MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM • Book by GEORGE FURTH • Directed by CHRISTIAN SHAEFER
Music Direction by SARAH COHEA

Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, this musical charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends—writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. Features some of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated and personal songs.

October 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the Verdeen cousins picked the worse time to throw their family reunion: the hottest day of July in the middle of Texas tornado season. Things spin out of control when a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. Uproarious antics!

September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025

2025-2026 Season Preview

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 - 7:30 pm

THIS IS A FREE EVENT — NO ADVANCE TICKETS OR RESERVATIONS NEEDED.

JUST COME AND ENJOY THE SHOW!

JOIN US for an evening of comedy, music, and drama as Players of Utica presents select scenes from all of its 2025-2026 season shows:

• The Red Velvet Cake War

• Merrily We Roll Along

• The Gods of Comedy

• Love Letters

• Bus Stop

• Sweeney Todd

COME SEE WHAT GREAT ENTERTAINMENT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU THIS SEASON!

August 11 & 12 - 6 pm to 9 pm

(Players Theatre, 1108 State St., Utica)

Players of Utica holds open auditions for all of our Subscription Season performances. Anyone and everyone is welcome to audition for any production that has been posted to this page. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for casting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We thank you for your interest in and support of Players of Utica!

PRODUCTION:

• Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

• Book by George Furth

• Directed by Christian Shaefer

• Music direction by Sarah Cohea

• Choreography by Patrick St. Thomas 

PLAY SYNOPSIS:

Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of three friends—Franklin Shepard, Charley Kringas, and Mary Flynn—and their journey through friendship, ambition, and disillusionment in the entertainment industry. The show begins in 1976 and moves backward in time over 20 years, ending in 1957, when the trio first met as young, idealistic dreamers. As the story unfolds in reverse, we see: Frank, once a talented composer, became a wealthy but soulless movie producer; Charley, his writing partner, grows frustrated by Frank’s compromises; Mary, a novelist, drifts into bitterness and alcoholism after watching her friends fall apart. The musical ends where it emotionally begins—at the start of their friendship—full of hope, creativity, and promise, making the journey all the more poignant.

CHARACTERS:

Franklin Shepard - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s due to reverse chronology). Voice: Baritone/Tenor

Charley Kringas - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s). Voice: Tenor

Mary Flynn - 35–45 (plays early 20s to 40s). Voice: Mezzo

Beth Spencer Shepard - 25–35. Voice: Soprano

Gussie Carnegie - 30–45. Voice: Mezzo/Alto (belter)

Joe Josephson - 40–55. Voice: Baritone

Ensemble:

• 6–12 people (16-65 years old) 1 male (7-10 years old) 

• Meg – 20s–30s, ensemble; sings in “Opening Doors”

• Dory, KT, Jerome – 20s–40s, chorus, light solos

• Ru, Scotty, Terry, Others – ensemble cameos

• Frank Jr. – Young boy, 7–10 years old; small speaking role, no solo singing

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:

• The audition room will be closed, piano or prerecording will be available for the provided cuts.

• Sides will be provided at auditions.

• Callbacks from the audition night one may be called on audition night two.

• Choreography: minimal with focus of choreographed movement.

• Rehearsals will be 4 nights a week Monday-Friday (some weekend calls may be required during the rehearsal process).

PERFORMANCE DATES:

• Thursdays: October 16 & 23 at 7:30 pm

• Fridays: October 17 & 24 at 7:30 pm

• Saturdays: October 18 & 25 at 2 pm

• Sundays: October 19 & 26 at 2 pm

August 11 & 12 - 6 pm to 9 pm

(Players Theatre, 1108 State St., Utica)

Players of Utica holds open auditions for all of our Subscription Season performances. Anyone and everyone is welcome to audition for any production that has been posted to this page. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for casting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We thank you for your interest in and support of Players of Utica!

PRODUCTION:

• Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

• Book by George Furth

• Directed by Christian Shaefer

• Music direction by Sarah Cohea

• Choreography by Patrick St. Thomas 

PLAY SYNOPSIS:

Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of three friends—Franklin Shepard, Charley Kringas, and Mary Flynn—and their journey through friendship, ambition, and disillusionment in the entertainment industry. The show begins in 1976 and moves backward in time over 20 years, ending in 1957, when the trio first met as young, idealistic dreamers. As the story unfolds in reverse, we see: Frank, once a talented composer, became a wealthy but soulless movie producer; Charley, his writing partner, grows frustrated by Frank’s compromises; Mary, a novelist, drifts into bitterness and alcoholism after watching her friends fall apart. The musical ends where it emotionally begins—at the start of their friendship—full of hope, creativity, and promise, making the journey all the more poignant.

