UTICA — Players of Utica will present Richard Dresser’s “Rounding Third,” starring Dan Burgess and Richard K. Stoodley and directed by Dennis Clark, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28-29 and Feb. 4-5, along with 2 p.m. matinees on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6.

Tickets can be purchased online at: www.playersofutica.org/order-tickets or by calling 315-724-7624.

The comic-drama follows the tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches, Michael and Don, from their first tentative meeting to their climactic championship game. The audience is the stand-in for the team and, as such, the coaches consistently engage them by speaking directly to them about competition, character, punctuality, and the importance of wearing the right equipment.

Despite their differences, Michael and Don form an uneasy alliance for the benefit of the team.

And over the course of exhilarating victories, heartbreaking defeats, and interminable rain-outs, the two men battle over how to lead the team. Out of their conflicting philosophies, the real issue of the play emerges: how should we raise our children? 

Players of Utica COVID Policy: With the increasing spread of the COVID virus, it is more important than ever to Players of Utica to keep patrons, performers, and staff safe. All performers, Players board members, and volunteers have been vaccinated.

Attendees of the event will be asked to provide proof of vaccination and will be required to wear a mask while in the theater. Those who have not been vaccinated will need to provide proof of an official negative COVID test taken within three days prior to the day of attendance. At home tests will not be accepted.