With opening night of the Oswego Players’ production of “Unnecessary Farce” just days away, the cast and crew are feeling the excitement as the last kinks are ironed out, technical elements are finalized, and the requisite frenetic pacing of farcical comedy gets amped up. Audiences are in for a laugh-a-minute treat, starting this Friday evening at the Frances Marion Brown Theatre.
The cast, comprised of returning favorites and new talent, is enthusiastic to share their experiences with the Oswego community. Newcomer Jeremy Herlowski says, “I am really proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited for the public to come be entertained.” Three more new faces on the Players’ stage this year, last seen in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, return in “Farce” as well. Shy Sims says that “it has been fantastic to work with experienced actors and crew. I have learned so much from them!” Sarah Izzo, who comes to the Players with a wide range of theatre experience, shares that “I love farce, I love the show and I love the cast and crew that are putting this together. It is my favorite show that I have acted in.” Nolan Callahan’s “last experience on the Players’ stage was all about nostalgia” he says. “This is all about being excited for the future. What a wonderful cast and crew!”
Players mainstays are equally inspired by the production, and sharing the stage with their new castmates. Tammy Thompson enjoys the mix. “It’s such fun to be working with new faces, while being alongside some old friends who kind of act as a security blanket.” Matt Fleming enthuses, “How can I not love being Tammy’s stage husband once again? And the fact that others are doing the heavy lifting in terms of acting, and I have no costume changes, makes this such a comparatively relaxing and enjoyable experience.” Bill Cowham appreciates the “wonderful dynamic” created with the blend of talent. “All of us have gelled together and the result is, in all modesty, pretty bleeding fantastic. I dare anyone to watch this show and not hurt from laughing!”
Behind the scenes, Director Tom Briggs and Stage Manager Angella Bandla are ready for audiences to see what everyone’s been working on. Briggs says “This is an amazing group of people on stage backed up by just as amazing a group backstage. You’re going to seriously enjoy this show!” Bandla is “so excited to work with a largely new cast – not that the oldies are bad, you know! The electricity on stage means it is hard not to walk out from each rehearsal in a good mood.”
Performance times and dates for “Unnecessary Farce” are 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday July 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th and 2pm Sunday July 13th and 20th. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. Tickets are currently on sale now at oswegoplayers.org/productions or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.
UNNECESSARY FARCE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com).
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.
For more information and ticket sales please go to https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.
Pictured are (L to R) Nolan Callahan as Agent Frank, Tammy Thompson as Mrs Meekly, Bill Cowham as Todd and Jeremy Herlowski as Eric during a hilarious stalemate in “Unnecessary Farce”.