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The Oswego Players’ 2026 Christmas show “The Nutcr

The Oswego Players’ 2026 Christmas show “The Nutcracker” features music from Tchaikovsky during the performance in addition to Christmas carols sung by the cast both pre-show and at intermission.

The play, adapted by June Walker Rogers and directed by Jennifer Hitchcock will be performed on Fridays, December 4th and 11th at 7:30pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th at 2pm.

Bestowing the Christmas spirit and the sense of community essential in any Oswego Players production are the Carols performed by cast and crew. Music director Katie Donovan has been coordinating the Carols ensemble for the Christmas show for a number of years now and feels it is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas Spirit. “It’s a heartwarming experience working with these kids,” she said. “It’s a highlight of my year.”

“Putting together the Christmas Carol selection for the Oswego Players has become a part of my annual ritual,” she said. “We have the favorites, but I also like to add in some new ones each year by asking the kids what carols they would like to perform. Without a doubt, the best part about doing this year after year is seeing the young ones develop and become more confident in themselves over time.”

Parker Nesbitt is one of these developing kids. She is a student at Fulton Junior High and has performed with the Oswego Players for a couple of years and loves being part of the Christmas show and Carol ensemble. “My favorite carol is ‘Silent Night’ because it is a bit harder to sing so we have to work to hit the notes right.,” she said. “I love dance, theatre, writing and sewing, but I’ve been singing since I could talk”.

“The Nutcracker” is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
Under the direction of Katie Donovan (front), the Oswego Players’

Under the direction of Katie Donovan (front), the Oswego Players’ “Nutcracker” choir rehearse -front (l to r): Molly Kane, Roslyn Walker, Adelyn Walker, Jana Lorenz, Ella King, Camilla Deghan, Charlotte Gilkey; rear (l to r) Michael Moss, Raylyn Abare, Abraham Patrick, Parker Nesbitt.

Of the nearly 40 cast and crew, seven demonstrate

Of the nearly 40 cast and crew, seven demonstrate a multi-generational reach across the community. Charlotte Gilkey stars as the lead character Clara, and she is joined by both her father, Craig, and her younger sister Carleigh. “It’s fun having us all on stage together,” she said. “Although Dad can get annoying at home when he acts like he’s the Director and tells me what to do said Charlotte. “This is a great memory maker for all of us,” the elder Gilkey said. “I am both privileged and very grateful for the opportunity to be on stage with my girls. I just adore the way Charlotte helps Carleigh with learning lines and giving her pointers on how to move on stage.”

Jemma Sawyer plays two roles in the production. Last year she convinced her grandfather, Gene Stone, to audition for a walk-on role, so she knew he would be ready for a speaking part as Godfather Dross this year! “I see Grandpa every day but I love having this special time just with him, “When he’s on stage with me, I feel much more confident” Jemma said. “Jemma encourages me to learn my lines,” Stone said. “I never thought I’d be acting in a play at this stage in my life, and getting to share it with her makes it one of the best roles I’ve ever had.”

Charlotte Hitchcock, performing in her second play, enjoys portraying the Second Snowflake. “I love being at the theatre together,” she said. ”Even if my mom is the Director and gets to tell us what to do all the time!” For Director Hitchcock, she has “enjoyed theater for as long as I can remember. For so many years as actor and director, my dad, Ken, worked alongside me and it was something we could connect with, share and do as a team. Now, as the parent, I get to make those same kinds of memories with my little girl, and I can truly understand why my dad wanted to share in those moments with me for so many years.”

“The Nutcracker” is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

The multi-generational families of “The Nutcracker”. Jennifer Hitchcock (l) with her daughter Charlotte in front, Craig Gilkey (c) with his daughters Charlotte and Carleigh, and Gene Stone (r) with his granddaughter Jemma.

The culmination of the Oswego Players 88th season

The culmination of the Oswego Players 88th season is the beloved Christmas classic “Nutcracker”, adapted by June Walker Rogers and directed by Jennifer Hitchcock. Performance times and dates are 7:30pm on Friday, December 4th and 11th, and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th.

One of the elements Hitchcock most enjoys in directing kids shows is watching children develop over the years. “It was a real pleasure for me to cast Charlotte Gilkey in the lead role of Clara,” she said. “Charlotte has auditioned almost every year for a while now and seeing her confidence and ability develop is so heart-warming. I know she is ready for this.”

