Richard Nelson’s Farcical Play An American Comedy Brings 1930s Screwball Chaos to Woodstock This November
Woodstock is gearing up for a lively theatrical November as Performing Arts of Woodstock presents An American Comedy, a fast-paced farce written by Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson. Known for his sharp dialogue and layered storytelling, Nelson leans fully into the chaotic charm of 1930s screwball comedies—packed with door-slamming antics, quick-fire misunderstandings, and the kind of larger-than-life mayhem that recalls the Marx Brothers at their peak.
The production runs throughout November 2025 at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center, located at 56 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY. Audiences can catch performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 1:30 PM. The show is scheduled for three consecutive weekends: November 14–16, November 21–23, and November 28–30. Full event schedules are available through local listings such as Kingston Happenings.
This spirited production is helmed by director Ellen Honig, who leads a nine-member ensemble of local actors. The cast, composed entirely of area talent, is set to bring Nelson’s whirlwind script to life with high-energy timing and a strong sense of ensemble play—something the show relies on heavily due to its rapid physical humor and overlapping comedic beats. Performing Arts of Woodstock confirmed that all roles for this staging have been fully cast, noting strong interest during auditions.
While the play delights in belly laughs and physical gags, it also carries the surprising depth that Nelson is known for. According to its publisher, Broadway Play Publishing, the script features an “avalanche of trunks, typewriters, dart-throwing, disrobing, and general pandemonium,” all while exploring underlying themes involving class, race, and the American Dream. The storyline is set aboard a 1930s cruise ship, a setting that naturally lends itself to both comedic collisions and social commentary. You can find a full description of the play on its publisher’s page: Broadway Play Publishing – An American Comedy.
Richard Nelson himself is a major figure in American theater. Born in 1950, he is known for works that blend character-driven narratives with broader cultural observations. He earned a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for James Joyce’s The Dead and has written numerous plays performed nationally and internationally. More about Nelson’s career can be found through the American Theatre Wing.
As for Performing Arts of Woodstock, the organization is notable in its own right. Founded in 1964, PAW stands as the longest-running community theater group in Woodstock. The company frequently selects works that challenge performers and engage audiences, and this production marks a vibrant entry into their 62nd season. Ticketing and general information can be accessed via the group’s official site at Performing Arts of Woodstock.
Audience members who need accommodations will also find assistive listening devices available at the venue’s box office, ensuring accessibility for all theatergoers.
With its combination of old-Hollywood energy, sharp humor, and meaningful thematic layers, An American Comedy promises a November filled with big laughs and nostalgic charm—delivered by a dedicated cast and a theater company deeply rooted in Woodstock’s creative spirit.