CHARACTERS:

Franklin Shepard - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s due to reverse chronology). Voice: Baritone/Tenor

Charley Kringas - 35–45 (plays late 20s to 40s). Voice: Tenor

Mary Flynn - 35–45 (plays early 20s to 40s). Voice: Mezzo

Beth Spencer Shepard - 25–35. Voice: Soprano

Gussie Carnegie - 30–45. Voice: Mezzo/Alto (belter)

Joe Josephson - 40–55. Voice: Baritone

Ensemble:

• 6–12 people (16-65 years old) 1 male (7-10 years old) 

• Meg – 20s–30s, ensemble; sings in “Opening Doors”

• Dory, KT, Jerome – 20s–40s, chorus, light solos

• Ru, Scotty, Terry, Others – ensemble cameos

• Frank Jr. – Young boy, 7–10 years old; small speaking role, no solo singing

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:

• The audition room will be closed, piano or prerecording will be available for the provided cuts.

• Sides will be provided at auditions.

• Callbacks from the audition night one may be called on audition night two.

• Choreography: minimal with focus of choreographed movement.

• Rehearsals will be 4 nights a week Monday-Friday (some weekend calls may be required during the rehearsal process).

PERFORMANCE DATES:

• Thursdays: October 16 & 23 at 7:30 pm

• Fridays: October 17 & 24 at 7:30 pm

• Saturdays: October 18 & 25 at 2 pm

• Sundays: October 19 & 26 at 2 pm

By LESLIE KIMBELL • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

Set sail with the Sassy Senior’s cruise to the Bahamas. They’ re looking for eligible men and competing in the Senior Citizen Pageant... then throw in a murder mystery and you’re in for a laugh-a-minute night of fun.

July 25, 26, 27, 2025

(This show is not included in the season subscription)

By LESLIE KIMBELL • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

Set sail with the Sassy Senior’s cruise to the Bahamas. They’ re looking for eligible men and competing in the Senior Citizen Pageant... then throw in a murder mystery and you’re in for a laugh-a-minute night of fun.

July 25, 26, 27, 2025

(This show is not included in the season subscription)

By LESLIE KIMBELL • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

Set sail with the Sassy Senior’s cruise to the Bahamas. They’ re looking for eligible men and competing in the Senior Citizen Pageant... then throw in a murder mystery and you’re in for a laugh-a-minute night of fun.

July 25, 26, 27, 2025

(This show is not included in the season subscription)

AUDITION DATES:

July 18th @ 6 P.M.
July 19th @ 3 P.M.
July 20th @ 3 P.M.

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY:

The Red Velvet Cake War is a comedy filled with Southern charm, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments that centers on the eccentric Verdeen cousins - Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette - living in Sweetgum, Texas. They hilariously find themselves navigating family drama, romantic mishaps, and a high-stakes family reunion, all while competing to bake the ultimate red velvet cake!

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:

Cold reading from the script.

CHARACTERS/ACTORS REQUIRED:

Cee-Cee Windham – The tri-county area’s most popular TV personality, host of Hospitality House. 40s to 50s. 

Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen – A troubled woman, newly divorced. Under investigation for the attempted murder of her husband’s girlfriend. 30s to 40s.

LaMerle Verdeen Minshew – The matriarch of the Verdeen Family. 60s to 70s. 

Aubrey Verdeen – Uncle to LaMerle. Crotchety with a heart of gold and a jokey sense of humor. 60s to 80s.

Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen – A tomboyish woman with a unibrow, dressed in men’s western wear. Works at Whatley’s Western Wear. 30s to 40s.

Peaches Verdeen Belrose – Fun and loud. A flashy dresser. Also, a mortuarial cosmetologist. 30s to 40s.

Bitsy Hargas – Blanche Deveroux's distant cousin, twice removed. 30s to 40s.

Newt Baylock – A handsome man with only one eye. Works at Miss Treeva’s Wig ‘n Bait Shop. 30s to 50s.

Sheriff Grover Lout – The local sheriff of Sweetgum, Texas. 40s to 50s.

Elsa Dowdall – A local psychologist, assigned to evaluate Gaynelle. 40s to 50s.

