A Good Farmer
by Sharyn Rothstein
Directed by Maria Scipione
The final show in RCP’s 101st season is A Good Farmer by Sharyn Rothstein and directed by Maria Scipione.
A Good Farmer was inspired by a New York Times article in 2006 regarding increased immigration enforcement on small, family-run farms in Elba, New York. This practice has since escalated making Rothstein’s play yet more relevant as it examines themes of love, friendship, and humanity amidst contentious and often divisive political issues surrounding immigration.
It is a moving drama that explores the friendship between Bonnie Johnson, a cabbage farmer, and her unlikely best friend, Carla Gutierrez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant. It is also an effective story about finding the power to face what divides us.
Evening performances are October 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and October 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester. The October 23rd performance will be ASL Interpreted.
Cast
 Kathryn Rebholz | Bonnie Johnson |
 Ashley Valdés Garcell | Carla Gutierrez |
 Helana Shumway | Rosemary Devlin |
 Crescenzo Scipione | Gabe DuBay |
 Ian Remmers | David Johnson |
 Amy Taipale Canfield | Lu |
 Grace Judge | Officer Shirley Sender |
 Larry Ploscowe | Rich Parks |
Production Team
 Maria Scipione | Director |
 Jack Simel | Production Stage Manager |
 Grace Judge | Assistant Stage Manager |
 John Jaeger | Scenic Designer |
| Ken Dauer | Technical Director |
 Zahava Alston | Costume Designer |
| Kenneth DeBot | Lighting Designer |
| Alexa Becker | Light Board Operator |
| Josiah Tapp | Sound Board Operator |
| Erin-Kate Howard | Scenic Painter |
 Sara Bickweat Penner | Intimacy Choreographer |
 Lydia del | Vocalist |
 Sandi Henschel | Dramaturg |
 Michael C. Krickmire | Producer |
| Luanne Davis Haggerty | ASL Interpretation |
Media for A Good Farmer
Broadway World – https://www.broadwayworld.com/central-new-york/regional/A-Good-Farmer–4403293
2006 New York Times article – https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/24/nyregion/immigrants-go-from-farms-to-jails-and-a-climate-of-fear-settles-in.html
WROC-TV Coverage – https://tinyurl.com/4e99rj7b
City Magazine Review – https://www.roccitymag.com/arts-entertainment/theater/review-a-good-farmer/