Joining Charlotte are Alex Wallace as her brother Frank, Craig Gilkey as her father, Chloë Hill as her mother, Kaleigh Hartle as her Aunt Harriet, Reuben Wheat as Harriet’s son Mickey and Gene Stone as Godfather Dross. The night-time characters are headed by Meagan Corbett as the Nutcracker; Parker Nesbitt, Ella King, Averyanna Wilson and Charlie Thompson as the four Mice; Carleigh Gilkey, Charlotte Hitchcock and Camilla Deghan as the three Snowflakes; Jemma Sawyer and Parker Nesbitt as the Candy Canes; Ella King and Irie Shue as the dancers Coffee and Tea; Molly Kane as Daisy; Roslyn Walker as Rose; Jayda Abare as Bonbon; Raylyn Abare as Prince; Abraham Patrick as Owl Clock; Jemma Sawyer, Raylyn Abare, Jana Lorenz and Jiyana Chetney as the Toy Soldiers; Juniper Briggs as the Mouse King; Rose Snow as the Snow Queen; Jana Lorenz as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Adeline Walker as Krakatuk; and Jiyana Chetney as Ned.

“The Nutcracker” is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Some of the cast of the Oswego Players’ “Nutcracker”. Front (L to R): Charlotte Hitchcock, Carleigh Gilkey. Center (L to R): Jemma Sawyer, Charlotte Gilkey, Ella King, Jana Lorenz. Back (L to R): Abraham Patrick, Averyanna Wilson, Meagan Corbett, Juniper Briggs, Chloe Hill, Alex Wallace, Rose Snow, Charlie Thompson

The Players are proud to seek auditions for their

The Players are proud to seek auditions for their December production of “The Nutcracker”. Adapted by June Walker Rogers, this classic Christmas show is directed by Jennifer Hitchcock.

Auditions will be held from 5pm to 7pm on October 15th and 10am to 12pm on October 17th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at 32 Barbara Donahue Drive, Oswego, NY. The auditions will be a cold read from the script. There are roles for two adult males and two adult females, along with 25 – 30 children aged five to eighteen. No prior experience is necessary, just the desire to contribute to a wonderful, magical performance that will bring the Christmas spirit to the community.

At a gala Christmas Eve party, Clara’s godfather presents her with an amazing Nutcracker in the form of a wooden soldier. Too excited to sleep, she suddenly finds the Nutcracker brought to life. He tells her he is a prince under the wicked enchantment of the Mouse King, and she joins him in a series of adventures in strange lands as he seeks to regain his throne. When she wakes, she finds the Nutcracker gone. Was it a dream or not? This beloved play will be enhanced with dances to the music of Tchaikovsky.

Director Jennifer Hitchcock has a strong track record of bringing Christmas shows to the stage, with an emphasis on children’s performances. “The adults are the necessary cement that binds the shows together, but the kids are the real stars,” she said. “I love seeing them blossom with the chance of being on stage, knowing that sometimes it can be a life-changing experience for them. I’m not necessarily looking for established talent – what I am looking for is those who are willing to give their all, and to commit to the rehearsals and performances while having fun in a safe environment.” She is also seeking production support for choreographers and hair and make-up – interested parties can advise her at the auditions or email her at teach1984@yahoo.com.

“The Nutcracker” is presented by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

The stage is set for the Oswego Players’ October p

The stage is set for the Oswego Players’ October production of “Old Money, New Habits”, an acclaimed classic-style farce written by local playwright Alexis Martin and directed by Sherri Metz.

The play will be performed on weekends October 9th – 18th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in Fort Ontario Park.

The two “old timers” of this production typify this sentiment. Bill Cowham, playing The Butler, and Eric Cronk, playing The Executor, are both retired professionals who use theater to remain mentally active and who enjoy bringing characters to life on stage.

“I prefer to think that we bring experience, wisdom and some necessary gravitas to the ensemble,” Cronk said when asked how he fits in with younger cast members. “I started acting with the Oswego Players back in 2002 and have been on stage more times than I could count. Experience has got to count for something!”

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Cowham’s acting experience is all life-based. “I caught the acting bug in high school a hundred years ago,” he said. “But my working career precluded me developing it further until I settled here in 2021 with my Oswego-born wife. I joined the Players in 2023, and I can honestly say it’s been one of my better decisions. I really enjoy playing villains, or dark characters, and the role of the polite yet creepy Butler is a joy to perform.”

“One of the features I love most about community theater is the wide range of actors who audition for roles,” director Metz said. “I’ve known Eric for a couple of decades now and really understand the depth of his talent. As for Bill, he was an unknown when he joined us, but he’s a powerhouse of energy and has brought a wide range of characters to life in the relatively short time he’s been with us. I knew these two would round out the cast well in their roles.”

“Old Money, New Habits” is presented by special arrangement with Old Money Productions (www.oldmoneyproductions.com).

Pictured (L to R): Bill Cowham and Eric Cronk discussing some of the finer points of the play during rehearsals for “Old Money, New Habits”

The Oswego Players’ Fall show is the hilarious far

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.
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.

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.

Joshua DeLorenzo and Karla Chandler-McChord during rehearsals for “Old Money, New Habits".

Rehearsals are well under way for the Oswego Playe

Rehearsals are well under way for the Oswego Players’ Fall show for the 2026 season, “Old Money, New Habits”, written by local playwright Alexis Martin and directed by Sherri Metz.

The play will be performed October 9th – 18th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater in Fort Ontario Park.

Juniper Briggs and Jennifer Hitchcock play the classically mismatched newlyweds Monty and Felicity Davies in this farce set in the 1930s in England. Monty is an easy going, devoted husband, while Felicity is the domineering and conniving wife who must get everything she desires. Both have secrets and they would do anything to avoid their exposure.

Hitchcock started with the Players in 2003, and this is her first time back on stage in a full-length production since 2021 and the birth of her daughter. “I’m having the time of my life with this show,” she said. “Although my daughter doesn’t really grasp why Mommy leaves her to go to rehearsals and gives a puzzled expression while I’m reciting my lines around the house in my posh English accent. I love doing farce, and working under the direction of Sherri is the perfect way to come back on stage.”

For Briggs, although he has some stage experience with other theaters, this is his first show with the Oswego Players. “I heard about the auditions through the Players’ Facebook page,” he said. “I knew nothing about the show, but the character descriptions and outline intrigued me, so I figured I’d give it a shot! I was delighted when Sherri cast me and have really appreciated the welcome, I received from all and the trust and respect all the actors and crew show to each other.”

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).

Pictured (L to R): Juniper Briggs and Jennifer Hitchcock during rehearsals for “Old Money, New Habits”.

"Undiscovered Country” has taken top honors in the

"Undiscovered Country” has taken top honors in the Oswego Players 2026 Don J. McCann Memorial One-Act Play Writing Contest.

By Dana Leslie Goldstein, of Brooklyn, “Undiscovered Country” examines losing a loved one and how, through memories, lost love can be found. A panel of 15 volunteer judges praised it for its flow of dialog and richly developed characters. Goldstein receives a $250 cash prize.

Garnering a $150 second-place prize is Ben Dworken, of New York City, for “I Am Enough.” It’s a story of a young autistic man who struggles to conquer his inner insecurities before a big audition.

The $75 third-place prize is awarded to “All for a Buck,” by Keith Whalen, of Peekskill. Whalen’s play is about a son who discovers who his father truly was through his best friends.

All three plays will be produced by the Little Theatre by the Water on March 5-7, 2027, in the Frances Marion Brown Theatre at Fort Ontario Park. Presentations of the prize-winning plays in previous years have attracted sold-out audiences.

Volunteers in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Oswego, evaluated a total of 100 submissions by writers from throughout New York state.
The contest readers narrowed 100 plays down to eight finalists and, from that group, they selected the three winners.

Other finalists were “Just Right” by Wesley Cappiello, “It’s All in the Game” by Ellen Abrams, and “A Christmas Message” by Charles Gelles, all of New York City; “On The First and Only Day of Christmas” by Ruben Carbajal, of Lansing; and “Poseidon and The Sea Nymph” by Scott C. Sickles, of Forest Hills.

“The Donald McCann Memorial 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 original plays remains as strong as ever,” said Norman Berlin III, Don McCann Playwriting Contest Coordinator.

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

The Oswego Players’ Fall show for the 2026 season

The Oswego Players’ Fall show for the 2026 season is a debut Season Run of “Old Money, New Habits”, written by local playwright Alexis Martin and directed by Sherri Metz.

The play will be performed over two weekends in mid-October and is a full-length version of the entry script with which Martin won the Don McCann One-Act Playwriting Contest in 2023.
“Old Money, New Habits” is a farce set in an English Estate in the 1930s (why wouldn’t it!), featuring murder, suspects, animosity and the odd glass of port.

Martin grew up in the Theater industry, performing from a young age and knowing it was in her blood. Her debut stage performance after High School was a farce with the Oswego Players, and that cemented her relationship with theatre, “I submitted for the annual Don McCann One Act Playwriting Contest,” she said, “and I was stunned that I won.”

Martin’s winning performance was staged in March 2024. This resulted in sponsorship from the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse where she received a New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists Grant, funding a one-night performance of the full length play at the Redhouse in 2025. “I am absolutely thrilled to now see my first play get a full run at the theater I originally wrote it for,” she said.

Featured in the show are Bill Cowham as the polite but slightly creepy Butler, Josh DeLorenzo as the narcissistic and greedy Percival, Karla Chandler-McCord as the charming and sweet Penelope (wife of Percival), Juniper Briggs as the naïve and non-confrontational Monty (brother of Percival), Jennifer Hitchcock as the domineering and uncaring Felicity (wife of Monty) and Eric Cronk as the Executor who has been given an assignment he never asked for.

“Old Money, New Habits” is presented by special arrangement with Old Money Productions (www.oldmoneyproductions.com).

Pictured (Back L to R): Playwright Alexis Martin, Director Sherri Metz, Eric Cronk, Bill Cowham and Juniper Briggs; Front L to R), Josh DeLorenzo, Jennifer Hittchcocl, Karla Chandler-McCord.

For 88 years, the Oswego Players have delivered on

For 88 years, the Oswego Players have delivered on their promise of live theater performed by your neighbors – affordable, intimate and only here in Oswego. The Players are proud to seek auditions for their October production “Old Money, New Habits”. Written by local playwright Alexis Martin, this hilarious farce is directed by Sherri Metz.

Auditions will be held from 7pm to 9pm on August 17th and 18th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at 32 Barbara Donahue Drive, Oswego, NY.

Lord Edward Eldemire Esquire has suddenly passed, leaving his trusted butler to carry out his last will and testament. Unfortunately, he now has the great displeasure of meeting the sole inheritors; brothers Percival and Monty Davies, along with their new wives, Penelope and Felicity. However, the very fact that these couples are the only ones with such inheritance... one must begin to ponder if such a coincidence could truly take place…? One murder. Two brothers. Three doors. Four suspects. And maybe some port…Who killed Edward Eldemire Esquire?

The auditions will be a cold read from the script. The play features four male and two female roles. The list of characters is:

The Butler: Humble servant and sole resident of the Esquire

Mansion since the unexpected passing of Lord Edward Eldemire Esquire. Charming when not slightly creepy.

Percival: First cousin to Edward Eldemire Esquire. Brother of Fremont Davies and married to Penelope. Narcissistic and greedy.

Penelope: Wife of Percival. Charming with a natural sweetness about her. Does everything that she can to avoid conflict.

Monty: First cousin to Edward Eldemire Esquire. Younger brother of Percival Davies. Doting husband to his wife Felicity. He doesn’t let things bother him.

Felicity: Newly married wife of Fremont Davies. Domineering and uncaring; she must get
everything she desires.

Executor: A man who has been given an assignment that he never asked for.

“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.

In any small town, people need a place to relax an

In any small town, people need a place to relax and unburden themselves without fear of judgement. In Robert Harling’s exceptional play ‘Steel Magnolias’, this safe space is Truvy Jones’ in-home beauty parlor. Under the directorship of Kevin Colvin, the Oswego Players are performing this acclaimed play on August 14th – 16th and 21st – 23rd at the Frances Marion Brown Theater near Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.

The parlor provides the environment where the all-female cast confide in one another knowing they have the full support of each other. Nellica Rave, who plays Truvy, is in the thick of it and steers the way as the salon owner. “For the last 30 years I have been heavily involved in theatre – but it has always been for my kids or in organizational roles,” she said. “This is my first time on stage performing, which would be terrifying if not for the support provided by the entire cast.”

Alongside Rave is Ashalee Caggy, playing the role of M’Lynn, a deeply devoted and protective mother. “M’Lynn and Truvy don’t have a lot of direct interaction,” Caggy said. “But there is a great deal unspoken chemistry between the characters which Nellica and I have really enjoyed exploring.”

The cast brings their own intensity to the performance. “The characters have mostly known each other a long time,” said Colvin. “I am so proud of the way each cast member brings out their character’s inner dreams and unfulfilled wishes. It has been an absolute joy to direct them and to watch their interaction. Each rehearsal just makes me want to come back and experience more of what they do. This is going to be an astounding show.”

Performance dates and times for ‘Steel Magnolias’ are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays August 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd with Sunday matinees at 2pm on August 16th and 23rd.

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.

‘Steel Magnolias' is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com).

(Pictured L to R): Nellica Rave and Ashalee Caggy share a laugh during rehearsal.

A sad part of the life of any theater is saying “g

A sad part of the life of any theater is saying “good-bye” to performers as they leave the area or go off to college. Welcoming new talent who has never acted on your stage before is joyous part of any production. The Oswego Players’ August production of “Steel Magnolias” is an example of both!

“Steel Magnolias” written by Robert Harling and directed by Kevin Colvin, will be performed August 14th – 16th and 21st – 23rd at the Frances Marion Brown Theater near Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY.

Ramonda Huff and Teagan Brown play the younger cast members in this American classic. Huff performs as Shelby, the spirited, newly married young woman determined to live life on her own, while Brown performs as Annelle, the shy nervous young assistant who goes through a significant personal transformation during the play.

Huff, who is a student at the University of Buffalo, has been performing with various arts organizations since she was six years old. “I grew up here,” she said, “and I have been involved in every aspect of theater from performing to writing to backstage crew both with the Oswego Homeschool program and with Oswego Players.” The day after the show closes, she moves full time to Buffalo, and our local community will lose her talent for at least the next few years.

Meanwhile, Brown is a North Syracuse native who has spent the last few years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina before relocating back to Syracuse a couple of weeks ago. “I loved the South – both the hospitality and the accents,” she said. “I always try to find a coffee shop when I move so I can really immerse myself in the local culture. My role as Annelle is a bit like my personal experiences – moving to a new place and not being sure where I fit in. And doing my first show with the Oswego Players as Annabelle is a dream come true!”
The chemistry between these two young performers is obvious. “The fact that Annelle is new to town and can connect on a personal level to Shelby totally reflects their relationship,” director Colvin said. “Having these two talented performers on stage will really delight audiences. Saying goodbye to Ramonda and hello to Teagan is a great way to roll out this show.”

Sparks Fly During Onstage Sparring Matches at the

Sparks Fly During Onstage Sparring Matches at the Oswego Players

The Oswego Players’ August production of “Steel Magnolias”, features two fantastic characters who engage in verbal sparring matches throughout the play creating lighter moments to an emotionally intense production.

Clairee played by Tammy Thompson, is a witty, wealthy widow of the town’s former mayor who is known for her love of high school football and her ongoing sparring with Ouiser. Ouiser, played by Rhonda Revette, is the town’s lovable curmudgeon presenting a gruff, perpetually irritated exterior which hides a soft, fiercely protective heart for her friends.

Thompson has performed in numerous productions with the Oswego Players over the last decade. When asked why she auditioned for the part of Clairee, Thompson said “I rarely audition for a specific part – I make myself available for whatever the director wants. I have tremendous respect for Kevin as both an actor and a director – he is someone who knows how to get the best out of people.”

Revette performed with the Players about three decades ago and is thrilled to be back for this production. “This show means so much to me. I’m a part time writer and I just really appreciate the story as honest, genuine and memorable. I first saw this play at its Las Vegas premiere in the nineties, where I was able to meet the playwright. Back in 2017, I travelled around the countryside and made sure I visited Natchitoches, LA where the movie was filmed and soaked up the atmosphere and scenery”.

