It's Only a Play

Written by Terrence McNally | Directed by Stephen DiMenna

Runtime: 2 hours (including one 15-minute intermission)`

Content Warning: This production includes depictions of simulated drug use, references to addiction, explicit or coarse language, and suggestive innuendo. Viewer discretion is advised.

Recommended for ages 13 and up.

September 24 - October 19, 2025

A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that celebrates - and lovingly skewers - the theatre world.

On the opening night of The Golden Egg, wealthy producer Julia Budder hosts a lavish Manhattan party. Downstairs, celebrities are arriving, but upstairs, the playwright, director, leading lady, and other insiders anxiously await the first reviews.

As egos clash and ambitions run wild, hilarity ensues in this sharp, affectionate look at the highs and lows of show business. With a venomous critic and an eager newcomer thrown into the mix, It’s Only A Play reminds us: in the theatre, sometimes the real drama happens offstage.

“This show is without a doubt hilariously, sidesplittingly funny…These are among the funniest lines to roll off a stage in years…It's Only A Play deserves only a rave.” - The New York Times.

TICKETS TO IT'S ONLY A PLAY

VIDEO & PHOTOS

Videography by Michael Hannisch | Photography by Dan Norman

Four people in a living room: a woman in a gold dress and a man in a tuxedo sitting on a cream armchair, a man in a suit standing holding a remote, and another man in a suit holding a picture frame.
A woman in a gold dress and a man in a tuxedo smiling and celebrating with drinks in a living room.
A man dressed in a tuxedo with a bow tie talking on a landline phone in a hotel room.
A man in a tuxedo sitting on a sofa and smiling while shaking hands with a young man in a white jacket in a plush, modern living room
Three actors in formal attire on stage, with a man in a tuxedo passionately speaking, and a woman and a man listening with serious expressions.
A woman with short dark hair wearing an ornate, light-colored dress is talking on a corded landline phone. Behind her is a decorative round mirror with a gold frame, on a wall with patterned wallpaper. On the table in front of her are a champagne bot
A group of seven people dressed in formal attire, holding hands, and appearing to be singing or celebrating in a well-lit, elegant room with floral arrangements and luxurious decor.
Three people in formal attire celebrating with drinks in a well-decorated living room with a couch and curtains.
Man dressed as a showman or performer, wearing a tuxedo with a tuxedo jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, and black trousers, holding a cane and a red cape, striking a dramatic pose in a warmly decorated room.
A man dressed in a colorful, furry, multicolored coat, white dress shirt, and black pants, appears to be escaping or pretending to run, with a dramatic expression on his face in a room with patterned wallpaper and contemporary furniture.
A scene from a play or television show featuring five adults in a luxurious living room. One man in a tuxedo is lying on a sofa with his head on a pillow, another woman in a black and gold dress sits on the sofa, a man in a suit stands leaning over h
A theatrical play scene set in a living room with five actors dressed in formal attire and one actor in costume, engaging in a dramatic conversation.
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a fancy dress sitting on a sofa in a bedroom, looking at a photo or letter together with a concerned expression.
Woman in a glittering, long gown with floral patterned boots, standing inside a living room, gesturing passionately with a woman’s expression.
Two men in suits are in a modern, well-lit living room with beige walls and furniture. One man is handing an object to the other. The background shows a bed in a bedroom area with piled clothes and a framed artwork on the wall.
Two men dressed as waiters in tuxedos with bow ties, one older with a beard holding a phone and a drink, the other younger with a clean-shaven face, standing in a fancy room with a bed and curtains.
A man dressed as a waiter or server, wearing a white jacket, black pants, and a bow tie, is talking on a landline phone in a living room setting with a beige sofa, pink and beige pillows, a coffee table, and a bed in the background.
A woman with gray hair in a shiny gold dress and black feathered coat sitting on a white sofa, raising her leg, talking animatedly to a man in a tuxedo seated across from her, holding a glass, in a room with a bed and curtains in the background.
A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a glamorous dress are in a bedroom. The woman is crying on the phone, and the man stands nearby with his hands in his pockets, looking at her.
A woman dressed in a shiny, patterned jumpsuit with a black fur trim coat, gold shoes, gold jewelry, and a black belt, standing in a bedroom.
A theatrical performance featuring a man dressed as a prince singing or speaking passionately with arms outstretched in a fancy living room setting, while six people watch with various expressions.
A woman in a beige dress is sitting on a white couch, covering her mouth with her hand, smiling. A man in a black tuxedo is sitting on an armchair, holding a glass, smiling at her. The room is a decorated hotel suite with a bed, side tables, and a pi
A theatrical scene with five standing actors and one sitting actor. The standing actors are in emotional distress, embracing and comforting each other, while the seated actor is on the floor, dressed in a blue plaid suit and black shoes with yellow d
A man dressed as a vampire or Dracula with a black cape and top hat talking to a woman in an elegant gown in a decorated room.
People acting in a play or skit in a living room setting. One person is standing on a sofa, gesturing with hands, while the others are seated and watching. The scene is staged with furniture and decor resembling a modern apartment.
