It's Only A Play!
As part of its 2025-2026 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present It’s Only a Play, written by Terrence McNally, an award-winning American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter.
The Old Academy Players’ 549th production will run November 7-23, 2025; Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 pm and three Sunday matinées, November 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 2:00 pm. It is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. Described as the bard of American theater and one of the greatest contemporary playwrights the theater world has produced, McNally won five Tony awards and multiple additional awards for his work over six decades. It's Only a Play was not a hit when it was first presented in 1978, originally entitled Broadway, Broadway. But after multiple revisions and productions off-off-Broadway and off-Broadway, It's Only a Play finally opened on October 9, 2014, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. The play was such a huge success that the run was extended multiple times and starred celebrities such as Stockard Channing, Mathew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Martin Short. Reviews indicated: “This show is without a doubt hilariously, sidesplittingly funny…These are among the funniest lines to roll off a stage in years…IT’S ONLY A PLAY deserves only a rave.” —The New York Times. “At the heart of the humor is the sublime narcissism of the professional players and their honest conviction that nothing matters except the theater…You really must laugh at McNally’s unquenchable wit—but those sloppy-kiss tributes to the theater…are deeply felt and honestly moving.” —Variety. “This is the sort of comedy that puts the broad in Broadway, with a genuinely funny script boasting pointed barbs at theater mainstays such as Liza Minnelli, Harvey Fierstein, and New York Times critic Ben Brantley…IT’S ONLY A PLAY is a poison-pen mash note to New York theater, at once gleefully bitchy and affectionate.” —Entertainment Weekly.
Synopsis: We find ourselves at the opening night after-party for a brand-new Broadway play. A blizzard rages outside as the cast and producers eagerly await the opening night reviews. Cracks start showing between the high strung larger than life classic theater personalities. Old theatre rivalries rear their ugly heads in the most hilarious way possible. Yet, in the tradition of all things theater, the show must go on…! Warning: Contains adult language, it may not be suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
Old Academy Players’ stellar cast includes: Dan Crozier as Peter Austin, Eric Rupp as Sir Frank Finger, Joseph Peachey as Gus P. Head, Michele King as Virginia Noyes, Ross Druker as James Wicker, Sam Gugino as Ira Crew, and Susan Cantone as Julia Budder. Michael Eddy Harvey and Kim Hess understudy multiple roles. It’s Only a Play is directed by Sarah Labov, produced by Kimberly Hess with production assistants Hannah Leifheit and Sonya Heard, and huge support from many OAP Company members and committees.
Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for Students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109. Advance tickets are highly recommended. Old Academy Players is located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Parking for all performances is free.
The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the "Philadelphia Cultural Fund" and the "Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation".
