University of Scranton Players to Stage Fall Play

Life could always be worse, and if you don't like it, then you can go and make it better. That's the lesson at the heart of "Somewhere in Between," the first production in The University of Scranton Players' 2026-27 season.

"Somewhere in Between," written by Craig Pospisil and directed by Michael O'Steen, MFA, associate professor of English, will play from Sept. 25 to 27 and Oct. 2 to 4, with six performances. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., while Sunday performances start at 2 p.m. All performances are on campus in the Royal Theater in the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts.

The play, a one-act comedy, tells the story of Jasper, a lonely television network representative who is trying to make sense of his life in New York City. Throughout the play's 10 scenes, Jasper learns to look at the world more optimistically through his interactions with other characters because, at the end of the day, it could always be worse for him.

James Stensland ʼ29, who plays Jasper in the upcoming production, said he found it easy to relate to his character.

"I learned a lot about myself and identifying with my character in the rehearsal process," Stensland said.

Professor O'Steen described Jasper as being "stuck where he doesn't want to be stuck … he discovers some people along the way that may be in a worse place than he is. Some things line up well for him, in spite of his inability to make things happen for himself."

Professor O'Steen further explained that he hopes this will cause the audience to understand and be sympathetic to Jasper.

"I think they'll empathize with the main character," he said.

Stensland emphasized the comedic nature of the play, describing it as "a funny play, but it's also a very real play," which works because, as he put it, "there is truth in both."

Professor O'Steen concurred, explaining that he chose the play for its light comedy, saying he hoped it would be a big draw for audiences.

"I think they'll find some of the sexuality witty and some of the physical comedy engaging," he said.

He has further found the rehearsal process to be fun and engaging, saying that the cast, while small, is "friendly, supportive and communicative."

The company of "Somewhere in Between" features Aaron Blasi ʼ29, of Tunkhannock; Alexander Smulowitz ʼ29, of Shavertown; Arion Solomon ʼ25, of Union City, New Jersey; Brooke Duggan ʼ29, of Newfoundland; Gracie Gregorowicz ʼ29, of Jessup; Marcus Smith ʼ27, of Schuylkill Haven; Shane Reznick ʼ27, of Allentown; and Stensland, of Huntington, New York.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff. Tickets are free for first-year students during the first weekend of performances. The box office opens 30 minutes before performances and accepts cash, checks or Royal Card only.

For more information, contact the University Players box office at 570-941-4318 or visit the Players on Facebook and Instagram.

The University of Scranton Players are committed to bringing exceptional theatre to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players' productions feature University of Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.