For both actors, the other cast members enhance their joy. “I’m excited to act with a bunch of people I’ve never acted with before,” said Thompson. “They push me in different ways, but the interaction across the cast is impressive.” “This may be my last time on stage,” said Revette, “so I’m making it a memorable occasion!”

“Steel Magnolias” will be performed on August 14th, 15th, 16th and August 21st, 22nd, 23rd at the Frances Marion Brown Theater near Fort Ontario Park in Oswego, NY.

Tickets are now on sale for “Steel Magnolias” at the box office. You can make your reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org or by calling the box office at 315-343-5138.

he Oswego Players’ next offering for the 2026 seas

he Oswego Players’ next offering for the 2026 season is the classic tragicomedy “Steel Magnolias”, which explores the bonds among a group of women in Louisiana in the late 1980s.

“Steel Magnolias”, written by Robert Harling and directed by Kevin Colvin will be performed on August 14th, 15th,16th and August 21st, 22nd, 23rd at the Frances Marion Brown Theater near Fort Ontario Park in Oswego, NY.

Based on Harling’s personal experiences, the play follows six Southern women in a small-town Louisiana beauty parlor over a three-year period.

“Essential to the story is the creation of a convincing set depicting an in-home beauty parlor and having authentic actors with big southern accents,” said director Colvin.

The auditions attracted candidates from far and wide as Carthage, NY to Myrtle Beach, SC. Colvin was spoiled for choice when deciding on the final cast, and he selected Nellica Rave as Truvy, Teagan Brown as Annelle, Tammy Thompson as Clairee, Ramonda Huff as Shelby, Ashalee Caggy as M’Lynn, Rhonda Revette as Ouiser, and Nolan Callaghan as the DJ.

Revette has been involved with the Carthage Litte Theatre for many years. “I just love this play,” she said. “I’ve seen it about a thousand times and am so happy to be performing in it with the Oswego Players.”

Meanwhile Thompson, a committed member of the Oswego Players said, “a High School friend from Virginia saw we were doing the play and told me he can’t wait to come and see it.”

Huff, a student at the University of Buffalo, has participated in musical theater since she was 6 years old, but this is her first role in a dramatic production. “While at UB, I showed two different groups of people Steel Magnolias and made both groups cry. I just adore this show.”

Tickets are now on sale for “Steel Magnolias” at the box office. You can make your reservations online at www.oswegoplayers.org or by calling the box office at 315-343-5138.

“Steel Magnolias” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com).

Oswego Players Announce 2026 Scholarship Winners

Oswego Players Announce 2026 Scholarship Winners

The Oswego Players have, for over 15 years, awarded two annual scholarships to high school seniors residing in Oswego County who are college bound in the fall. The scholarships are named in honor of long-term Oswego Players members, Marion Green and Lawrence E. Rose.

Recently, Tammy Thompson, the President of the Oswego Players, presented awards to the 2026 scholarship winners, Madeleine (“Maddy”) Tunis and Cali Tice.

The Lawrence E. Rose scholarship is in the field of Performing Arts. Larry Rose was an active member of the Oswego Players who participated in almost every production during his thirty-year affiliation. The Marion Green scholarship is in the field of English Writing Arts. Marion Green was an active patron whose many theatrical reviews appeared in the Oswego Palladium Times.

Maddy, winner of the Performing Arts scholarship and a Mexico High School graduate, has been a competition dancer since the 4th Grade. She now teaches dance at her studio as an intern, while also being the Commanding Officer of her ROTC program and is in the National Honors Society. She will attend the University of Buffalo where she aims to major in Dance with minors in Business and Spanish.

Cali, winner of the English Writing Arts and an Oswego High School graduate, was accepted at the Northern State University in South Dakota where she will study English and Creative Arts. She too started doing competition dance at a young age and has been best friends with Maddy since they started dancing together.

“These are two outstanding individuals,” Thomspon said. “They represent the very best of the next generation, and it is the Oswego Players great pleasure to award them the Rose and Green scholarships. We wish them the very best for their future endeavors and look forward to great things from them.”

