Redd FoxxA CO-WORLD PREMIERE produced with Dallas Theater Center, TheatreSquared, and Virginia Stage CompanyJAN 17–FEB 8by JONATHAN NORTONdirected by DEXTER J. SINGLETON
WHO'S WHOUP NEXT MAR 7–29by JONATHAN SPECTORdirected by ADIL MANSOORThis timely, bitingly funny comedy takes place at an ultra-progressive California school proud of its commitment to consensus—at least until a mumps outbreak reveals varying views (like, everyone’s) on vaccination. In “one of the funniest plays to open [all] year” (the new york times) parents dance the line of advocating for their children while trying not to offend…anyone. THE 2025 TONYTM WINNER + PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 3A NOTE FROM STAFF LEADERSHIP Dear Patrons, Happy New Year, and welcome back to City Theatre! As we pass the quarter mark of the 21st century and reflect on 250 years of the American experiment, it feels fitting to launch this year by presenting the co-world premiere of Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem by Jonathan Norton, directed by Dexter J. Singleton. Jonathan’s play follows two hugely influential figures in American history: civil rights leader Malcolm X and trailblazing comedian Redd Foxx. The play introduces us to these giants as young men. In a little-known but true piece of history, Malcolm Little (soon to be Malcolm X) and John Elroy Sanford (known later by his stage name, Redd Foxx) did indeed meet and become close friends in the early 1940s while working at the legendary Jimmy’s Chicken Shack restaurant in Harlem, New York City. The script envisions the early formative moments that may have shaped these young Black men’s lives, set against a backdrop of the complex social climate of WWII-era America. The pair's backroom workplace is permeated by a sense of uncertainty and social upheaval which feels eerily familiar to our country's current condition. This production continues City Theatre’s season of partnerships and collaborations, which help to make new work possible. In this case, our production is co-produced with three other theater companies. It originated with our frequent collaborators at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and will travel from Pittsburgh to Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk, and then to the Dallas Theater Center, where playwright Jonathan Norton is currently serving as Interim Artistic Director. Our audience members are vital to all of these partnerships. You’ve helped make the first half of the 2025–26 season so successful, including Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women becoming one of the top-selling productions in the theater’s history. Thank you for your continued investment in City Theater and for being part of Malcolm and Redd’s journey. Here’s to a great year of theater-making on the South Side. --Clare & James
WHO'S WHOCITY THEATRE COMPANY 5BOARD OF DIRECTORSCity Theatre is deeply grateful to the following community of volunteers who support City Theatre’s mission, programming, and artists by donating their time, wisdom, financial resources, and public advocacy. The work we do would not be possible without their ongoing leadership and support. PRESIDENTBarbara Rudiak, Ph.D †VICE PRESIDENTBeth Marcello †TREASURERBenjamin Luczak †SECRETARYKenneth A. Glick, MD †MEMBERSMichael T. BarnettDavid Betts Steve CarpenterBetty CruzMatthew J. GalandoCaitlin E. GreenCaitlin H. Green †Holly Hatcher-Frazier Emily K. LewisAnya MartinJoanna Obuzor Cori Parise †Richard SmithSandra Solomon †Frank Vitale Deepak WadhwaniNancy D. Washington, PhD †Karen Farmer White † Executive Committee Members In 2018, the board of directors established an honorary board to recognize past members who demonstrated extraordinary and long-standing support of City Theatre. HONORARY BOARD MEMBERSCarol R. Brown Tacy Byham, Ph.D.Judy CheteyanPhilip Chosky in memoriamAlex CondronNorbert J. Connors, Jr. in memoriamRobert M. Frankel, in memoriamIra H. Gordon, in memoriamEdward H. Harrell, in memoriamThomas Hollander, in memoriamClyde B. Jones IIIGerri Kay, in memoriamRoslyn Litman, in memoriamDavid E. Massaro Marc MastersonMarcia MortonBeth W. NewboldDee Jay OshryLeonard PerfidoDavid L. PorgesSusan SmerdJeffrey SolomonTamara TunieIris Amper Walker Marjorie WalkerFlorence Zeve, in memoriam
January 17 - February 9, 2026Run Time: 95 minutes, performed with no intermissionMalcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy's Chicken Shack in Harlem was developed as part of the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group at Primary Stages. Erin Daley, Artistic Director. Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy's Chicken Shack in Harlem was commissioned and developed by TheatreSquared Fayetteville, Arkansas. Robert Ford, Artistic Director; Shannon A. Jones, Executive Director. This production is a Co-World Premiere Produced by TheatreSquared (Fayetteville, AR), City Theatre Company (Pittsburgh, PA), Virginia Stage Company (Norfolk, VA) and Dallas Theater Center (Dallas, TX).PRESENTSCLARE DROBOTArtistic DirectorJAMES McNEELManaging DirectorDexter J. Singleton Director/ DramaturgKimberly Powers°Scenic DesignClaudia BrownleeCostume Design Levi J. Wilkins Lighting Design Howard PattersonSound DesignBrodie JaschProperties DesignerPatti Kelly*Production Stage Manager Redd Foxxby JONATHAN NORTONdirected by Redd Foxxby JONATHAN NORTONdirected by DEXTER J. SINGLETON* Member, Actors’ Equity Association ° Member, United Scenic Artists, Local 829 CASTEdwin Green | Trey Smith-MillsLauren ConnollyAssistant Stage Manager
