Press Release: 1st Annual Hardscrabble Theater One-Act Play Festival
September 10, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact, press and reviewer passes: John Passadino (516) 544-1090
Email: info@hardscrabbletheater.com
Interview Co-Producers: John Passadino, Patrick Reilly, Michael Casano
Please note: A one-line description of each play is at the end of this press release.
Reflection, Relationships, and Reverie are Featured in Hardscrabble Theater’s Inaugural One-Act Play Festival
Rob Bartlett to Direct One of Ten Plays to be seen from October 16-18
Farmingdale, NY— For nearly ten years, Hardscrabble Theater’s fellowship of actors, artists, and technicians have focused on presenting quality live theater to the Farmingdale community, and to Long Island, in general. Along with well-received mainstage productions, Hardscrabble has also acted as a learning environment for aspiring actors through its children’s theater program and improv talents through Hardscrabble Comedy. This commitment to celebrating the accomplishments of the theatrical community on Long Island is what drove Hardscrabble Theater to embark on producing its first-ever One-Act Play Festival, taking place the weekend of October 16th at its mainstage at St. Thomas Episcopal Church (298 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY).
“Many of our members have been involved with other play festivals over the years,” said John Passadino, co-producer & co-founder of the festival. “The energy that comes from working in this format is fantastic – especially seeing local actors committed to bringing to life the great works of local playwrights involved in the process. As a company, we wanted to continue that tradition by establishing our own one-act festival to provide local actors, directors, and playwrights that same opportunity.”
One individual ready to support that spirit is renowned actor, radio personality, and Farmingdale native, Rob Bartlett. Familiar to many theatergoers for his great work in the Broadway plays, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and the revival of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple – and most recently as Hercule Poirot in Manes Studio Theatre of Long Island’s production of Murder on the Orient Express, Mr. Bartlett’s talents will be featured offstage, directing Mr. Passadino’s play, Soulmates.
“I have been an admirer of Hardscrabble Theater for years,” said Mr. Bartlett. “John’s also a friend, so when the opportunity came up to direct his play and work with this company, I jumped at the chance. For me, it’s also about coming full circle. Farmingdale High School is where it all began for me. It’s great to come back to the place that gave me my start.”
The ten plays featured in the festival will be performed twice each, once as a matinee and once in the evening at Hardscrabble Theater – located at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 298 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY. Program 1 will be presented on Friday, October 16th at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 17th at 3:00 p.m. Program 2 will be performed on Saturday, October 17th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 18th at 3:00 p.m.
Admission is $25 to each of the four festival performances ($20 for students, seniors, and first responders). You can reserve tickets for the festival (recommended) by visiting the Hardscrabble Theater website at hardscrabbletheater.com.
Overview
Play Topics:
Program 1: Friday, October 16th at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 17th at 3:00 p.m.
Everything’s So Expensive Lately, written by Susan Bachner and directed by Pam Uruburu; featuring Paul DeFilippo, Melissa Fine, and Harrison Grimm: A recently downsized professional and a quirky jewelry maker have someone throw a wrench into their evening dinner date.
The Luminous Hour, written by Joseph Sherer and directed by John Passadino; featuring Bob Hertz, Bobbie Ruth, and Joseph Sherer: Sometimes the most challenging dreams we may have are when we are awake.
Dream Date, written by Peter Scarpinato and directed by Amy Nicole; featuring Joseph Cavagnet, Meg Coyne, and Alicia Spiegel: A man meets a beautiful woman through a dating agency, but all is not as it seems.
Stuck In A Rut, written by Rose Weldon and directed by Stacey Portmore-Davies; featuring Megan Laguna, Morgan Faye Neudel, Beineon Portmore-Davies, Rita Sarli, and Josh Winderman: A gathering of friends leads to some important revelations.
Soulmates, written by John Passadino and directed by Rob Bartlett; featuring Bob Hertz, John Passadino, Lu-Ann Passadino, and Bobbie Ruth: Certain situations may not always end up being what’s meant to be.
Program 2: Saturday, October 17th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 18th at 3:00 p.m.
A Little Old For This, written by Keith Whalen and directed by Kathy Becker; featuring Virginia Green, Joe Leary, Elizabeth Rowe and Lisa Wangle: Trick-or-Treating does not have an age limit.
Clairevoyant, written by Nathan Christopher and directed by Jim Polen; featuring Alfio DiFranco and Laura Rosenfeld: Two people are trying to see their way through to the end.
Nowhere Gets Busy This Time Of Year, written by John Blenn and directed by Patrick A. Reilly; featuring Steven Brennan, Michael D'Alto, Bryan Mayer, Renee McClean, and Nancy Walsh: A couple finds themselves in a precarious situation after their second date.
Clearing Up The Clutter, written by Michelle Giusto and directed by Stanley Katz; featuring John Arthur Battaglia and Gina Marie: Going through old things may lead you to former dreams.
Solving For The Unknowns, written by Michael Casano and directed by Jo Ann Katz; featuring Michael D'Alto, Renee McClean, and Patrick A. Reilly: A man unexpectedly revisits his old classroom to learn a new lesson.
One Act Play Festival
Program 1:
October 16 at 8:00pm & October 17 at 3:00pm
Everything's So Expensive Lately by Susan Bachner
The Luminous Hour by Joseph Sherer
Dream Date by Peter Scarpinato
Stuck In A Rut by Rose Weldon
When Soulmates Go Wrong by John Passadino
Program 2:
October 17 at 8:00pm & October 18 at 3:00pm
A Little Old For This by Keith Whalen
Clairevoyant by Nathan Christopher
Nowhere Gets Busy This Time Of Year by John Blenn
Clearing Up The Clutter by Michelle Giusto
Solving For The Unknowns by Michael Casano