Pictured are the Oswego Players 2026 scholarship winners Maddy Tunis (l) and Cali Tice (r) accepting their award from Players President Tammy Thompson.

The Oswego Players, in their 88th year of performi

The Oswego Players, in their 88th year of performing multiple shows for the Oswego community, is proud to seek auditions for their August production “Steel Magnolias”. Written by Robert Harling, this acclaimed tragicomedy explores themes of love, loss and female resilience.

Directed by Kevin Colvin, the show is set in the late 1980s in a Louisiana home beauty salon and has been performed to critical acclaim around the world since its release in 1987. Auditions will be held from 7pm to 9pm on Tue June 23rd and Wed June 24th at the Frances Marion Brown Theater at 32 Barbara Donahue Drive, Oswego, NY. The audition will be a cold read from the script (see order below). The play features six female roles plus one of any gender who acts as the radio DJ during scene openings. The list of characters are:

Truvy Jones: 40s. The vibrant, warm-hearted owner of the beauty shop. She is the optimistic glue of the group who prides herself on making everyone feel welcome.

Annelle Dupuy-Desoto: 19. Truvy’s shy and nervous assistant, who undergoes a massive transformation during the play.

Clairee Belcher: mid 60s. The witty, sophisticated and wealthy widow of the town’s former mayor, known for playful sarcasm and fierce loyalty to her friends.

Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie: mid 20s. Prettiest girl in town. A spirited, fiercely independent young woman.

M’Lynn Eatenton: mid 50s. Shelby’s mother. Socially prominent career woman who is the emotional backbone of the group.

Ouiser Boudreaux: mid 60s. The group’s resident eccentric curmudgeon. Though she acts gruff and is perpetually annoyed with the world, she harbors a deeply caring and vulnerable heart.

DJ. Any age/gender. Role is unseen but needs a good reading voice.

Audition notes: The auditions will be conducted in three parts: Initial part is readings for the DJ role. Second part is group readings for the remainder of the cast, followed by specific individual readings for those wishing to audition for M’Lynn.

“Steel Magnolias” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com).

For 88 years, the Oswego Players have been present

For 88 years, the Oswego Players have been presenting live theatre performed by your own neighbors – affordable, intimate and only here in Oswego! Not only does this tradition continue in the June performances of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody”, but some additional elements truly enhance the community aspects of the Ron Bernas-written show.

Performances are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 21st and 28th.

As Oswego Players President Tammy Thompson said: “this incredibly funny show was proposed by long time Players supporter Angella Bandla, and she was set to make her directorial debut at the Players in 2026 until she unexpectedly passed earlier this year. Angella never left anything undone, so we knew the show would have to continue, and we were fortunate when Kevin Colvin offered to bring her vision to life by stepping in as director.”

“During the auditions,” said Colvin, “I was struck with both the acting abilities and obvious connections between mother and daughter Rebecca Hill Kandt and Hannah Kandt. Casting them both in the show was an easy choice and one I am sure Angella would have loved given her joy when she was involved in shows with her own family.”

Becky, who plays the bumbling Detective Plotnik, got back into theatre when her kids convinced her to audition for a show with them. She has since done several other shows with Hannah and thoroughly enjoys working with them. “They make me so proud,” she said.

Hannah plays the ditzy daughter Bunny. She has been involved in theatre since she was tiny, and her mom has been with her every step of the way, allowing her to treasure their time together on stage. “I’m thrilled to be acting with her once again,” she said. “Long may it continue!”

Performance dates and times for “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 21st and 28th. 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.

Pictured is Rebecca Hill Kandt and her daughter Hannah Kandt

You know you have a sure-fire hit when acting stal

You know you have a sure-fire hit when acting stalwarts want to participate in a production! The Oswego Players’ June performance of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” features Tammy Thompson and Troy Pepper, who have collectively been involved in community theater for over 30 years. The play, written by Ron Bernas and directed by Kevin Colvin, is a delightful farce featuring plots, sub-plots, bumbling detectives, know-it-all butlers, murder and mayhem designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

Tammy Thompson, the current President of the Oswego Players, has been around theater since 2001 as a “Theater Mom”. She joined the Players in 2016 and is in her second tenure as President. She has also acted in numerous roles over the years, most notably as Martha in “Arsenic and Old Lace” in 2024. The dual roles of President and actor “can be a bit daunting”, she said, “but it’s important to me to maintain the connection with the grass-roots reason we exist – putting on shows and entertaining audiences. It’s always fun working with new and different actors during a production.”

