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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

February Membership Meeting

Come join us at our February membership meeting!

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A Message from Frances Marion Brown

“We’ve weathered many a storm and are still holding true to the reason we were started—‘to bring good theater by local casts to Oswego and its environs, and have fun doing it.’"

Frances Marion Brown

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The Oswego Players Partners with Toys for Tots thi

The Oswego Players Partners with Toys for Tots this Holiday Season

Oswego Players’ is a drop off location for Toys For Tots this December. You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Players holiday production of “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.” Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy will get a dollar off their ticket at the Box Office.

“Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

“The Oswego Players has partnered with Toys for Tots several times. When I directed “Yes Virginia” in 2016 we were a drop off location. Being able to bring joy to children this holiday season is wonderful. We hope to see you at the show with numerous new, unwrapped toy”, director Jennifer Hitchcock said.
“
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Still don't have your tickets to Yes Virgina, Ther

Still don't have your tickets to Yes Virgina, There is a Santa Claus? Skip to the front of the line! ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/6588c78e0cbf340e3b7fa24f?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL2W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL2W

The behind-the-scenes buzz says Yes Virgina, There

The behind-the-scenes buzz says Yes Virgina, There is a Santa Claus is not to be missed! Get your tickets now. ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/6588c78e0cbf340e3b7fa24f?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL3W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL3W

“YES VIRGINIA” FEATURES FAMILES ON STAGE AND O

“YES VIRGINIA” FEATURES FAMILES ON STAGE AND OFF

Family is at the center of things this season – both on stage and off – at the Oswego Players’ for their Holiday production, “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

Among the 20-plus member cast and crew are several family pairings. This begins with Kevin Colvin and his nephew Richard Carpenter who plays Virginia’s father James O’Hanlon and his neighbor Dominic Donnelli. Also included in the ensemble cast are father and daughter Craig and Charlotte Gilkey, and uncle and niece Charlie Thompson and Averyanna Wilson.

“The theater brings families together in a fun way – so bring your family and join us opening weekend,” director Jennifer Hitchcock said. She is also joined in this family-themed production backstage by her father Kenneth Snow, the Players’ master carpenter leading the building of the show’s set.

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Family members featured among the cast of the Oswego Players’ production “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” Front row, from left: Charlotte Gilkey, Charlie Thompson, and Averyanna Wilson. Back row, from left: Craig Gilkey, Richard Carpenter, and Kevin Colvin. The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY.

Oswego Players 2025 Season Chef’s Kiss Second H

Oswego Players 2025 Season

Chef’s Kiss Second Helping
January 25th and 26th
Cool Table by Nick Gentile
Broken Hipsters by Juliet Aires Giglio & Keith Giglio

4th Annual Playwriting Contest Showcase
March 7th, 8th ,9th
“Like Clockwork” by Andrada Angileri
“Maybe Tomorrow” by Brian Leahy Doyle
Birthright” by Lydia Merritt.
“A Matter of Measurements” by Michael Brumm

A Midsummer Bear
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Arkansaw Bear)
April 25th, 26th , 27th and May 2nd, 3rd and 4th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. Directed by Norman Berlin III
Arkansaw Bear by Aurand Harris, Directed by Norman Berlin III

Clue
July 11th, 12th ,13th and July 18th, 19th, 20th
adapted from the Paramount Pictures film written by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc. Written by Sandy Rustin, based upon the works by Jonathan Lynn.
Directed by Tom Briggs

Blithe Spirit
September 5th, 6th, 7th and 12th, 13th, 14th
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward
Directed by Troy Pepper

Foretold Tales: An Anthology of Terror
Staged Radio Dramas
October 24th, 25th, and 26th
Directed by William Edward White

Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 5th, 6th, 7th and December 12th, 13th ,14th
Best Christmas Pageant Ever Claus by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Jenn Hitchcock|

The show begins with the first click! Check out th

The show begins with the first click! Check out the Yes Virgina, There is a Santa Claus website for a taste of what's coming. ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/6588c78e0cbf340e3b7fa24f?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL4W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL4W

There is a generational feeling at The Oswego Play

There is a generational feeling at The Oswego Players this Christmas, with familiar faces who have literally grown up onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater tackling new roles for “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

Among the 19-member cast, ranging in ages from six to 60-plus is Helen McDonald in the role of Virginia O’Hanlon. While this is her first leading role, audiences will be recognize her from previous productions with the Players’ Last season she played “Fan” in “A Christmas Carol”, and earlier this year, she appeared “Sparrow” the Oswego Opera’s production of “Brundibar” which played in April at the Frances Marion Brown.

