On Time

Love, loss and fate intertwine in this sweeping, intimate exploration of human connection.

BlackBox Series

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH US AND ENJOY THIS NEW PLAY!
WINNER OF THE 2025 MIKE SOCKOL NEW WORKS SERIES
(COMPETITION FOR A FULL PRODUCTION RUN)

In this gay epic spanning 160 years, ON TIME follows five couples, weaving together moments of love, heartbreak, and survival across centuries. Through a series of intimate encounters—some fleeting, some life-altering—the play explores how time bends, repeats, and reshapes the course of human lives. From the clandestine desires of two coworkers in Victorian England to the modern-day uncertainty of fiancés on the brink of matrimony in the American South, love, loss and fate intertwine in this sweeping, intimate exploration of human connection while illuminating the barriers history has long placed on queer love.

Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 05/17/2026

Ticket Prices:

$20 Adults
$18 Seniors, Students, Veterans (ID required)
[$2 discount for 20+ tickets]
General Admission

Performance Times:

Fridays/Saturdays 7:30pm
Sundays 2:00pm
2 weekends

Run Time: 90 minutes, no intermission
Suggested Age Range: 16+
Content Warning: Mature themes, including sexual content and explicit language.

Authors/Playwrights: Wesley Cappiello
Directed by: Darren Nye

Cast:

DEKE STOKLOSA
- Ezekiel, Andrei, Otto, Steven and Mark - is a native NYer who works for the fashion brand Desigual as Head of Retail & Wholesale for North America. He was a member of Edith O’Hara 13th Street Rep Company (playing Dolan in the longest running off-off Broadway hit LINE) scored a “best actor” nom in the Think Fast One Act Play Festival, & won a TANY award for one of his set designs. You can also catch him on an episode of “The City” on MTV. He has most recently appeared as Jabberwocky/King of Hearts in Alice By Heart (BAC) and in the Perry Nominated productions of RENT as Gordon, The Man & Others (BAC) and Head Over Heels as Dametas (BAC). Notable NJ appearances: Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret (BAC), Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein (Studio Playhouse), Cedric in Puffs (WhatCo), J-Rod in SWSP (LoMo), Girard in American Idiot (BAC), Ensemble in Reefer Madness (BAC), Charlie in The Wickham Way (TNT), Eric in Death By Design (Summit Playhouse), & Gregorio in My Big Gay Italian Wedding (TLC). Other regional credits: Ryan in HSM2 Live, Tyrone in Fame, Joe Farkas in Last Night Ballyhoo, Chuck Cranston in Footloose, Greg in A Chorus Line & Eugene in Grease. “This show has been an emotional journey and I am forever grateful to Wesley for finding the right words so many of us could not find ourselves.” @Dekestok

MATTHEW SWANSON
-Madison/Dmitry/Georg/Rob/Evan - is a professional mentalist and magician whose work has taken him throughout the East Coast, captivating audiences with his distinctive blend of psychological illusion and theatrical storytelling. In addition to his performance career, he remains an active actor in the New Jersey theatre community. Recent credits include Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show (Music Mountain Theatre), the Emcee in Cabaret (Haddonfield Plays and Players), and Billy Nolan in Carrie: The Musical (SJYouth Arts). He has also collaborated on a variety of magical and theatrical productions with Langhorne Players and has performed in association with the renowned Paper Mill Playhouse.
Cheers,
Matthew Swanson
The Magic Thespian
(609) 250-2683
bit.ly/EventSuccessSecret
Instagram: @magic.thespian
website: MiracleMagicPro.com


Production Staff:

Darren Nye - Producer & Director
Kate Murray - Stage Manager/Assistant Director
Ed Pearson - Lighting Designer
Manny Gonzalez Jr - Costume Designer
Sophia Bosque - Lighting/Sound Ops
Cheryl Orson - Props & Set Paint
Aster Kiesche - Sound Designer & Set Paint
Lauren Walton - Stage Crew & Set Paint
Megan Gaido - Stage Crew & Wardrobe
Lewis Decker - Set Carpentry

