Act II Playhouse is set to present its latest production, It’s Only a Play, a razor-sharp comedy by the late Terrence McNally. The production stars Tony Braithwaite leading a hilarious ensemble. The New York Times has lauded the play “Without a doubt hilariously, side-splittingly funny.”

Previews begin Mar. 19, 2024, and the production opens Friday, Mar. 22. It’s Only a Play will run through Sunday, Apr. 14.

It’s Only a Play opens on opening night for the biggest new show on Broadway, The Golden Egg. At a party thrown by the play’s producer, celebrities pour in downstairs, while upstairs, the show’s creative team awaits the first reviews. All the Broadway “types” are in attendance — the excitable playwright, his envious best friend, a cranky critic, the wunderkind director, and the pill-popping leading lady — all of whom are satirized in this no-holds-barred comedy that lifts up the theatre industry and the crazy cast of characters who make it all possible.

To lead the hilarious cast is Act II Playhouse Artistic Director, Braithwaite, who returns to the Playhouse stage following a sold-out run earlier this season in Christmas in the Catskills.

Joining Braithwaite are Nick Cardillo, E. Ashley Izzard, Megan McDermott, Nate-Miles McLean, Tom Teti, and Steven Wright.

Behind the scenes, Kevin Glaccum directs the production, returning to Act II Playhouse and reteaming with Braithwaite after Say Goodnight, Gracie.

“Terrence McNally was one of America’s great playwrights,” said Braithwaite. “His razor-sharp wit is bound to surprise audiences and have them laughing with abandon all night long. It is an honor for all of us to bring McNally’s work to the Playhouse stage and an honor for me to bring one of his quirky characters to life. I am equally excited to work with this hilarious cast and welcome director Kevin Galccum back to the Playhouse.”

Patricia G. Sabato is the Production Stage Manager, Laura Mancano is the Assistant Stage Manager, Parris Bradley is the Scenic Designer, James Leitner is the Lighting Designer, Katherine Fritz is the Costume Designer, and Adam Danoff is the Sound Designer. Amanda Hatch/Avista Theatrical Services provided Properties, and Eliot Curtis was the Scenic Painter.

It’s Only a Play was memorably revived on Broadway in 2014 and featured Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Megan Mullally, F. Murray Abraham, Rupert Grint, and Stockard Channing.

Act II tickets start at $32 and are available online, by calling the Act II Box Office, or in-person at the Box Office (56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler). The Box Office is open Monday to Saturday, 2-6 PM. Student tickets are $15, and group discounts are available.

Act II Playhouse was founded in 1998, and in 2012, Braithwaite became the 3rd Artistic Director in the theatre’s history. Act II Playhouse is committed to theatrical programming that is both accessible and entertaining. It is also committed to creating and producing original, classic, and contemporary plays, musicals, and cabarets (both comedic and musical) that reflect the highest artistic standards and presenting them in its intimate venue that draws audiences and performers into a unique, vibrant, and dynamic interaction. The Playhouse has received 43 Barrymore nominations and 6 Barrymore Awards. 

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