The Nosy Neighbors of Oswego Players “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”

OSWEGO – Many talented minds come together to perform “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”, the Oswego Rehearsals are in full swing for the Oswego Players’ Spring performance of John Patrick’s classic comedy “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”. The mid 1970s play traces the story of a veteran Hollywood actress (Myra Marlowe) who has decided to give it all away and retreat to a tiny town in Vermont to write her autobiography. On her arrival, three nosy neighbors immediately descend to “welcome” her, find out all they can about her and provide their version of the local gossip. Myra’s hilarious efforts to gain some privacy result in a madcap comedy that will delight audiences.

“While Myra’s role is the backbone of this story, the three nosy neighbors bring the play to life” said Director Inez Manor Parker. “Each of these cast members captured me at the first audition, and I am thrilled to observe their development into the roles. They are so different as people, yet work so perfectly as an ensemble.”

Making her stage debut, Christina Schirtz plays Reba Harper, the one who “doesn’t like to gossip”. She is the Director of School Nutrition at Fulton City School District, so this is a different adventure for her. “I see elements of myself in this character (although not the nosy bits!) and having the whole family help me learn lines has been fun,” she said. “My younger son Jacob is even getting involved as the stage crew during the production run.”

Natalie Babcock, who plays the “teetotal” Cora Gump, grew up in New Haven and got hooked on theatre in High School. She is currently studying theatre at Cayuga College and hopes to become a professional actor. “This play is set nearly 30 years before I was born,” she said, “so some of the references needed to be explained to me! It’s been a hoot working with the team and I’ve learned some really valuable tips.”

Completing the trio is the mysterious Willa Mae Wilcox, played by Oswego native Desiree Martin, who has performed multiple times as a singer, dancer and actress. “It’s a new role for me,” she said, “but it’s been a lot of fun working together and testing the boundaries of our characters.” Parker added, “It has not escaped my notice these three have been sneaking in extra rehearsals to develop their characters and that, to me, embodies the spirit of community theatre.”

“A Bad Year for Tomatoes” 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.

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).

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