The Players’ production is under the direction of Jennifer Hitchcock, who originally brought the show to the stage of the Frances Marion Brown in 2016. Working with her as Assistant Director and Stage Manager is Caylyn Salmonsen, who has appeared in many previous productions, such as “A Murder is Announced” and “A Christmas Carol”. For the teenage actress, moving from stage to the production table is like going full circle.

“I’m so happy to have this opportunity to have a bigger role in the production of ‘Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Clause’, and it’s amazing that I get to work with my first ever director. Jen watched me act for the first time ever all those years ago, and now I’m sitting next to her at the directors table. It’s amazing.”

Instagram post 18048222001959942

Instagram post 18048222001959942

The timeless story about "the eternal light with w

The timeless story about "the eternal light with which childhood fills the world" will return to the stage this Christmas season as the Oswego Players proudly presents “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

The Players’ production is under the direction of Jennifer Hitchcock, who originally brought the show to the stage of the Frances Marion Brown in 2016. For this revival, Hitchcock has with her a cast of 19 actors, with ages running from six to 60-plus.

The cast includes the talents of: William Edward White as Edward P. Mitchell; Pablo Mendoza as Frank P. Church; Helen McDonald as Virginia O’Hanlon; Kaleigh Hartle as Andrea Borland, and Kevin Colvin as James O’Hanlon.

Also included in the show are: Krista Thomas, Charlie Thompson, Richard Carpenter, Chloe Hill, Mallory Gordon, Lilith Pape, Charlotte Gilkey, Averyanna Wilson, Christina Rogers, Norman Berlin, Bill Cowham, Craig Gilkey, and Donald Crowe. Assistant Directing and Stage Managing the production is Caylyn Salmonsen.

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

The cast of the Oswego Players’ production “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Clause” features a cast of 19 actors, ranging from six to 60-plus. Pictured are some of their youngest cast members. Front row, from left: Charlotte Gilkey, Helen McDonald, and Charlie Thompson, back row, from left: Mallory Gordon, Averyanna Wilson, and Lilith Pape. The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY.

The timeless story about "the eternal light with w

The timeless story about "the eternal light with which childhood fills the world" will return to the stage this Christmas season as the Oswego Players proudly presents “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

The production will run weekends, December 6th to 15th onstage at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7:30PM, while curtain time for the two Sunday matinees is at 2PM.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. They may be reserved online by going to oswegoplayers.org, or by calling the Players’ Box Office at (315) 343-5138.

Written by Andrew J. Fernady, the play is inspired by the true, simple, poignant letter written in 1897 by 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to the editor of the New York Sun, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?"

Ed Mitchell, the Sun's editor, gives the assignment of answering Virginia's letter to Frank Church who, until his wife and baby died last Christmas Eve, was the Sun's best and most dependable reporter. “Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” is a play for young and old, magically reaffirming life's highest beauty and joy.

The Players’ production is under the direction of Jennifer Hitchcock, who originally brought the show to the stage of the Frances Marion Brown in 2016. For this revival, Hitchcock has with her a cast of 19 actors, with ages running from six to 60-plus.

The cast includes the talents of: William Edward White as Edward P. Mitchell; Pablo Mendoza as Frank P. Church; Helen McDonald as Virginia O’Hanlon; Kaleigh Hartle as Andrea Borland, and Kevin Colvin as James O’Hanlon.

Also included in the show are: Krista Thomas, Charlie Thompson, Richard Carpenter, Chloe Hill, Mallory Gordon, Lilith Pape, Charlotte Gilkey, Averyanna Wilson, Christina Rogers, Norman Berlin, Bill Cowham, Craig Gilkey, and Donald Crowe. Assistant Directing and Stage Managing the production is Caylyn Salmonsen.

Just two days left before opening. Congratulations

Just two days left before opening. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Arsenic and Old Lace . Break a leg! ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/658862f200fb170e5e389c58?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL2D&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL2D

Don't miss your chance to see Arsenic and Old Lace

Don't miss your chance to see Arsenic and Old Lace . Tickets are still available but they're going fast! ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/658862f200fb170e5e389c58?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL1W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL1W

The classic show Arsenic & Old Lace is coming to O

The classic show Arsenic & Old Lace is coming to Oswego this month, brought to us by a new Arts non-profit “Beyond the Rainbow Productions” in partnership with the Oswego Players.

Director Kevin Colvin is set to bring back a well-known dark comedy: Arsenic and Old Lace. The story follows the Brewster family with elements of farce and crime. Colvin is also President of Beyond the Rainbow Productions, a multi-arts organization. He reflects on the journey to the production of the show: “I saw the Arsenic and Old Lace film with Cary Grant for the first time in my mid 20's. It appealed so highly to my dark, morbid, twisted sense of humor that, after debating if I would like to direct a show someday, that it would be this show I would want to direct first. I am very excited and grateful that Oswego Players have agreed to coproduce it with Beyond The Rainbow, and finally give me the dream directorial debut I have been trying for over the past 6 years.”