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WHO'S WHOCAST(In alphabetical order)Little Edwin GreenFoxy Trey Smith-MillsSetting: Harlem, 1943 EDWIN GREEN (LITTLE) is a NYC-based actor and writer who has been attached to Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem since its first offBroadway reading in April 2024 (Primary Stages). Notable credits include Eljert Lovborg in Hedda Gabler (University of Arkansas), Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare in the Shade), Orpheus in Eurydice (Pearl Theatre), Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Pearl Theatre), Macbeth/ Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (SHSU), and Andre in the upcoming psychological thriller A Gettysburg Haunting (WolfShoulder Productions). Additionally, his one-person show,Memento Mori, was written and performed in the spring of 2022, with a production coming to NYC in the near future. Edwin holds a BFA in acting and directing from Sam Houston State University and an MFA in acting from the University of Arkansas. TREY SMITH-MILLS (FOXY) Recently, Trey performed as Foxy in the New York City staged reading of Malcom X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem (59E59 Theaters); JD in Heathers (Arkansas Sings); Tristan in This Bitch, Booth in Topdog/Underdog, Orcus in She Kills Monsters, Belize in Angels in America, and Dr. King in The Mountaintop (University of Arkansas). He holds a BA in theatre and an MEd in higher education from the University of Arkansas.
DRAMATURGYFrom Artistic Associate Melva Graham: The development of a new play is an exciting, collaborative process driven by the director’s vision with the goal of bringing the playwright’s story from the page to the stage. I interviewed director Dexter J. Singleton and playwright Jonathan Norton, and those responses are below. A Conversation with Director Dexter SingletonQ. What made you want to bring this story to life on stage? A. We commissioned Jonathan to write a new play a few seasons ago at TheatreSquared. One day he came to me with a great idea for a play about the little known time when Malcolm X and Redd Foxx worked together as dishwashers in the kitchen at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem. I loved it immediately. It’s a beautiful play set in 1943 about the friendship of two men who provide support for one another at a crucial time in their lives. It’s a universal story that everyone can relate to. Q. What about this story really speaks to you or reflects a part of who you are? A. I personally connect with the play’s message of resilience and perseverance. We meet these two American icons before they become who we knew them as. Both men had a series of challenges they had to overcome. We see moments in this play that shape these men into who they eventually became. We see their struggles and their successes. Q. What excites you most about telling this story? A. The opportunity to explore the lives of two of the greatest American icons of all time. I was always fascinated by the lives of both men and highly respect what they achieved for the black community and the world at large. Both overcame extraordinary circumstances to accomplish incredible success. We also have the backdrop of a Harlem on the rise during World War II and all the ways our country was changing around civil rights. Q. What would you like audiences to take away from this production? |A. I hope that they discover something new about these men and gain a new respect for them and what they accomplished. They were very intelligent men of great complexity and talent.A Conversation with Playwright Jonathan NortonQ. What inspired you to write Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem? A. I came across the passage in Malcolm X’s autobiography where he talks about working with Redd Foxx at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack. Eureka! What really grabbed me was the idea of seeing these two icons as young men at what could be one of many crossroads in their lives.Q. Describe what your creative process is like. A. It varies from play to play. But one constant is that I am a morning person. And I like to write in the early morning.Q. Is there a connecting thread throughout your work, or certain themes you like to explore? A. History is big for me. I don’t mean that in terms of writing historical dramas. Instead, when plays take place is always important to me. And I like to use time to help me unlock the story and understand the characters. Much like August Wilson’s 20th Century Cycle.Q. What advice would you give to aspiring playwrights? A. Simple. Don’t compare your path and journey to anyone else.
