Thursday, March 19, 2026

Old Pueblo Playwrights New Play Festival

 

From: Adrian Cory < adriancory1@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:40 AM
Subject: OPP New Play Festival

 

 

As one of America's longest-running dramatist groups, Old Pueblo Playwrights presents staged readings of eight original works — each performed just once, script in hand, on a simple set with full lights and sound. Post-performance talkbacks invite the audience into the creative process.

"Like Hamlet, we believe the play's the thing. Each play is performed just once… talkbacks allow the audience to participate in improving our plays."

— John Vornholt, 2026 Festival Coordinator

OPP NPF FLYER

 

FULL SCHEDULE

The 2026 Festival Program

 

THURSDAY

April 2

7 PM

"HOA Blues"

Debra Vassallo  ·  Dir. Dennis O'Dell

The HOA fund is down to $77.13; streets are filled with potholes, the liability insurance is set to expire, and a hedge fund plans to tear down homes and build high-rises. What's the Sparkling Springs board to do?

 

FRIDAY

April 3

7 PM

"AI AI O"

Mel Hector, MD  ·  Dir. Zach Wetzel

Whose intelligence is more "artificial"? How does AI impact ethical choices? Are meaningful safeguards even possible?

 

SATURDAY

April 4

2 PM

SATURDAY SHORTS MATINÉE — FOUR PLAYS

"Clutch"

Liisa Rose  ·  Dir. David Sewell

Gunshots, watermelon, a Mallard duck. A pair of siblings deal with their shared childhood trauma in very different ways.

"What a Trip"

Leslie Powell  ·  Dir. Dave Sewell

Two sisters tangle with a federal agent and learn to see each other as never before. Comedy ensues.

"Change"

Leslie Powell  ·  Dir. Pat Timm

In a world of "haves" and "have-nots," three characters trapped underground learn the dangers of disconnection from basic humanity.

"Moving Day"

Kristen Kallen-Keck  ·  Dir. Drew Kallen-Keck

A missing cat might just derail a couple's big, exciting move.

 

SATURDAY

April 4

7 PM

"The Chemo Lounge"

John Vornholt  ·  Dir. Stan Sutherland

Whoever we may be on the outside, we share our demons, fears, and decisions here as we fight to survive. The infusion center of a cancer clinic — where equals meet in the most human of struggles.

 

SUNDAY

April 5

7 PM

"Don't Feed the Troll"

Adrian Cory  ·  Dir. Adrian Cory

When an op-ed columnist's world is ripped apart, she seeks to take down the online troll causing her despair. Strong language, depictions of violence, and sexual content. Previously debuted at Tucson Fringe.

 

 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Plan Your Visit

 

VENUE

Invisible Theatre

1400 N. First Avenue @ Drachman

Tucson, Arizona 85719

 

Wheelchair-accessible parking,

entrance, and restrooms.

ADMISSION

Pay What You Will

No reserved seats. Pay at the door

via cash, check, or Venmo.

No credit cards.

 

Free bottled water. Donations welcome.

CONTACT

John Vornholt, Festival Coordinator

520-548-3484  ·  johnvorn@aol.com

 

Adrian Cory, Communications

206-851-2818

adriancory1@gmail.com

ABOUT OPP

Old Pueblo Playwrights

501(c)(3) nonprofit inspiring writers

for over four decades.

 

Table-reads every Monday at 7 PM.

Donate via Venmo or PO Box 775,

Tucson AZ 85702.

 

 

 

Special thanks to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for their ongoing support.

 

 

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TucsonStage home: www.TucsonStage.com

Recent announcements: http://tucsonstage.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

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