Hemingway engage in duel at the Louvre. Performance dates are Friday, March 7th and Saturday March 8th at 7:30 p.m. and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 9th. Please be aware that all four one act plays feature adult content, so these productions are for an adult audience only. Tickets can be purchased at oswegoplayers.org or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.