WHO'S WHOCITY THEATRE COMPANY 11JONATHAN NORTON (Playwright)’s work has been produced and developed at Dallas Theater Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville/ Humana Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, LaJolla Playhouse, Jacob’s Pillow, The Joyce, TheatreSquared, Company One Theatre in Boston, PlayPenn, InterAct Theatre Company, Pyramid Theatre Company, Black and Latino Playwrights Conference, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, African American Repertory Theatre, Soul Rep Theatre, Kitchen Dog Theater, Undermain Theatre, South Dallas Cultural Center, the National Performance Network, and the National New Play Network. Jonathan’s play Mississippi Goddamn was a Finalist for the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award and won the 2016 M. Elizabeth Osborn Award given by the American Theatre Critics Association. Other awards include: Artistic Innovations Grant from the Mid-America Arts Alliance, SDCC Diaspora Performing Arts Commission, the TACA Family New Works Fund and the TACA Bowdon Family Foundation Artist Residency Fund, and Jubilee Theatre’s 2019 Eastman Visionary Award. He is the interim Artistic Director at the Dallas Theater Center. DEXTER J. SINGLETON (Director/ Dramaturg) is the Director of New Play Development at TheatreSquared, where he has directed A Raisin in the Sun, A Christmas Carol, Detroit ‘67, and others. He is a director, producer, activist, and educator from Detroit, MI. He is also the Executive Artistic Director of Collective Consciousness Theatre (CCT), a multicultural theatre for social justice in New Haven, CT, which has reached thousands of youth and adults with plays and workshops across the U.S. and Europe since 2007. CCT has produced the work of playwrights Dominique Morisseau, Idris Goodwin, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Katori Hall and many others. His directorial work has been seen at TheatreSquared, Pittsburgh Public Theater, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Playhouse on Park, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, University of Michigan, University of Arkansas, Long Wharf Theatre, and many others. Recent credits include Blood At The Root, Kill Move Paradise, Sweat, Skeleton Crew, North of Forbes, Baton, The Mountaintop, and Topdog/ Underdog. He is a member of the Artistic Ensemble at Long Wharf Theatre and a former Visiting Assistant Professor of Performance at the University of Connecticut. He was awarded the 2021 BroadwayWorld Regional Award for Best Director of a Streaming Production for his work on Kill Move Paradise. He is the recipient of the 2019 Artistic Excellence Award from the State of Connecticut and Distinguished Director of a Play for Black Book from The Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. KIMBERLY V. POWERS (Scenic Designer) Her work has been seen at venues across the country, including Syracuse Stage, Portland Stage, Riverside Theatre, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Brown/Trinity Rep, Florida Rep, Skylight Music Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Stages, and Northern Stage. She was the resident set designer for Ocean State Theatre Company’s inaugural season, and served in the same capacity for five years at Ohio Light Opera. She was also the first design assistant at The Denver Center Theatre Company. Kim has taught in undergraduate and graduate programs and has freelanced since 2000. She has worked professionally as a scenic artist, muralist, props director, event designer, graphic designer, and exhibit designer. She is part of a team that was awarded the 2022 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize from OPERA America for their conception of Sweeney Todd.