The cast of a theatrical play or TV show posed for a photo on stage, in a living room set with cream-colored walls, furniture, and decor. The group includes men and women, some seated on sofas and chairs, others standing behind. The stage is lit with
A group of people posing together on a stage with elegant decor, including a beige couch, chairs, and a coffee table, in a well-lit room.
The cast of a theater play standing in a line holding hands and taking a bow on a set resembling a living room, with bright lights shining down.
A man in a black tuxedo and bowtie is holding a remote and looks surprised while another man in a blue plaid suit and scarf appears to be pulling him or gesturing toward him during a theatrical performance in a living room setting.
Two men standing close together, one in a black tuxedo with a grey beard and the other in a blue plaid blazer with a scarf, having a conversation during a social event, with one holding a glass of drink.
A theatrical stage scene in a luxurious living room, with five actors dressed in formal attire. One woman is lying on the floor in front, wearing plaid pajamas and slippers, appearing distressed. The other four standing are in tuxedos and a gown, wit
Three well-dressed people enjoying drinks and conversation in an elegant living room setting.
Three people in formal attire in a living room, with two women and one man. The woman and man are smiling and interacting, dressed in vintage or theatrical costumes; the woman in a fancy dress and the man with a top hat and cape. The third man in the
A woman with curly hair wearing a glamorous brown jumpsuit with a black feathered vest and a gold necklace is talking passionately, gesturing with her right hand, while a man in a tuxedo and bow tie stands behind her, holding a glass and listening. T
Two men in formal attire inside a room. One is seated, and the other is standing, holding a bowl and speaking. The seated man wears a tuxedo, and the standing man wears a suit and tie.
A man in a black tuxedo and bow tie looks at himself in a decorative round mirror on the wall, with a woman in a pink dress visible in the reflection.
A scene from a play featuring three actors in a bedroom set: a young man in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie standing on a bed with open arms, a woman in a gold dress holding a glass of wine looking at an older man in a black tuxedo who is leaning
Three women and a man in an apartment living room. The woman on the left, dressed in a shiny, patterned outfit with feather accents, is comforting the man in blue plaid pajamas, who is sitting on a sofa and appears distressed. The woman on the right,
Three people in a living room: a mix of a woman and a man sitting and a woman standing behind them. The woman on the sofa has gray hair and is dressed in a shiny, patterned outfit with feather details. The man sitting on the floor near her has dark h
A woman with gray hair yelling and gesturing passionately while sitting on a bed next to a man with brown hair and beard, wearing a blue plaid suit and scarf. The scene appears to be from a theatrical performance or a TV show.
Six people in a living room scene with a bed in the background. One person seated on a stool, two people standing and engaging in conversation, one person in a blue checkered suit squatting and gesturing, one person in a tuxedo talking, and one woman
A woman dressed in flashy clothing is falling backwards on a couch, holding a black object, while a man in a tuxedo on the couch raises his hand defensively. A man in a white tuxedo stands nearby, watching. The scene takes place in a luxurious hotel
A woman in a glittery dress and black feathered coat sitting next to a man in a black tuxedo on a white couch, engaged in conversation in a living room setting.
An elderly woman with curly gray hair singing on a bed in a luxurious bedroom, wearing a gold dress, black feathered vest, and gold jewelry.
An elegant man in a tuxedo with a white shirt, open tuxedo jacket, and a glass in his hand, smiling with arms outstretched. Seated on a white sofa, a woman in a shiny dress holding a glass, smiling. An older man in a tuxedo sitting on a beige chair,
Four people on stage in a theatrical play. One man in tuxedo talking on the phone, a woman in a gold dress looking shocked, and two other people on the couch in the background reacting with surprise.
Two men in tuxedos standing and talking in a living room, holding drinks, smiling, with a sofa, table, and curtains in the background.
A group of five people in formal and colorful clothing taking a selfie in a stylish living room. They are smiling and standing close together. The background shows a man adjusting his bow tie near a bed.
Two men engaged in an animated conversation in an elegant room. One man, wearing a black suit, is leaning close to the other seated man in a blue checkered suit and slippers, holding a smartphone.
A man in a tuxedo taking a selfie with a group of people in a living room setting, with a couch, pillows, and a dresser in the background.
Stage scene from a play mimicking a living room with five actors, one lying on the floor, two sitting on a white couch, and two others sitting nearby; a young man in a tuxedo is standing to the right holding a phone on a selfie stick. The background
People in formal attire having a conversation in a stylish living room.
Dramatic scene from a theatrical play with actors in tuxedos and formal wear on stage, with some in motion and disarray, set in a luxurious living room.
People dressed in formal and eccentric outfits kneeling with eyes closed, praying or meditating in a living room with beige wallpaper and furniture.
Group of people in a living room, with one man in tuxedo looking at his phone and the others reacting with surprise or interest.

Set Design: Ben Olson 

Interior stage set design for a play, featuring a bedroom scene with a bed, nightstands, lamps, a sitting area with sofas and chairs, a closet with clothing, and decorative elements like vases and a mirror.

