The Oswego Players’ Fall show is the hilarious farce “Old Money, New Habits”, written by local playwright Alexis Martin and directed by Sherri Metz.
In classic farce fashion, the play is set ‘somewhere in England’ in the 1930s and will be performed October 9th – 18th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in Fort Ontario Park.
Featuring temperamental aristocrats, insecure siblings, conniving wives and a butler, the plot weaves its way through murder, inheritance, skullduggery, infidelity and the odd glass of port.
“I have been directing farces for over a decade,” said Metz, “and I can honestly say that this play is right up there with the best in terms of clever dialogue, madcap movement and that ability to surprise the audience. It takes a lot of skill to incorporate such unexpected twists and turns throughout the performance.”
Playing the bombastic and overbearing Percival is Players’ regular Joshua DeLorenzo. His debut with the Players occurred many years ago when he brought his daughter to an audition, ended up auditioning himself and secured a part – his first since college. “The experience then was great,” DeLorenzo said, “and I have just kept coming back ever since. I’ve been fortunate to play in a wide variety of roles and really grow my acting ability. Each cast provides a new group to bond with and learn from, and this one is no different. Our focused but lighthearted interaction makes the whole rehearsal experience enjoyable and I’m really looking forward to bringing Percival to life in front of audiences.”
Opposite DeLorenzo is Karla Chandler-McChord playing the demure and devoted wife Penelope, whose role in life appears cleaning up the messes left by her husband. Chandler-McChord was a regular at the Players for many years until her work and personal life took her to New York City. She returned in 2023 and has re-immersed herself into the Players, both on stage and behind the scenes. “I love all aspects of theater,” she said. “Helping out with sound or lighting keeps me involved, but my true passion is being on stage. What I like particularly about this role are the secrets that emerge during the production that influence my character. But I’m not spilling any early details on what those may be!”
Performance dates and times for “Old Money, New Habits” are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays October 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on October 11th and 18th. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students and can be secured through oswegoplayers.org or by calling the box office on (315) 343-5138.
“Old Money, New Habits” is presented by special arrangement with Old Money Productions (www.oldmoneyproductions.com).
The Oswego Players acknowledges the generous financial contributions of Chiasson’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
Pictured (L to R): Joshua DeLorenzo and Karla Chandler-McChord during rehearsals for “Old Money, New Habits”