Over his two decades of involvement with the Oswego Players, Troy Pepper has filled just about every role possible for community theater. He has acted, produced, stage managed and provided technical support, but his favorite role is directing. “Something about presenting your own vision of a show for others to see is really exciting,” he said. “But I also love the acting part!”

The show’s director, Kevin Colvin, admits to the bittersweetness of bringing this production to fruition after the unexpected passing of Angella Bandla earlier this year. “This show is tribute to Angella but it is also incredibly funny,” Colvin said. “I hope audiences will enjoy the performance of Tammy and Troy as well as the other cast members while also remembering Angella and her wicked sense of humor.”

Performance dates and times for “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 21st and 26th. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students and can be secured through oswegoplayers.org.

The Oswego Players’ June performance of “A Little

The Oswego Players’ June performance of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” features an actor making his stage debut. The play, written by Ron Bernas and directed by Kevin Colvin, is a delightful farce featuring schemes, counter-schemes, murder and mayhem all set in the house of the rich idle Perry couple.

Dr Alex Velez, originally from New York City, moved upstate to take up a position in the SUNY Oswego Admissions Office. His interest in community theatre grew after seeing a few local productions and subsequently volunteering at the Oswego Players in front-of-house roles. With a little prod from his friends, he auditioned for this show and was cast as Donald, the boyfriend of the Perry’s ditzy daughter. “This whole process is great,” he said. “It has been a massive learning curve being on stage, but the support provided by the more experienced actors and production staff has been excellent and really calmed my nerves. This is fun!”

“Welcoming new talent is one of the absolute joys of community theater,” said Colvin. “Alex showed a natural acting base and an excellent understanding of the parts, so it was easy to see him developing into a believable character. I was thrilled to be able to cast him as the scheming but blundering boyfriend. Hopefully, the students he deals with will be inspired by his ambition and his development outside his comfort zone.”

Performance dates and times for A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 21st and 26th. 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.

“A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc www.concordtheatricals.com.

The Oswego Players acknowledge the generous financial contributions of Chiasson’s Heating and Air Conditioning.

Pictured is Alex Velez as he immerses himself in his role of the bumbling boyfriend in “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody.”

The Oswego Players’ second main stage performance

The Oswego Players’ second main stage performance of the 2026 season is their debut run of “A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody”. This madcap comedy, written by Ron Bernas and directed by Kevin Colvin, pays homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s, promising light entertainment and serious laughter for audiences of all ages.

The action centers around the lives of the idle rich couple Matthew and Julia, and their incessant desire for one-upmanship with New Year resolutions. Matthew announces he will kill Julia before the year is out enabling him to enjoy a jet set lifestyle; Julia, always three steps ahead of him, agrees thus beginning a madcap year of ruse, counter-ruse, and unexpected deaths.

Oswego Players director Angella Bandla picked this show specifically, but due to her unexpected passing earlier this year, Kevin Colvin will direct in tribute. “I would love to have had her vision and clarity of ideas to propose this extraordinarily funny show myself,” he said. “My focus now is producing something that will honor Angella’s memory and her legacy for theatrical excellence.”

Colvin has assembled a talented cast of regulars and new timers to the stage. The “idle rich”, Matthew and Julia are played by Richard Heim and Tammy Thompson, while Hannah Kandt and Alex Daniel Velez play their daughter Bunny and boyfriend Donald, respectively. While Thompson and Kandt are regulars on stage with the Players, Heim returns from a two-year absence, and Velez is making his debut with this show.

As all comedy murders simply must have a know-it-all butler and an inept detective, the cast is rounded out with Troy Pepper playing Buttram the butler and Rebecca Hill Kandt playing Detective Plotnik.

“They’re a diverse group,” Colvin said. “But already the chemistry is coming through as the cast settle into their roles. We are all channeling our memories of Angella into this show and hope she would be proud of the results come performance time.”

Performance dates and times for A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody” are 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th with Sunday matinees at 2pm on June 21st and 26th.

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