Don't Talk to the Actors

Charlotte Players Opens the 2026-2027 Season with

Don't Talk to the Actors

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Charlotte Players proudly opens its 2026-2027 season at the Langdon Playhouse with Don't Talk to the Actors, a hilarious comedy by acclaimed playwright Tom Dudzick. Audiences can enjoy this witty and fast-paced production from September 10 through September 20, 2026, at the intimate Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte.

Under the artistic direction of Tom Erb, Don't Talk to the Actors takes audiences behind the curtain and into the wonderfully unpredictable world of professional theater. Although new to Charlotte Players, Erb has spent years entertaining theatergoers both onstage and behind the scenes. Known for his keen eye for detail, comedic timing, and ability to draw authentic and engaging performances from his cast, Erb brings his experience and passion for the performing arts to this season-opening production.

In Don't Talk to the Actors, an aspiring playwright is suddenly given the opportunity of a lifetime when his play is optioned for Broadway. He leaves Buffalo behind and heads to New York City, where he quickly discovers that getting a show to Broadway may be far more complicated—and far more hilarious—than they ever imagined.

Once rehearsals begin, the dream collides with the realities of show business. Cue the demanding actors, oversized personalities, creative differences and the kind of backstage drama that can make what happens offstage every bit as entertaining as what happens on it. As the production begins to take on a life of its own, the playwright finds himself struggling to protect his work while navigating the egos, insecurities and eccentricities of the theater professionals now surrounding them.

Filled with Tom Dudzick's signature wit, sharp dialogue and heartfelt moments, the play offers audiences an irresistible glimpse into the triumphs, insecurities, ambitions and absurdities that define those who devote their lives to the stage. Erb's direction embraces both the humor and heart of the story, giving audiences the feeling that they've been handed a backstage pass to witness all the laughter, frustration and controlled chaos that can go into putting on a show.

For anyone who has ever acted in a play, worked backstage, directed a production—or simply wondered what really happens behind the curtain—Don't Talk to the Actors offers a particularly entertaining look at the world of theater. And for those who have never ventured backstage, this may be the perfect opportunity to find out why sometimes the best advice really is: Don't talk to the actors!

Bringing the story to life is an outstanding production team led by scenic designer and artist Ron Bates, whose work transforms the Langdon stage into the perfect setting for this theatrical comedy. Scenic carpentry and construction are provided by Kurtis Barghausen; whose craftsmanship helps create the immersive theatrical experience audiences have come to expect from Charlotte Players.

Performances run September 10 through September 20, 2026. Evening performances are scheduled Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday performances presented as 2:00 p.m. matinees.

Tickets are $33 per person. With just 104 seats in the Langdon Playhouse, audiences are encouraged to reserve early. The intimate venue puts theatergoers close to the action—and for a comedy about what happens behind the scenes, there may be no better place to experience it.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Charlotte Players box office at 941-255-1022 or by visiting www.charlotteplayers.org.