Rochester Premier!
Rochester Community Players brings audiences a timely, thought-provoking play as its last production of 2026: A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein and directed by Maria Scipione. Set in Elba, N.Y., Rothstein was inspired to write this play after reading a New York Times article in 2006 about increased immigration enforcement on small, family-run farms in this nearby Genessee County town.
RCP’s production of this powerful play is filled with humanity, humor, and a haunting sense of unease over what the future will bring. It is a moving story that explores the friendship between Bonnie Johnson, a cabbage farmer, and her unlikely best friend, Carla Gutierrez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant. It is also a story of finding the power to face—and even rise above—what divides us.
Ultimately, Sharyn Rothstein’s play challenges audiences to contemplate what IS a good farmer?
Performances are at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester, on October 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m. A 2:00 p.m. matinee performance is Sunday, October 18. The Friday, October 23, performance is also ASL-interpreted. Tickets are available at www.muccc.org.
A GOOD FARMER is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC (a Concord Theatricals Company), servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.
Media for A Good Farmer
Rochester Community Players 2026-27 Season
October 2026
A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein
Directed by Maria Scipione
In Elba, N.Y., two women—a farm owner and an undocumented Mexican immigrant face challenges of friendship and survival in a rural area where immigration raids are common. Their story is one of finding the power to face and rise above what divides us.
Performed at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC)
January 2027
To Be Announced
Performed at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC)
April 2027
Translations by Brian Friel
Directed by Jean Gordon Ryon
What happens when your language is taken away? In the British-ruled Ireland of 1833, the town of Ballybeg is forever changed when English soldiers arrive to make a map of the area and change all the Irish place-names to English ones!
Performed at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC)
July 2027
Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare
Directed by Brodie McPherson
In this classic romantic comedy, the King of Navarre and his companions swear to forego all pleasures and focus only on their studies. However, they struggle to keep their oaths when the Princess of France and her ladies arrive. Can love conquer all?
Performed at the Highland Park Bowl
New RCP Board Directors & Officers
RCP welcomes Jeremy Case, David H. Fitch, Dan Liberatore, and Kristan Sandford who were elected in August to three-year terms as members of the Rochester Community Players Board of Directors. Continuing Board Directors are James Bader, Thomas M. Bohrer, and Jesse Lansner.
Newly elected officers are Maria Brandt, President; Vincent J. Carbone, Vice President; Karen S. Olson, Secretary; and Gabriella Nozik, Treasurer.
Past RCP President Michael C. Krickmire now hold the honorary position of President Emeritus in recognition of his 40 years of continuous service to Rochester Community Players from November 1986 to August 2026.
Applause
for Generous Donors!
To everyone who attended RCP’s free performances of The Taming of this Shrew at the Highland Park Bowl in July, thank you for coming to see our unusual “Social Media Shakespeare” production of a well-known play! And a second thank-you to the many, many people who also made donations to “Help RCP Keep Summer Shakespeare Free”! For 29 years, Rochester Community Players has provided free performances for everyone to enjoy; and we look forward to continuing this tradition with next summer’s 30th Shakespeare in the Park production!
We also rely on the generosity and support of donors throughout the year to help with the costs of producing each season of shows that people throughout the community can be a part of as well as attend!
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today Thank you!