Tammy Thompson, a frequent face in Oswego Player casting, is reprising the role of Martha Brewster, one of the murderous yet delightfully eccentric aunts that headlines the show. She expressed her excitement in reappearing as Martha 40 years later. “I was part of the 1984 season of Prairie Repertory Theatre in South Dakota. It was my first lead role in college! I am so happy to be sharing the stage with some of my favorite people and being directed by another of my favorite people! There is so much joy and laughter each night of rehearsal! I can’t wait to share this production with audiences.”

Her counterpart, Kimberly Vogt, portrays the equally charming sister, Aunt Abby Brewster. Concerning the rehearsal process, Vogt said, “This experience has been great. We have such a good cast. Kevin has been wonderful as a director. He gives valuable feedback and listens to his actors for their suggestions as well. The show is going to be fantastic and I cannot wait for people to see it!”

Arsenic and Old Lace runs for 4 nights (7:30 p.m.) and 2 matinees (2:00 p.m.), October 25th-27th, and November 1st-3rd. The play will be performed at Francis Marion Brown Theater, Barbara Donahue Dr, in Oswego.

Still don't have your tickets to Arsenic and Old L

Still don't have your tickets to Arsenic and Old Lace ? Skip to the front of the line! ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/658862f200fb170e5e389c58?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL2W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL2W

Instagram post 18041149595033983

Instagram post 18041149595033983

The behind-the-scenes buzz says Arsenic and Old La

The behind-the-scenes buzz says Arsenic and Old Lace is not to be missed! Get your tickets now. ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/658862f200fb170e5e389c58?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL3W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL3W

The Oswego Players, Inc. has announced the winners

The Oswego Players, Inc. has announced the winners of its 2024 Donald J. McCann Memorial One-Act Play Writing Contest. The contest is an opportunity for budding playwrights eager to see their creations brought to life on stage.

Winning the first-place, $250 prize this year was Michael Brumm, of Ardsley. His “A Matter of Measurements: The Uncut Version.” is a farce about a fictional meeting between Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Brian Leahy Doyle, of Hastings-on-Hudson, received $150 for his second-place play, “Maybe Tomorrow,” a tender look at a budding romance between two mid-life colleagues.

Two plays are tied for third place and each playwright will get a $75 prize. “Like Clockwork” by Andrada Angileri, of Brooklyn, sparkles with the repartee of an urbane couple and then gives the audience an emotional, surprise twist at the end. “Birthright” by Lydia Merritt, of New York City, explores the fear of letting go of the familiar and the excitement of emerging into something new in a poetic piece of theater.

All four plays will be produced by the Oswego Players, March 7-9, 2025, in the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at the Oswego Civic Arts Center at Fort Ontario. Presentations of contest-winning plays in previous years have attracted sold-out audiences.

“Especially noteworthy this year was the breadth of subjects and styles. It was a daunting task, but the plays were inspiring to read,” said committee member Mark Cole, of Oswego. The committee named 11 finalists and from that group, selected the winners.

“The Don McCann One-Act Playwriting Contest has become a cornerstone in the Oswego Players' mission to encourage and spotlight new voices in the world of theater. The organization's dedication to fostering the creation of original plays remains as strong as ever,” said Norman Berlin III, president of Oswego Players and chairperson of the contest.

The Oswego Players, founded in 1938, remains one of the oldest, continually active community theater groups in America.

Directors of the winning plays will be named soon, Berlin said. Tickets for the performances will go on sale in January. For information visit www.oswegoplayers.org.

The show begins with the first click! Check out th

The show begins with the first click! Check out the Arsenic and Old Lace website for a taste of what's coming. ⁣
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/oswego-players-inc/658862f200fb170e5e389c58?ots-cmpgn-refer=SOCIAL4W&utm_source=OnTheStage&utm_medium=ayrshare&utm_campaign=SOCIAL4W

Please come out and support our fun trivia nigh at

Please come out and support our fun trivia nigh at The Cellar Door. Our trivia night will be on October 3rd at 7:00 PM. It is $10 to play. Bring a team to play! There will be some awesome prizes!

Meet the cast of Arsenic and Old Lace. Happy Frid

Meet the cast of Arsenic and Old Lace.

Happy Friday the 13th!
What an unlucky day to be a single elderly man with no family, alone with two ladies who have a taste for poisoned elderberry wine.

🎫Come laugh with us: https://bit.ly/3MJiVNj

Show dates: Oct 25th & 26th, Nov 1st and 2nd - 7:30pm
Matinees: Oct 27th & Nov 3rd - 2pm

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