PERFORMANCE DATES: 

September 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14

AUDITION DATES:

July 18th @ 6 P.M.
July 19th @ 3 P.M.
July 20th @ 3 P.M.

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY:

The Red Velvet Cake War is a comedy filled with Southern charm, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments that centers on the eccentric Verdeen cousins - Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette - living in Sweetgum, Texas. They hilariously find themselves navigating family drama, romantic mishaps, and a high-stakes family reunion, all while competing to bake the ultimate red velvet cake!

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:

Cold reading from the script.

CHARACTERS/ACTORS REQUIRED:

Cee-Cee Windham – The tri-county area’s most popular TV personality, host of Hospitality House. 40s to 50s. 

Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen – A troubled woman, newly divorced. Under investigation for the attempted murder of her husband’s girlfriend. 30s to 40s.

LaMerle Verdeen Minshew – The matriarch of the Verdeen Family. 60s to 70s. 

Aubrey Verdeen – Uncle to LaMerle. Crotchety with a heart of gold and a jokey sense of humor. 60s to 80s.

Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen – A tomboyish woman with a unibrow, dressed in men’s western wear. Works at Whatley’s Western Wear. 30s to 40s.

Peaches Verdeen Belrose – Fun and loud. A flashy dresser. Also, a mortuarial cosmetologist. 30s to 40s.

Bitsy Hargas – Blanche Deveroux's distant cousin, twice removed. 30s to 40s.

Newt Baylock – A handsome man with only one eye. Works at Miss Treeva’s Wig ‘n Bait Shop. 30s to 50s.

Sheriff Grover Lout – The local sheriff of Sweetgum, Texas. 40s to 50s.

Elsa Dowdall – A local psychologist, assigned to evaluate Gaynelle. 40s to 50s.

PERFORMANCE DATES: 

September 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14

AUDITION DATES:

July 18th @ 6 P.M.
July 19th @ 3 P.M.
July 20th @ 3 P.M.

By JONES HOPE WOOTEN • Directed by MIKE BEEHM

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY:

The Red Velvet Cake War is a comedy filled with Southern charm, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments that centers on the eccentric Verdeen cousins - Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette - living in Sweetgum, Texas. They hilariously find themselves navigating family drama, romantic mishaps, and a high-stakes family reunion, all while competing to bake the ultimate red velvet cake!

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS:

Cold reading from the script.

CHARACTERS/ACTORS REQUIRED:

Cee-Cee Windham – The tri-county area’s most popular TV personality, host of Hospitality House. 40s to 50s. 

Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen – A troubled woman, newly divorced. Under investigation for the attempted murder of her husband’s girlfriend. 30s to 40s.

LaMerle Verdeen Minshew – The matriarch of the Verdeen Family. 60s to 70s. 

Aubrey Verdeen – Uncle to LaMerle. Crotchety with a heart of gold and a jokey sense of humor. 60s to 80s.

Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen – A tomboyish woman with a unibrow, dressed in men’s western wear. Works at Whatley’s Western Wear. 30s to 40s.

Peaches Verdeen Belrose – Fun and loud. A flashy dresser. Also, a mortuarial cosmetologist. 30s to 40s.

Bitsy Hargas – Blanche Deveroux's distant cousin, twice removed. 30s to 40s.

Newt Baylock – A handsome man with only one eye. Works at Miss Treeva’s Wig ‘n Bait Shop. 30s to 50s.

Sheriff Grover Lout – The local sheriff of Sweetgum, Texas. 40s to 50s.

Elsa Dowdall – A local psychologist, assigned to evaluate Gaynelle. 40s to 50s.

PERFORMANCE DATES: 

September 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14

Fabulous Season Finale Extra

TRUE COLORS: A CABARET SHOWCASE OF PRIDE

In honor of Pride Month, join us for a night of cabaret in TRUE COLORS! Ten acts, with local and regional performers celebrating who they are behind the makeup and glamour. From burlesque, to drag, and plenty in between, this cast will have you moved to tears of both laughter and sincerity. For mature audiences only, this is an 18+ event. 

Vendors of various art and other goodies available for pre/post show shopping. Along with a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Q Center, a local nonprofit supporting our community members.

Audience members are encourage to don their best dress and/or most colorful wear to celebrate who they are! 

June 21, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025

ROMANTIC FOOLS

By RICH ORLOFF • Directed by DEBORAH MARTIN

12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance -- from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man's Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.

June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2025