Play It Again, Sam

by Woody Allen
directed by Samantha Abrams

October 13, 14, & 15, 8pm
October 15 & 16, 2pm

Little Theater, Oberlin College

It’s a classic tale: girl meets boy, boy meets an inferiority complex, crippling anxiety, and frequent fantasies of Humphrey Bogart. When Allan Felix’s wife leaves him, he is thrust back into the dating game; a weighty proposition for the socially-stunted film critic. Through fix-ups and let downs, passion and panic attacks, Allan navigates bachelor life, guided by the embodiment of style and machismo, film star Humphrey Bogart. But even Bogey himself may not have the finesse to help Allan overcome his many hang-ups and find the confidence to love again. Directed by college senior, Samantha Abrams, Play It Again, Sam is an endearingly funny tale of one man’s pursuit of love in the face of his neuroses.

Tickets

$3 In Advance
$5 At the Door

In Person
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Central Ticket Service in Hall Auditorium Lobby.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 12pm to 5pm

By Phone
Contact Central Ticket Service at: (440) 775-8169 or 1-800-371-0178
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 12pm to 5pm

Seating in Little Theater is limited and there is no late seating.

Little Theater is located in the annex of Hall Auditorium  [Get Directions to Little Theater]

This production is presented by the Oberlin College Theater and Dance Program. 

Artistic & Production Credits

Cast

Production Notes

“In the era of old Hollywood,” says director, Samantha Abrams, “Simplicity was idealized. Social roles were fixed - there was no question about what happened after on-screen couples kissed and gazed off into the distance. They got married, and they stayed that way.” Of course, real life romance has never been quite as cut and dry as black and white films made it seem. In Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam, one lovelorn classic movie buff learns that even when you’ve got Bogart himself on your side, re-entering the dating scene is never picture perfect.

Play It Again, Sam dives into the psyche of Allan Felix, who, after two years of marriage and an abrupt divorce, finds himself back in the turbulent waters of the Manhattan dating pool. Initially he flounders, unable to muster the confidence of his idol and imaginary friend, Humphrey Bogart. His parade of hilariously ill-fated love connections brings him closer to his best friend’s wife, Linda. But, as their platonic relationship begins to turn romantic, Allan must decide whether the true measure of a man is luck with the ladies or loyalty to his friends.

“We have all experienced the nerves and apprehension that come with re-entering the dating world,” explains Abrams. “It’s great to make fun of those feelings we all have, especially at Oberlin, where awkward tension is an occupational hazard for anyone attempting to have a romantic life.” Relentlessly funny and acutely relevant, Play It Again, Sam promises audiences a rollicking night of theater that won’t soon be forgotten.

Bios

WOODY ALLEN (Playwright) is an American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, jazz musician, author, and playwright. He has won three Academy Awards and has been nominated 21 times. Some of his best known works include Midnight in Paris, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Scoop, Small Time Crooks, Bullets Over Broadway, Hannah and Her Sisters, Manhattan, and Annie Hall.

SAMANTHA ABRAMS (Director)  is a senior, double majoring in English and theater. Play it Again, Sam is her third full-length directing project, the first two being All in the Timing by David Ives (with OSTA), and Two Rooms by Lee Blessing. She also directed a few shorts; Cats Wanted in the 2009 Fall Showcase, Big Mistake for the Theater 101 Showcase in 2009, and another Woody Allen play, Central Park West. She would like to thank her extremely amazing crew and cast for all their great work in making this show hilarious.

Media

All media inquiries can be directed to Ellie Philips at 440.775.8171 or ephilips@oberlin.edu