Costumes: Matthew Lefevbe

Hand-drawn illustration of James Wicker, dressed in a tuxedo, standing with one hand in his pocket and holding a phone to his ear with the other, set against an elegant interior background.
Drawing of a young man in tuxedo taking a selfie, labeled as Gus P. Head, with notes indicating his costume includes a 'Phantom' belt buckle. The man is dressed in a white tuxedo jacket, black pants with a belt, and a bowtie, standing in a grand inte
A fashion illustration of a woman in bold, black and gold animal print attire, wearing a feathered headpiece, holding a wine glass and a cigarette, with notes about her shades and ankle monitor, by costume designer Sally Winert.
Fashion illustration of a man in a purple plaid suit holding a glass of wine, standing in an elegant interior.
Hand-drawn illustration of Julia Budder in a metallic, patterned gown, holding a glass of wine, standing in a hallway with detailed paneling and a potted plant in the background. The drawing includes handwritten text with her name and the costume des
Hand-drawn portrait of a man in formal tuxedo with a bow tie, holding a top hat, standing inside a circular frame with a background of an elegant interior. The drawing includes handwritten text with names 'Peter Austin' and 'Sasha Andreev,' and notes
Hand-drawn illustration of Ira Drew, a man in a blue suit with glasses, holding a book, standing in an elegant room with architectural details. The illustration includes handwritten notes about his appearance and outfit, and there are signatures and
Drawing of a man in a black cape and purple plaid pants, standing in a hallway. The drawing includes handwritten notes, with "Frank Finger" and "Daniel Petzold" at the top, and a signature at the bottom left. The background features a circle and some

Cast

Creative Team

  • A man smiling outside of a theater titled 'Theatre Tihany' in the background

    Stephen Dimenna^

    Director

    Read Bio
  • A person with long curly black hair and a beard, with eyes closed, is resting with their head next to a dog laying on a pillow, surrounded by red and dark-colored curtains.

    Maje Adams*

    Assistant Director

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  • A smiling young man with short, dark hair, wearing a cardigan over a black shirt, sitting at a table in a social setting.

    Benjamin Olsen

    Scenic Designer

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  • A middle-aged man with glasses, a beard and mustache, wearing a checkered blazer and a blue bow tie, appears to be in an indoor setting.

    Clare Pearson

    Mathew J. Lefebvre+

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  • Portrait of a man with long gray hair, a beard, glasses, wearing a blue headband and a blue shirt, against a black background.

    C. Andrew Mayer

    Sound Designer

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  • Close-up of a smiling man with glasses and curly gray hair, standing outdoors near a blue building.

    Marcus Dilliard

    Lighting Designer

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  • A woman with short, light brown hair wearing glasses, earrings, a gray scarf, and a black and white striped top, smiling in front of a plain white background.

    Jenny Moeller

    Properties Designer

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  • A woman with long wavy brown hair and glasses taking a selfie indoors in front of a green wall with a plant and a mirror.

    Keara Lavandowska*

    Stage Manager

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  • A smiling woman with short hair, wearing a necklace and a watch, resting her chin on her hand in a black and white photo.

    Holly Campbell

    Assistant Stage Manager

    READ BIO

Press & Testimonials

  • Logo of The Minnesota Star Tribune with green star icon and black background.

    Review: Park Square kicks off 50th season with star-studded ‘It’s Only a Play’

    The Minnesota Star Tribune

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  • Pioneer Press logo with black text on a white background and a blue band at the bottom with white text reading 'TwinCities.com'.

    Review: ‘It’s Only a Play’ is a riotous love letter to theater

    Pioneer Press

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  • Illustration of a smiling cherry with a sad face on its other side, being held by a hand against a gray background.

    Review: "It's Only a Play" at Park Square Theatre

    Cherry & Spoon

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  • Red theater curtains opening with the text 'The Stages of MN' in the center, and a YouTube logo with the handle '@TheStagesofMN' below.

    Review: It’s Only a Play is a Hilarious Love Letter to the Theater World

    The Stages of MN

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  • Logo for 'Talkin Broadway' with gold text on a black background, featuring stylized lettering.

    Review: It's Only a Play Park Square Theatre

    Talkin’ Broadway

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  • Book cover titled 'Play off the Page' by Mary Aalgaard Reviews, with black background and white text.

    Review: It's Only A Play

    Play off the Page

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  • Illustration of a woman with glasses reading a book, surrounded by a circular border with the text "Lettered in Theatre with Erica Skaholicia."

    Review: It's Only A Play

    Lettered in Theatre

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Promotional poster for the 50th anniversary season of Park Square Theatre, titled "It's Only a Play." The illustration features a woman sitting in a red armchair, reading a newspaper with the headline "Extra Extra Review!" She has red hair, is wearing a gray blazer, accessorized with a pearl necklace, and yellow shoes. Flanking her are two men dressed in suits, one with gray hair and the other with dark hair, both appearing surprised or stressed. The background is gold with faint newspaper illustrations, and the top section contains the theater's logo and details about the season, running from September 24 to October 19, 2025.

Digital Program

Person in a wheelchair speaking in front of a large audience in a dark room.
Night view of the exterior of Park Square Theatre with illuminated sign and street lamps.

Accesibility

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