WHO'S WHO12 MALCOLM X AND REDD FOXX WASHING DISHES AT JIMMY’S CHICKEN SHACK IN HARLEM CLAUDIA BROWNLEE (Costume Designer) has worked in theatre, dance, and opera. Select credits include Camelot, Lady Day, and The Color Purple (Pittsburgh CLO); Jerry’s Girls and 12 Ophelia (Pittsburgh Playhouse); Conversation Gratitude and From Jimmy to America: An Ode to James Baldwin(NUWorld Contemporary Danse Company); A Late Summer Night’s Stroll and Such Sweet Thunder(Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis). Claudia is currently an Assistant Professor of costume design at Louisiana State University. She holds an MFA in costume design from Carnegie Mellon University, a BA in theatre from the University of Maryland, and an Associate's in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. LEVI J. WILKINS (Lighting Designer) is currently the lighting director at The Faith Community of St. Sabina, and was the 2024 resident lighting designer at The Arkansas Rep. Previous theatres include Lookingglass Theatre Company, The Goodman Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Flint Rep, Indiana University NW, Northwestern University, Constellation Stage & Screen, Congo Square Theatre Company, Raven Theatre, Invictus Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, Pulse Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and Musical Theatre Works. Levi is a five-time Jeff Award nominee and the recipient of the 2024 3Arts Award for theatre.HOWARD PATTERSON (Sound Designer) is a Pittsburgh-based sound designer, audio engineer, and educator. He has worked on many projects in and around Pittsburgh and is passionate about sonic storytelling. Recent designs have been heard at City Theatre Company, Quantum Theatre, and Pittsburgh Playhouse. Howard received his BFA from Point Park University. Howard is an Assistant Teaching Professor of sound design at the University of Pittsburgh. BRODIE JASCH (Properties Designer) design credits include Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers, In the Grove of Forgetting, Twelfth Night, Primary Trust, twenty50, A Raisin in the Sun, Responders, Cambodian Rock Band, A Christmas Carol (2023 & 2024), Dial M for Murder, Detroit ‘67, Shakespeare in Love, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Every Brilliant Thing, The Wolves, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Vietgone, and more than twenty other productions. Regional credits include An Evening with Groucho (Heritage Theatre Festival), Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues (Bay Street Theater), and Unto These Hills (Cherokee Historical Association). He holds a BA in theatrical design and technology from Castleton University.’ PATTI KELLY (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to continue the run of 'Malcolm and Redd' after stage managing the first leg at TheatreSquared. In her over 30 years with City Theatre, some of her favorite shows include Birthday Candles, The Real James Bond… Was Dominican, Native Gardens, POTUS, The Old Man and the Old Moon, The Royale, Hand to God, The 39 Steps,Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Baltimore Waltz, and Our Country’s Good. Other credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hartford Stage); Hysteria (Pittsburgh Public Theatre); Richard II, The Tempest, Othello, As You Like It, Horse of a Different Color, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth (The Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival); and over 30 plays for the Carnegie Mellon Showcase of New Plays. Patti is a recipient of the Fred Kelly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 13WHO'S WHOJAMES MCNEEL (Managing Director) (he/him) has been managing director at City Theatre for 11 years, having joined the organization in 2015 and making him the longest-serving managing leader in the organization’s 50-year history. He previously served in the same position at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. James also worked as a literature specialist with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); director of development and marketing at Off-Broadway's Cherry Lane Theatre in Greenwich Village; and general manager and development consultant for the Center for Creative Resources, an arts management firm in New York City. He holds a B.A. degree from Shepherd University and studied arts management in the Master of Arts program at American University. He currently serves on the board and multiple committees for the League of Resident Theaters (LORT); leads a monthly regional convening of arts and culture organizational leaders, hosted by City Theatre; is a community advisor for newly-constituted Regional Capacity Building Initiative; and continues to volunteer and advocate with industry entities such as the National New Play Network (NNPN), Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, and the Professional NonProfit Theater Coalition. Originally from West Virginia, James lives in Lawrenceville with Shannon and Lottie. CLARE DROBOT (Artistic Director) has been a member of City Theatre's Artistic Leadership since the fall of 2021. She joined the staff at the theater in 2015 serving as the Director of New Play Development and later as Associate Artistic Director, and then Co-Artistic Director. A dramaturg, playwright, and producer Clare has worked in various capacities at Premiere Stages at Kean University, Laura Stanczyk Casting, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The McCarter Theatre, The BE Company, Play Penn, and New Dramatists. Her credits as a playwright include work showcased in Ars Nova’s ANT FEST and through the New Hazlett Theatre’s CSA Series among others. She has dramaturged and developed work with Stephen Belber, Liza Birkenmeier and Jill Sobule, Chisa Hutchinson, Matt Schatz, Anna Ziegler and many more writers and directors. She serves on the boards of the National New Play Network and Brew House Arts and is a member of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh’s Generations Speakers program. She was a member of the inaugural Global Fellows Cohort through the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh (LPXXXVIII). BA/BFA Carnegie Mellon University, member of LMDA.
WHO'S WHO14 MALCOLM X AND REDD FOXX WASHING DISHES AT JIMMY’S CHICKEN SHACK IN HARLEMTheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting has driven its growth to become Arkansas's largest theatre, welcoming more than 80,000 community members to 350 performances and events each year. Its pioneering work has been recognized with the 2022 Obie Award as well as critical acclaim from The New York Times (“Best Theater of 2020” list), The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, NPR’s All Things Considered, and the American Theater Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Since its founding in 2005, TheatreSquared’s work has remained rooted in its founding vision, that “theatre—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities.”DALLAS THEATER CENTER is one of the leading regional theaters in the country and the recipient of the 2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award. Dallas Theater Center (DTC) is committed to producing theater with resident artists that illuminate diverse experiences and spark collaboration and dialogue. Founded in 1959, DTC produces a year-round subscription series of classics, musicals, and new plays for more than 50,000 North Texas residents annually. Virginia Stage Company is Hampton Roads' professional nonprofit theatre. Since 1978, we have produced bold plays and musicals at Norfolk’s historic Wells Theatre and throughout the region, welcoming more than 35,000 audience members each year. Our productions are created from the ground up, blending local talent with artists from across the country to deliver theatre that feels both world-class and deeply local. Alongside our performances, we invest in education and community engagement programs that encourage creativity, empathy, and conversation across generations. At Virginia Stage Company, we make memories together by sharing stories that entertain, challenge, and connect us.
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 15ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCourtney Abegunde, Julius Boatwright, and the staff of Steel SmilingJanis Burley, Catherine Calhoun, and the staff of the August Wilson African American Cultural CenterIrving Torres and Vibrant PittsburghMonteze Freeland, Bridgette Purdue and the staff of the Alumni Theatre CompanyShannon A. Jones, Robert Ford and the staff at TheatreSquaredTom Quaintance, Jeff Ryder and the staff at Virginia Stage CompanyKevin Moriarty, Jonathan Norton, Andrew J. Brown and the staff at Dallas Theater CenterCori & J. Dax Parise and the team at Untitled ContentSPECIAL THANKS City Theatre receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.The Allegheny Regional Asset District, a county agency created to support and finance regional assets, including libraries, parks, cultural groups, sports, and civic facilities, and to distribute tax relief to the 128 municipalities of Allegheny County.Actors marked with * and the Stage Manager in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United StatesThe scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by the United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Inc., an independent national labor union.City Theatre is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre. City Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
PEOPLE.P.PLL.PELLLPEOPLE.PINTS.PINBALL.PICKELBALLWE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITYSOUTH SIDENEIGHBORHOOD BREWERYSOUTH SIDENEIGHBORHOOD BREWERY2120 2120 JANE STREET PGH, PA 15203 JANE STREET PGH, PA 15203City Theatre’s Vision, Mission, Core ValuesMission:To provide an artistic home for the development and production ofcontemporary plays that engage and challenge a diverse audience.Vision:To be the finest mid-sized theater in America.Core Values:Community | Collaboration | Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility | Creativity
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 17COMMUNITY PARTNERSAlumni Theater Company Now in its 18th season, Alumni Theater Company (ATC) creates bold, theatrical work that gives fresh voice to the experience of young Black artists and highlights their rich contribution to our community. Through high-quality training, performance experience, and holistic support, we empower our members to thrive in the arts and beyond. Our year-round programming spans education, performance, mentorship and community engagement, centered around our three Ensembles: Young Artist (grades 6-9), Teen (grades 10-12), and Professional (post-high school). Creating work rooted in current lived experience is central to ATC’s work, giving our members a space to boldly use their art to confront injustice and share their experiences growing up as Black young people. Through their performances, they inspire peers and challenge adults to listen, reflect, and take action, creating work that resonates with the community. August Wilson African American Cultural Center The non-profit August Wilson African American Cultural Center is one of the largest cultural organizations in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience, and through its mission is dedicated to sharing the African American experience and presenting artistic expression that reflects the prestige, authority and vision illuminated in the work of August Wilson. We also represent the rich history of his birthplace, Pittsburgh, PA, and share the unique perspective of its inhabitants. Through our festivals, exhibitions and programs, we aim to inspire all people to see Black creativity and innovation as an impetus for heartfelt human connection. Steel Smiling Steel Smiling was established in 2015 to bridge the gap between Black community members and mental health through education, advocacy, and awareness. In 2021, we entered a strategic partnership and incubator with Neighborhood Allies called the Organization in Residence model to support us as we build and grow our work. Our core programming includes Beams to Bridges (community mental health advocacy training), Steel Healing (peer support program), and Wellsprings (a new program dedicated to community building and resource sharing). We envision that all Black folks in Allegheny County will be exposed to a positive mental health experience that improves their quality of life. Vibrant Pittsburgh Vibrant Pittsburgh equips employers to build inclusive workplace cultures that fuel growth and prosperity for talent, business, and our region. By translating research into practical strategies, we help organizations improve retention, enhance recruitment, and contribute to a more competitive and thriving Pittsburgh region.Center for Hearing & Deaf Services, Inc. (HDS)Center for Hearing & Deaf Services, Inc. is Western PA’s only non-profit organization that comprehensively addresses the needs of people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing, and their families. HDS has offices in Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Erie. Season-Long Partnerships The Collaborative for Immigrant Impact In January of 2025, federal policy changes upended the lives of the immigrant and refugee community. With threats of deportation, the removal of birthright citizenship, and the dismantling of the social safety network across the country, we knew we had to act. In Pittsburgh, 18 immigrant-serving organizations responded by reaching out to one another to form The Collaborative for Immigrant Impact. We are organized to defend the international community in our region, support one another, and find innovative ways to preserve the diversity that enriches our neighborhoods, schools, and economy. You can help – scan the QR code or visit jfcspgh.org/donate to support our work.Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a grassroots, community-based youth serving organization formed in 1994 to give young people from low-income and communities of color a portrait of themselves as successful, empowered, and confident leaders. YES has a long-standing presence as a community fixture in the East Liberty community. Since its inception, YES has served over 5,500 youth of color in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County and has provided them with access to mentorship, enrichment, and employment experiences to support their post-secondary journeys. You can help – scan the QR code to support our work.
