Cast Wild For Tomatoes!

by Contributor | April 8, 2026 8:24 am

OSWEGO – Many talented minds come together to perform “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”, the Oswego Players 2026 Spring show, written by John Patrick and directed by Inez Manor Parker.

Eve Phillips, a retired Oswego High School English and drama teacher, plays runaway starlet Myra Marlowe. “The last few shows I’ve done with the Players have been pretty intense dramas,” says Philips, “so a madcap comedy was irresistible!”

Her faithful agent and less faithful lover Tom Lamont is played by SUNY Oswego psychology professor Mark Mirabito. This is Mark’s return to stage after two decades.

Troy Pepper, a stalwart of Oswego Players productions both on stage and off lends his talents to the role of Piney, the unassuming woodsman. “He just might be the most entertaining character I’ve ever played,” Pepper said. “I think people are going to fall in love with me!”

A newbie to the Players’ stage, Natalie Babcock, will be playing the role of Cora Gump, local gossip. “The Players have been incredibly welcoming,” she said, “and I look forward to future opportunities to work with these talented individuals.”

Making her theatrical debut is Christina Schirtz, who will be playing Reba Harper, another local gossip. “This was something to check off my bucket list, it sounded like a fun thing to try… I haven’t been disappointed, but at times, it’s almost TOO much fun.”

“Working with Inez has been amazing!” says Desiree Martin, who plays Willa Mae Wilcox, the third local gossip whose husband was cursed. Martin has performed on and off stage as a singer, dancer, and actress, winning multiple awards for vocals and dance. “Inez’s extensive experience in the theater and her love of the Arts, really gives her a unique talent for helping us create and connect with our characters from the inside out.”

Returning to the stage for the first time in over sixty years is S.C. Mott, who plays the Sheriff.  Mott says his “…heart is ready to soar. I am so excited to share stories and embrace the magic of theater. It’s good to be back.”

A Bad Year for Tomatoes’ only runs for two weekends, from April 24 to May 03. Performances are at 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Tickets for this show are on sale now at OswegoPlayers.org; for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138. It is highly recommended you secure your seats today. “And be sure to bring a friend!” insists Parker.

The Oswego Players acknowledges the generous financial contribution of Chiasson’s Heating and Air Conditioning.

‘A Bad Year for Tomatoes’ is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service (www.dramatists.com[1]).

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/entertainment/cast-wild-for-tomatoes/

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