Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde
Directed by Sarah Merkey
Stage Manager Wendy Brinker
Feb. 8 & 15, 2026 at 2:00PM
Cory Baker (Frank Harris), Ingrid Biederman (Constance, Narrator #7), Doug Browell (Marquess of Queensbury), Jennifer Chimbidis (Narrator #6, Prostitute, Mrs. Ellen Grant), Kelsey Demel (Charles Gil), Lynn Eitam (Speranza, Clerk of the Arraignments #1 & #2), Allison Fagan (Frank Lockwood, Queen Victoria), Ro Frazee (Narrator #4, Landlord), Patrick Goldman (Edward Carson), Brian Henry (Professor Taylor), Jeff Kemeter (Narrator #5, Wright, Claridge), Daniel Keyes (Alfred Wood), Joel Mamlin (Fred Atkins), Chelsea Martins (Moises Kaufman), Jim McCullough (George Bernard Shaw, Willie, Antonio Migge), Alex Motsinger (Foreman #1, William Parker), Nicholas Norton (Charles Parker), Alex Nyamohanga (Narrator #3, Hotel Manager), Oliver Powell (Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie)), Aaron Schrein (Richards, Auctioneer, Foreman #2), Kris "Frisk" Stage (Narrator #1, Mavor, Thomas Price), David Tull (Oscar Wilde), Molly Watson (Judge, Narrator #8), Phil Wells (Sir Edward Clarke), & Bailey Weyand (Narrator #2, Mary Applegate)
In early 1895, the Marquess of Queensberry, the father of Wilde's young lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, left a card at Wilde's club bearing the phrase "posing sodomite." Wilde sued the Marquess for criminal libel. The defense denounced Wilde's art and literature as immoral, leading the prosecuting attorney to declare, "It would appear that what is on trial is not Lord Queensberry but Mr. Wilde's art!" In the end Queensberry was acquitted, and evidence that had been gathered against Wilde compelled the Crown to prosecute him for "gross indecency with male persons." With Wilde's arrest, his hit plays running in London's West End were forced to close, and Wilde was reduced to penury. A second trial ended in a hung jury with Wilde's impassioned defense of "the love that dare not speak its name," prompting a third trial. In the third and decisive trial, Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment at hard labor. He was separated forever from his wife and children, and wrote very little for the rest of his life. In addition to Wilde, Douglas and Queensberry, characters ranging from Queen Victoria to London's rent boys, to a present-day academic are assembled to explore how history is made and how it can be so timely revisited in the theatre.
Purchase tickets online or call 614-392-7444.
- Jan. 30 - Opening - Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde
- Feb. 22 - Audition - Forever Plaid
In the Spotlight
A Farewell Message from Outgoing President Michael Day
The following was sent by email on December 31, 2025
When I first assumed the role of Board President 18 months ago, I was excited and terrified. Curtain Players has a rich history with a bench of dedicated volunteers. What could I possibly bring to the organization?
My mantra at the beginning was “surround yourself with good people, and then trust them to do the work.” I was very fortunate that so many good people reached out to me asking “how can I help?” And I put them to work.
The results have far surpassed even my hopes. We have multiple committees filled with enthusiastic workers who come together regularly to say “how can we improve next” – and then figure that out, and even better, act on the plans they make.
These 18 months were not completely smooth sailing. But this dedicated group of people always rose to the occasion, and worked out how to best respond with CP’s best interests foremost in their minds.
And now, I must step down, 6 months earlier than planned. I have been presented with some health challenges that will require my full energy and attention. And recognizing I would not be able to give the role of president the attention it deserves, I made the difficult decision to step down. But I leave with the knowledge that the organization is in very capable hands.
I won’t try to list all of the names of folks who I am grateful to and for, because I will invariably forget someone, and I want no hurt feelings from omission. But I can say thanks to:
- The board. This is a group of people who love CP, and have constantly been a source of inspiration for me. Please thank them for their contributions the next time you see them. It takes a special person to dedicate the time and energy to serve on a non-profit board.
- The working committees – their chairs and members. Driven, creative individuals who continue to improve what CP does for our productions, our audiences, our patrons, and our members
- Our faithful volunteers – who staff front-of-house for performances, come early on Saturday mornings to build and paint our sets, or show up for clean up days. Every minute given matters.
- Our financial patrons. Without their generous support, we would not be able to continue operating.
- Our audiences, who faithfully attend our productions – and then honestly tell us what they liked or didn’t like.
Serving CP for the past 18 months in this role has been an immense honor. And I am so grateful for all of the support that I have been given in my goals of improving the many areas of CP’s operations. This isn’t a Goodbye, only a Farewell For Now. I will still occasionally be around, and look forward to the day when I can jump right back in.
With fond wishes for the continued success and growth of Curtain Players…….
Recent News
- Spotlight: A Farewell Message from Outgoing President Michael Day
- Jan 06: Special Call for Nominations
- Nov 22: Announcing the Cast of Gross Indecency
- Oct 04: Simply Staged – Submission Deadline Extended
- Sep 24: Announcing the Cast of The Revolutionists
- See all Curtain Players news. >
Thanks to Our Supporting Organizations:
