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     It's hell week over at the Francis Marion Brown Theater as the members of the Oswego Players Inc. prepare to debut their newest play, "On Borrowed Time." As director Richard Mosher and lead actor Wayne Mosher describe it, hell week is the final week before the first performance, when the theatre takes over your life.

     "That's the week when everything has to happen, especially for the director and producer," Wayne Mosher said. Wayne is the father of Richard Mosher and they come from a big family heavily involved in the theatre community of Oswego.
     "I've been involved probably on over 100 plays, one way or another," said Wayne Mosher who alongside his family became involved in theatre about 20 years ago. "Richard's probably been involved in 60, one way or another."
     According to Wayne Mosher, his four children became interested in theatre at the same time that he did when he moved from being a trumpet musician into doing local opera. All of his children, including Richard, have been involved in the Oswego Players Inc. and children's theatre.
     "When I used to do theater in Syracuse, when I was much younger, he [Richard] would be sort of my roadie," Wayne Mosher said. "Because I lived in Oswego, and I worked 12 hours, go to Syracuse, rehearse till 10 p.m., come back and he'd be with me to keep me awake and we'd run lines together. He was very young. And at the same time he learned about technical theatre because he was often backstage."
     It was through the encouragement of his father and family that theatre became a passion and serious hobby for Richard Mosher. He was already assisting directors in plays by the age of ten. At the Oswego Players, Richard considers himself the house lighting designer, as he is always involved with lighting the performances. His father, Wayne, was secretary for the Oswego Players for 15 years and has not only acted but directed, written several musicals, directed lighting and composed music for the company.
     Both father and son, explained that it can become a challenge to pursue their passion and maintain their family and work life. Richard, is a part-time student at Cayuga Community College, works full-time at the SUNY Oswego college book store, is married and has a newborn baby.
     "You sacrifice a little bit," Richard Mosher said as he explained that he often stays after rehearsal to get things such as props and set-design done. Wayne Mosher also works full-time at the local FitzPatrick nuclear power plant.
     "The pleasure of the final result. The second the lights come on and everybody goes. It's great," Richard recalled as his biggest motivator.
Both father and son, cited the deceased SUNY Oswego theatre professor, Ron Medici as their biggest influence in directing. The involvement of the entire family has also helped them grow and come closer as a family.
     This Friday, Nov. 15, the Mosher family will come together once again in the production of L.E. Watkin's novel "On Borrowed Time." The play, which focuses on the role of death in society, is the second full-length production of the 29-year-old, Richard Mosher. Richard saw the play in Syracuse when he was around 10 years old and the story stuck with him ever since.
     'It's a show that is both emotionally and spiritually pertinent to everyday life," Richard said. "It's about death knocking at your door and it's something all of us think about throughout life and it puts in some points a funs pin on it but at the end it's got a philosophical point that it makes, the fact that death is inevitable--"
     "To us all" interjected Wayne as he chuckled and observed his son in clear admiration.
     Wayne explained that the topic of death is something that has recently resonated in his life. "As I'm getting on in years, it is something to think about a little more," Wayne said.
     With pride Richard explained that working with his father is something he feels completely comfortable doing and comes naturally. " When you work with somebody for 20 years, even on and off, you get to know what they are capable off," Richard said. He started working on "A Borrowed Time" in early August and rehearsals started in September, which gave everyone more time to get the show together. Richard claims that he has a great relationship and communication with the cast, crew and volunteers.
     Richard's sister, Amanda Mosher is the make-up artist and hairdresser for the production. Amanda grew up with theatre with the rest of the family and like Richard became interested in backstage work.
     "We are a close family. It's a lot of fun," said Amanda, who is in charge of all hair and make-up for the show. "I'm glad my brother asked me to do it."
     The Mosher family bonds and comes together harmoniously through their love for theatre. Wayne Mosher, the rock of this theatre foundation believes that theatre is a huge part of their identities.
     "It's what we talk about," Wayne said. "We watch musicals at home. We talk about Les Miserables and sports scores but still."