The sound effects and lighting are set; costumes are finished; the actors know their lines and stage placements; the directors are settling their nerves; all that remains is filling the audience. Oswego Players enter the final week of rehearsals for the winners of the Don McCann Memorial Playwrighting Showcase at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in the Fort Ontario complex.
The Showcase invited playwrights across New York State to submit original one act works for judging in early 2025. Nearly 150 entries were received, and the judging panel eventually whittled these down to the top four. Audiences will see all four short plays at each performance from March 6th – 8th. “This competition has become an integral part of the Oswego Players’ season,” Players President Tammy Thompson said. “It’s a great opportunity to start the season, support local talent and allow audiences to view brand new shows.” Long-time Players member, Stephanie Johnson (“The Cannoli Queen” on Facebook), will provide light catering for the event with some of her specialty Italian-themed items.
The Showcase winners include varied adult themes. Kimberly Vogt, a new director to the Oswego Players, is directing two plays – “The Bay of Fundy” by David Adam Gill and “And We Danced” by Brian Leahy Doyle. Both plays focus on complex issues that are relevant in today’s society. “Fundy” centers on coming to terms with personal tragedy while “Danced” explores relationships, love and trust. “These are two very powerful plays,” Vogt said. “The actors have thrown their hearts and souls into their performances, and I am immensely proud of what they have accomplished in a contracted rehearsal schedule.”
Join the Oswego Players as they kick-off their 88th Season over the weekend March 6th – March 8th and celebrate the winners of the Don McCann Memorial Playwrighting Showcase. Showtimes are 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 2:00pm Sunday. For more information and ticket sales please go to https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations call the Box Office at 315-343-5138. All proceeds benefit the Showcase fund.
The Oswego Players acknowledges the generous financial contributions of Chiasson’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
Pictured L to R is the cast of “The Bay of Fundy” during an emotional scene mid-rehearsal: Christina Burnswick and Brian O’Connor II