11th Annual Summer One-Act Bonanza at Old Academy Players

by Patricia Bradford

Philadelphia, PA — East Falls historic Old Academy Players continues celebrating its 96th season by presenting the hysterically entertaining 11th Annual Summer One-Act Bonanza produced by Nancy Frick and Sarah Labov on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, & 21, 2019; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. It’s another summer of one-act hilarity! This year more new comedies, new directors and original scripts from our talented members add up to a fast-paced evening of short plays designed to put a smile on your face.

In air-conditioned comfort Old Academy Players presents seven world premiere comedies that are guaranteed to delight, move you, make you think and keep you laughing through the entire evening. Welcomed for the first time to the OAP main stage are six directors: Georgina Bard, Jeff Hunsicker, Richard Sivers, Lauri Jacobs, Megan Murphy, and Nolan Maher. Dale Mezzacappa returns as a one-act director.

OAP member Dale Mezzacappa directs A GOOD HEART by Daniel Jankauskas. When Lewis tries to break in and rob a house, he gets way more than he bargained for from the lady of the house, featuring Norma Kider and Marc Johnson.

Georgina Bard directs BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD by Nancy Frick, past OAP President. A caricaturist at a wedding encounters a customer who really doesn’t like his portrait. What gives? This comedy features Sarah Labov, Joel Rosenwasser, Helga Krauss, Norma Kider, and Douglas Tague.

DEER PLAYRITE is written by OAP member Rob Rosiello and directed by Jeff Hunsicker. Two artists literally collide and discover that from the ashes of rejection, art and laughter can rise like the proverbial phoenix. Leigh Jacobs and Annie Hnatko are featured in this one-act.

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER is written and directed by OAP member Richard Sivers. Co-workers attending the wake of their late friend are surprised when a confrontation between a young woman and the widow sets off fireworks. This comedy features: Jo Johnson, Leah O’Hara, Elliott Rotman, Cynthia Young, Steven Peitzman, and Douglas Tague.

Making her directorial debut, Lauri Jacobs directs THE FONT OF ALL KNOWLEDGE written by OAP husband and wife team, Leigh and Lauri Jacobs. You know that person who seems to know everything? Meet Jen. She really does! This one-act features Dani Kennedy, Kelci Schlierf, and Leigh Jacobs.

THIS IS WHAT’S LEFT by Michael Murphy is directed by OAP member Megan Murphy. Hunter Robinson is Assistant Director. After a parent’s death, siblings are faced with cleaning out the family home and deciding the worth of a lifetime of stuff. This comedy features Jamaal White, Jael Marie, and Blanca Beadle.

WHERE EVERYBODY SAYS GOODBYE by Courtney Bambrick, OAP member and directed by Nolan Maher. Breaking up is hard to do…except at this cafe! This one-act features: Cynthia Young, Kelci Schlierf, Leah O’Hara, Elliott Rotman, Annie Hnatko, Jo Johnson, Joel Rosenwasser, and Joe Crosley.

Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Parking for all performances is free. Ticket price is $20 per person; $10 per student with valid ID. Buy tickets online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org/. Old Academy welcomes groups! Take advantage of group discount pricing ($17 per person with 15 or more people in a group). Call 215-843-1109 for more information and tickets.

Old Academy Players, where Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky made their stage debuts, is a non-profit community theater located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane in East Falls (Philadelphia), the urban village on the Schuylkill River. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater since 1923 and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

Founded in 2009 by Old Academy member, the late Chris Schenk, the Summer One-Act Bonanza is an opportunity to feature new playwrights and directors on the Old Academy stage. Chris, who spent four years with Old Academy as an actor, writer, producer, publicity chairperson and newsletter editor, produced the first two seasons of the One-Acts until moving to Chicago. Chris developed cancer. He lost his fight with cancer in March 2012, but his legacy lives on through this delightful annual event.

Like Old Academy Players on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/OldAcademyPlayers

Theater/Organization: OLD ACADEMY PLAYERS
Theater Address: 3544 Indian Queen Lane Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 (Map It)
Theater Phone: (215) 843-1109

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