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DONORSCITY THEATRE COMPANY 19Donors like you bring contemporary plays to life! Every gift made supports the Mission of City Theatre and makes a real impact on the plays you see on our stages—thank you. If you have questions about giving or would like to provide a correction to your listing, please contact Sarah Fryer, Annual Fund Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 412.431.4400 Ext. 226.Bolded names indicate increased giving over prior year. All lists are as of 12/31/25.CITY THEATRE CIRCLE($15,000+)Tonja & Alex CondronNorbert J. Connors, Jr. & Janet RogalaAnne Mundell & David BettsBarbara A. Rudiak, PhDSandra & Jeffrey SolomonHayes & Patricia StoverPatrick & Beth WinklerPLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE($10,000 - $14,999)Dr. Kerry Bron &Mr. Robert C. LevinThe Burke FamilyByham Chairtable Family FoundationAdam & Lucy DrobotKathleen & Paul GabersonMarcia MortonThe Scott K. Noxon FoundationWalter Limbach Family FundDIRECTORS CIRCLE($5,000-$9,999)The Apter/Mates Family FundJane & Bud KahnMatthew LoscalzoMichelle McCreeryLori McGeeSusan & James MorrisCeline & Paul O'NeillDee Jay Oshry & Bart RackThe Palmer/Rauterkus FamilyMark R. PowerFred Steinberg & Jo DeBoltJanet & Chuck VukotichCatherine & Deepak WadhwaniNEW PLAY CIRCLE($3,000-$4,999)AnonymousRussell & Kathy AyresDr. Andrew R. BlairMatthew J. GalandoCatherine & Kenneth A. Glick, MDJean Anne Hattler, PhDMary Ann HobsonDavid LeskoEmily Lewis & Eric ProbolaBeth Marcello & John RodellaPam & Ken McCroryJames McNeelMark T. PhillisK. Oliver ReaLauren & Daniel ResnickJohn C. SchlottererGary & Carol SchurmanPeter & Susan SmerdSandra Block & John SuhrieM. Ellen Tarpey & John BattagliaTamara TunieCENTER STAGE($1,750-$2,999)Betensky-Kraut Family FundLaura M. DegerClare Drobot & Scott KeatingRon DuursmaRhoda EligatorHolly Hatcher-Frazier, PhDLynn & Patrick GurrentzJanice HarrisonS&J Karas FundMark Kochvar & Vicki HelgesonJoseph KoscinskiJames & Benjamin LuczakCaitlin Green & Drew MartorellaDr. & Mrs. Ryan McMillenEileen & John OlmstedScott & Kerry ShillerPreston & Annette ShimerJanice VucicWoffington Pittsburgh Theaters FundSPOTLIGHT ($1,000-$1,749)Carolyn Abraham & Jerome AptLaurie & Frank BrunsTacy M. Byham, PhDAnnette Calgaro & Terrence LewisDianne & Stephen CarpenterEdwin and Kathryn Clarke Family FoundationCooper-Siegel Family FoundationTomé CousinJim & Jennifer DeGoodJeanne & Robert DrennanDolly & Curt EllenbergLaryn & Moses FinderLeland FloydJoseph & Kathleen FoxKeren Gilboa & Jeremy HolzerSharon & James GoldbergChela Sanchez & Kyle HadenAndrew & Jodi HannahRhoda & David HartmannLinda & Brian HeeryAnonymousIrving and Aaronel Deroy Gruber FoundationJanet KaiserSusan & Greg KaminskiStefi Kirschner & Gil SchneiderDr. Erin M. LopataJoan & Charles MarstillerMarc MastersonBrian & Sandra McInerneyChristina & David MichelmoreConnie & Kerry OzerThe Thomas J. Phillis FamilyRichard Pietroski & Susan StuartKristi Rogers & Jody R. SchurmanRichard Scheines & Martha HartyPatricia SchroderLinda & Richard ShawMyrna & Lee SilvermanJean Snodgrass
