A world premiere psychological drama.
THE NATIONAL PASTIME
By Rogelio Martinez
THE NATIONAL PASTIME
June 11 - 29, 2025
A Julie Lutz Cold Read World Premiere
Written by Rogelio Martinez
Directed by Johanna McKeon
Cuba, 2016. A mysterious illness rips through the American embassy in Havana. America, 2017. The Houston Astros are stealing signs, on their way to a World Series win. With tensions heightened from the lead-up and aftermath of an election year, the two nations play a dangerous game in the shadows, with their shared national pastimes – baseball and espionage – as their weapons of choice.
The National Pastime was commissioned by Syracuse Stage and was first presented in the 2022 Cold Read Festival. This production supports the 2025 edition of the Julie Lutz Cold Read Festival of New American Plays, featuring Festival Playwright-in-Residence Christine Quintana and "Write Here" playwright Zizi Majid.
SPECIAL EVENT SERIES
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![PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL]()
Syracuse Stage sets aside a limited number of tickets (76 total) for the M&T Bank Pay-What-You-Will Program.
Tickets are available for performances June 11 – 15 while supplies last.Pay-What-You-Will tickets must be claimed in person at the Box Office or by phone on the day of the desired performance, subject to availability.
Box Office hours:
Wed – Fri, 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Sat - Sun, 12 – 7:30 PM -
![PROLOGUE]()
Free for ticket holders, an hour before curtain. Join cast members, and guest speakers to learn more about the show you’re about to see.
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![WEDNESDAY@1]()
An insightful pre-show lecture series free for ticket holders.
June 18, @ 1:00 PM
Christopher Hatch is an associate professor of Theater at Hobart and William Smith Colleges where he teaches courses in acting. He also teaches a course called "Baseball and American Culture," and he has given talks at the Baseball Hall of Fame. A special focus of his research is baseball in Latin American countries and especially Cuba.
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![TALKBACK]()
After seeing the show, bring your questions to a post show discussion led by a member of Stage’s artistic staff with the show’s creative team. Talk backs are included with the purchase of the evening’s performance. (free for ticket holders)
June 22, following the 7:30 PM performance
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![TRIVIA]()
Join us for pre-show trivia. Free for ticket holders. Registration required. Limited spots available.
June 12, @ 6:00 PM
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![sensory friendly]()
Sensory Friendly and Sensory Friendly+ Performances provide a welcoming environment that lets all patrons enjoy themselves freely without judgment or inhibition.
June 24, @ 7:30 PM
Tickets can be reserved by calling the Box Office at 315-443-3275.
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![HAPPY HOUR]()
Join us for a pre-show social event. Discounts may vary.
June 19, 6:30 PM
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![OPEN CAPTION]()
Screens are placed to the side of the stage where the dialogue will display.
June 18, @ 2:00 PM
June 24, @ 7:30 PM
June 28, @ 7:30 PM
June 29, @ 2:00 PM -
![ASL]()
American Sign Language interpreters will sign for these performances.
June 21, @ 2:00 PM
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![Audio described]()
For those who are visually impaired. Those who need it, will be given a headset in which a staff member will describe the actions taking place in the show. Descriptions start 30 minutes prior to show. This is not disruptive to other patrons.
June 28, @ 2:00 PM
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![Poetry and Play]()
Join us for a pre-show event where we invite a poet to provide a reading of their work which is related to the topics/themes of the show. This event begins an hour and a half (1.5) hour prior to the show and is open to anyone with a ticket for that performance.
June 29, 12:30 PM
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![Community Night]()
Community Salsa Night
June 20, 6 PM
Swivel and sway your way into the feeling of a Havana night with salsa dancing and drink specials before the show.
SEASON SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSOR
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL SPONSOR
SHOW SPONSOR