Oswego Players Bring 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes' to the Stage

The community theater group's spring production features a talented cast of local actors.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:24pm

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The Oswego Players, a community theater group, is set to perform 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes', a madcap comedy written by John Patrick and directed by Inez Manor Parker. The play features a talented cast of local actors, including Eve Phillips as the retired starlet Myra Marlowe, Mark Mirabito as her agent and lover Tom Lamont, and Troy Pepper as the unassuming woodsman Piney. The show will run for two weekends from April 24 to May 3, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.

Why it matters

The Oswego Players have been a staple of the local arts scene for decades, providing a platform for community members to showcase their talents in theater productions. 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes' represents the group's continued commitment to bringing high-quality, entertaining shows to the Oswego area, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the performing arts.

The details

The cast of 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes' includes several seasoned actors as well as some newcomers to the Oswego Players stage. Eve Phillips, a retired Oswego High School English and drama teacher, will play the role of the runaway starlet Myra Marlowe, while SUNY Oswego psychology professor Mark Mirabito returns to the stage after two decades to portray her agent and lover, Tom Lamont. Troy Pepper, a longtime member of the Oswego Players, will take on the role of the unassuming woodsman Piney, and newcomers Natalie Babcock and Christina Schirtz will play the local gossips Cora Gump and Reba Harper, respectively. Desiree Martin, a singer, dancer, and actress with multiple awards, will portray Willa Mae Wilcox, and S.C. Mott, who is returning to the stage for the first time in over 60 years, will play the Sheriff.

  • The show will run for two weekends, from April 24 to May 3, 2026.
  • Performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.

The players

Eve Phillips

A retired Oswego High School English and drama teacher, she will play the role of the runaway starlet Myra Marlowe.

Mark Mirabito

A SUNY Oswego psychology professor, he will return to the stage after two decades to portray the role of Myra Marlowe's agent and lover, Tom Lamont.

Troy Pepper

A stalwart of Oswego Players productions, both on stage and off, he will lend his talents to the role of the unassuming woodsman Piney.

Natalie Babcock

A newcomer to the Oswego Players stage, she will play the role of the local gossip Cora Gump.

Christina Schirtz

Making her theatrical debut, she will play the role of the local gossip Reba Harper.

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What they’re saying

“The last few shows I've done with the Players have been pretty intense dramas, so a madcap comedy was irresistible!”

— Eve Phillips, Actress

“He just might be the most entertaining character I've ever played. I think people are going to fall in love with me!”

— Troy Pepper, Actor

“The Players have been incredibly welcoming, and I look forward to future opportunities to work with these talented individuals.”

— Natalie Babcock, Actress

“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.”

— Christina Schirtz, Actress

“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.”

— Desiree Martin, Actress

What’s next

Tickets for 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes' are on sale now at OswegoPlayers.org, and the Box Office can be reached at 315-343-5138 for phone reservations. The Oswego Players encourage theatergoers to secure their seats early, as the show is expected to be popular.

The takeaway

The Oswego Players' production of 'A Bad Year for Tomatoes' showcases the community theater group's continued commitment to bringing high-quality, entertaining shows to the Oswego area, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the performing arts.