Players of Utica Presents Iconic Drama, Bad Seed
UTICA, N.Y., 10/08/2024 – How much do you ever really know about the people you love?
Christine Penmark (Valerie Able) finds out in Maxwell Anderson’s 1954 play Bad Seed,
directed by Suzanne Murdock Rodio opening October 18 at Players of Utica.
Everyone believes that eight-year-old Rhoda Penmark is a sweet little angel. But cracks in
her façade appear when one of her classmates mysteriously drowns at a school picnic. Was
Rhoda responsible?
Christine Penmark (Valerie Able) finds out in Maxwell Anderson’s 1954 play Bad Seed,
directed by Suzanne Murdock Rodio opening October 18 at Players of Utica.
Everyone believes that eight-year-old Rhoda Penmark is a sweet little angel. But cracks in
her façade appear when one of her classmates mysteriously drowns at a school picnic. Was
Rhoda responsible?
This famous tale has been told on the silver screen in 1956 and 2018, with each version
having their own take on the story. “The controversial topic of nature versus nurture is
grappled with in this story,” says director Rodio. “Delving into the human psyche, looking
beyond what is readily apparent and examining the complexity of relationships always
makes for good theater.”
having their own take on the story. “The controversial topic of nature versus nurture is
grappled with in this story,” says director Rodio. “Delving into the human psyche, looking
beyond what is readily apparent and examining the complexity of relationships always
makes for good theater.”
The play will make a great addition to your pre-Halloween activities. It’ll keep you on the
edge of your seat and has moments that will chill you to the bone.
edge of your seat and has moments that will chill you to the bone.
The cast features 11 talented actors, with Valerie Abel as Christine Penmark, Dylan
Zimmerman as Rhoda Penmark, Zenna Monaghan as Monica Breedlove, Lonnie Etter as
Colonel Kenneth Penmark, David Plescia as Leroy Jessup, Stephanie Hammonds as Mrs.
Daigle, Paul Stern as Mr. Daigle, Michele Buday as Miss Fern, Eric Almleaf as Reginald
Takser, Mike Clark as Emory Wages, and Carl Defranco as Richard Bravo.
Zimmerman as Rhoda Penmark, Zenna Monaghan as Monica Breedlove, Lonnie Etter as
Colonel Kenneth Penmark, David Plescia as Leroy Jessup, Stephanie Hammonds as Mrs.
Daigle, Paul Stern as Mr. Daigle, Michele Buday as Miss Fern, Eric Almleaf as Reginald
Takser, Mike Clark as Emory Wages, and Carl Defranco as Richard Bravo.
With themes of death and murder, Bad Seed is not recommended for young children or
sensitive audience members.
sensitive audience members.
Performances for Bad Seed:
Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Sundays, October 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Sundays, October 27 at 2:00 p.m.
A special thank you to PJ Green for sponsoring the Players’ 2024-2025 season.
The wearing of masks in the theatre is optional. Tickets can be purchased online at
playersofutica.org or by calling 315-724-7624.
playersofutica.org or by calling 315-724-7624.
About Players of Utica
Players of Utica Players of Utica is a non-profit community theatre that has been continuously producing shows since 1907. We have engaged over 1 million individuals with affordable, first-class community theatre. Players of Utica is an equal-opportunity organization. For more information, and to support or participate, visit www.playersofutica.org, follow us on Instagram @playersofuticany, Twitter @UticaPlayers or “like” us on Facebook.
Players of Utica Players of Utica is a non-profit community theatre that has been continuously producing shows since 1907. We have engaged over 1 million individuals with affordable, first-class community theatre. Players of Utica is an equal-opportunity organization. For more information, and to support or participate, visit www.playersofutica.org, follow us on Instagram @playersofuticany, Twitter @UticaPlayers or “like” us on Facebook.
