boots on the ground theater
Company in Residence
October 18–November 3
It’s Only A Play
IT’S ONLY A PLAY by Terrence McNally – A wealthy first-time Broadway producer, Julia Budder, is throwing an opening night party for The Golden Egg at her luxurious Manhattan home. The playwright, Peter Austin, is joined by the director, a lead actor, and assorted friends and hangers-on (including a critic) as they nervously wait for the late-night reviews printed in the newspapers. As they wait, they gossip and name-drop celebrities who are in attendance and chat about their respective theater experiences. Virginia Noyes, the star of the show, is taking drugs. James Wicker, an old friend of the playwright, is now a successful TV actor who turned down the lead in the play, and is relieved and secretly thrilled about the bad reviews that arrive. And, although Ira Drew is a theater critic, he is very critical of the theater because he has no talent to actually participate, despite his secretly writing plays. Not discouraged by the bad reviews for The Golden Egg, the assembled parties eagerly make plans for their next play, which they know will be a hit.
Directed by Bob Kaplan, produced by Bonnie Grice.
VIP tickets available for Opening Night, Friday, October 18, 7:00 pm. Includes show and reception with cast, director, and special guests!
Introducing…
The Cast of It’s Only A Play
We are excited to introduce to you the cast of IT’S ONLY A PLAY:
Actor Character
Eileen Trilli “Pat” Austin
Gillian Schroeder Julia Budder
Phil Eberhardt Ira Drew
Huck Hirsch Frank Finger
Bonnie Grice Virginia Noyes
Matthew O’Connor James Wicker
Brandon Battiste Gus P Head
Director Bob Kaplan
Stage Manager Evelyn Lubrano
To Our Wonderful Sponsors…
Thank You!
Many, many thanks to WLNG and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital for their generous sponsorship of boots on the ground theater!
Coming December 6-15, 2024
A Christmas Carol
We’re excited to bring Charles Dickens to life for the holidays. CHRISTMAS CAROL: A LIVE RADIO PLAY adapted by Joe Landry is set in a 1940s radio studio where actors gather for a live radio version of the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, complete with old time microphones, commercial jingles, and live sound effects. James Pritchard directs and we’ll feature special guests The Dickens Carolers, costumed carolers guaranteed to help set the mood for this Victorian Christmas classic.
Book Tickets Here!
How to order tickets:
- Click the number of tickets you want
- Click on the time
- Click the date on the calendar
VIP tickets: available for Opening Night, Friday, October 18, 7:00 pm. Includes show and reception with cast, director, and special guests!
Introducing
Gen C Creative
Boomers… Gen X… Millenials…Gen Z “Zoomers”… and the latest: Generation Alpha. Hard to keep up?!
Well we’re here to add one more to the growing list. Next season boots on the ground theater will present a brand new program with a new generation in mind. We’re calling it GEN C “CREATIVE”. Each Spring we’ll present classic lit and YA-themed plays, giving young actors the chance to showcase their talents on the Southampton Cultural Center stage. Students will have the chance to audition and perform, as well as work behind the scenes stage managing and working on the tech crew. Perhaps even direct!
We’ll begin next year with a much loved English children’s story written by Edith Nesbitt and adapted for the stage by Mike Kenny. “THE RAILWAY CHILDREN” has maintained its popularity for over a century and has actually been adapted for the screen six different times, including a television series and feature film. This classic train tale marked the first reference in literature to the time-honored British tradition known as “trainspotting.” Rumor has it the BBC is planning a new version for TV this year.
We’re thrilled to bring “THE RAILWAY CHILDREN” to life at the SCC and to give the young folks in our community the chance to take part. Plus we’ll be joined in the SCC Gallery for a special train exhibit (model trains and all!) by the Railroad Museum of Long Island. You don’t want to miss this. All aboard!
Hope you’ll join us in welcoming GEN C Youth on Stage! Please help support boots on the ground theater at the SCC.
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In the Press
Here’s the Buzz:
- 27 East – ‘The Chalk Garden,’ a Show Filled With Comedy and Mystery
- Hamptons.com – The “Chalk Garden” is a Huge Success at SCC
- 27 East – Boots on the Ground Presents Jekyll and Hyde, With a Twist
- Hamptons.com – “Chemical Imbalance” Opens to a Standing Ovation at the SCC
- East End Beacon – Rollicking Horror? boots on the ground Has It In Store
- East Hampton Star – Monster Mash
boots on the ground®
Company in Residence
boots on the ground theater® was born out of a passion for storytelling, history, and the creative process. Founder Bonnie Grice developed a great love for the creative arts over the course of her 30+ years as a radio host interviewing artists of all kinds. While getting to stretch her creative muscles on-air in radio and television, it was theater that has always had a special place in her heart.
After performing in numerous community theater productions in the East End of Long Island, Bonnie decided to jump into the theater world with both boots. boots on the ground theater was established in 2016 with a focus on exploring historical and contemporary stories through the unique perspective of Long Island’s East End.