PLAYWRIGHT - Wesley Cappiello
Wesley is a NYC-based actor, director and playwright whose work explores love, survival, and human connection through bold, theatrical storytelling. His previous plays include dystopian thriller, The Waiting Room, which had a sold out run at Teatro LATEA (NYC), and family drama Lucy in the Sea With Darvon which received a critically acclaimed production at Clear Space Theatre Company (DE). His play On Time has been presented in readings at Music Mountain Theatre (NJ), Cypress Productions (KY), and Villagers Theatre (NJ), and his short play Where the Snow Never Ends has been performed at Town and Country Players (PA) and The Pharmacy Theatre (PA). He also wrote and choreographed The Final Dose, commissioned by Troy Foundry Theatre (NY). Cappiello’s work has been praised for its layered characters, psychological depth, and emotionally gripping narratives. Cappiello is a proud member of both Actors' Equity Association and The Dramatist Guild. For more information, visit www.wesleycappiello.com. @wesleycappiello

Nominated for 3 NJACT Perry Awards for 2025/2026!

Outstanding Production of an Original Play
Wesley Cappiello-Author, Darren Nye-Producer/Director, Kate Murray-Assistant Director
Outstanding Direction of a Play – Darren Nye
Outstanding Sound Design of a Play – Aster Kieshe

Reviews are below!

  • 5 Stars – from Adam H – The writing of the script was excellent. It was easily understood, but also challenging and evoked emotional responses from each of my party members. The actors did a very solid job, given the complexity and diversity of the characters they played. While I did not want it to end, the length was appropriate to keep me wanting more. The staging and props, while simple, positively moved the story along. Thank you for telling our story in a time of Silencing.
  • 5 Stars = Rebecca G – I would expect to see this play continue onward to expanded productions and larger venues- it’s innovative, thought-provoking, well-written, and the actors were fantastic. They pulled out both the fun and the drama for the audience – impressive based on each playing five unique characters
  • 5 stars – (I would give 6 if I could) – Jessica – We loved the history aspect of the show, following the couples and what forces kept them apart through the time periods they were in. The ending was amazing because everyone was forced apart because of the societal expectations of the time period, but by the end they CHOSE to separate. Heartbreakingly beautiful. The LGBTQ history that needs to be told.
  • 5 Stars – Astrid L – I absolutely enjoyed the performance, definitely giving it a 5 rating, it had a deep and meaningful content. Would definitely suggest to others, performance was great, would consider similar plays in the future
  • 5 Stars = CE Vee – I cannot praise this show enough. Reading the script was one thing, but seeing it brought to life was another. The actors were phenomenal and showed a wide range. You felt every emotion and were truly invested in every story and relationship. I think it takes a highly skilled writer and actors to bring forth such raw emotions. Each actor brought such raw emotion and depth to their roles from opening curtain to the final bow. This show will have you on a roller coaster of emotions as you navigate love, pain, loneliness, and heartache alongside the characters.
  • 5 Stars – Nasir M – A thought out and touching show on the complexities of fear and social norms and how they affect the minds of men, perpetuating heartache and violence. “A must see for young queer people!” and “I feel seen when I watch this show.” This is a queer masterpiece. I am glad to see young minds discussing honest living through the harsh status quo of time, no matter who is knocking.
  • 5 Stars – from Julie Ann G. – really enjoyed last night’s performance of On Time! Deke and Matt had great chemistry, and we thought they really conveyed the emotions of their characters well. It was our first time at the black box – the close-up intimacy with the actors made it very exciting
  • 5 stars – from John H. – Thoroughly enjoyed the show. I would give it 5 stars. So many emotions and issues rang true. The play was so relevant in today’s world, while highlighting the trials and tribulations of gay men in the past. Both actors were authentic and honest.
  • 5 stars – Steven L. – Beautifully done, all around. The acting was moving, the themes were timeless, very important during these times.
  • 5 stars ON TIME is a thought provoking love story, which can be appreciated by all audiences. It gives audiences a glimpse of the challenges of gay love across all time periods. Actors were incredible and able to slip into more formal or more casual personas as needed. WOW!
  • 4 stars – Councilman Ram Anbarasan, Franklin Township – Incredibly talented performances by the two actor cast, direction and choreography. The main theme deals with homosexuality, which although has existed throughout history, faced persecution and social stigma, but how modern acceptance slowly evolved. The dialogue is both funny, heartbreaking, a mix of real history mixed with emotional modern day resonance. [suggested better chairs and more lighting].
  • 4 Stars – Vincenzo A – This was such a moving production and the actors had fantastic chemistry playing the characters over the decades. On Time is an exploration of what being a gay couple could mean across different points in time. The heart of these two souls connecting and connecting is so beautiful.