20W. Henry & Mary Wynn SnyderTom & Judy ThompsonDrs. Donna & Michael TranovichAnne Marie WarrenElaine WertheimThe Bruce & Barbara Wiegand Family FoundationSharyn & Herbert WolfsonDavid ZeveFRONT ROW($500-$999)AnonymousSharon Achilles & Stuart OlmstedJoseph AuriaRaymond & Harriet BaumPhyllis & Ron BianchettiLynette BrooksCarol R. BrownStephanie BucklewThomas J. BurgunderBahar Bazmi Campbell & Dean CampbellDr. Vicky A. ClarkBarbara DeRiso & Don NewmanJoshua & Hallie DonnerSusie & George DullLinda Argote & Dennis EppleRobert Ferguson & Elizabeth EvansRuth & Mark FichmanJanis FinkJeffrey & Andrea FittingAnne & Bob FolletteRobert FormanJane GilbertJake Goodman & Sean ShepherdJanice Gordon & Robert KraftowitzKarla GravesMaria GuyetteDonna Hansen & Ralph KempPaula & Howard HarrisJudith Yanowitz & Harry HochheiserSusan & Robert HoehlJohn D. Houston IIMary Ellen JohnsonDolores KaraPeggi KelleyArthur J. Kerr, Jr.Bobbi Jo & Jeffrey LeberElsa LimbachVirginia ManceDavid D. MaxwellDarla McCormackMilena & Kamal NigamLourie & Eric NybergDr. William OttoRichard ParsakianLouise & John PaviaSally & Ned RuffinMindy & Zal SanjanaKaren L. ScansaroliEdward ScheidKaren & George SchnakenbergLarry SilvermanThomas & Deborah StackrowMona & EJ StrassburgerDaniel & Karen SwansonKitty VagleyAlexandra WestArlene Carbone-Wiley & Clayton Wiley, MDSUPPORTERS($250-$499)AnonymousSusan BarclayNancy & Sean BarrettEdwin H. Beachler, IIIChristine & Beau BeardSandi & Peter BehrensJessica BenhamHillary BerglundLarry BeringJoyce Berman & Richard SpineSusan BonelloGregory Boris & Joan ReddyKevin Brewer & Jose Antonio LiconJan F. BrunoGail & John BuchananLourdes Castellanos & Charles O'HanlonSheila & Alvin CatzLynne & Alan ColkerEstelle Comay & Bruce RabinRene ConradKeene ConsultingNick & Judy DeGregorioEllen & Gilbert DeBenedettiSteven DoerflerNicholas Dragga & Alena IlyushynaJohn A. DymunTricia & Brian EccherRachael EllisFreddie FaraoneThomas Ferguson & Susan RyanTony & Annette FerrieriPaula & Bob FeyCarol FranklinRegina & Eric FreyEva & Gary FriedmanSarah & Alexandra FryerTerri & Thomas GalanteJohn & Therese GallagherRuth & Alan GarfinkelElaine GelbAnonymousKevin GiederBarbara Broff GoldmanCandice A. GonzalezPamela GrabowskiElizabeth C. GrafMeyer & Mary GrinbergSusie GrossArlene & Alfred GrubbsJo Ann HallerLou & Roger HasketNancy HeastingsDr. & Mrs. Fred P. HeidenreichJudith & David HerzogEllen Sussna-Heyman & David HeymanJames HieberDonna Hoffman & Richard DumKathy & Jamie HoggBetsy & Alan HohlfelderDonna HomerJoan & Ken HorohoBonnie Isacke, PhD & Robert Isacke, Jr.Liz KennonBrian & Michele KerrKathy KohanCaroline Komlenic & Louis Obradovich Jr.Carol LampeSandra LaPietra & Alan HelgermanProf. Hazel Carr LeroyHelena LeslieLinda LindenbaumKatherine & H. Lewis LobdellDebra & David LonghiniMr. Philip MazzoniMelissa McSwigan & Robert RaczkaNancy W. MerensteinDONORS MALCOLM X AND REDD FOXX WASHING DISHES AT JIMMY’S CHICKEN SHACK IN HARLEM
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 21DONORSSusan & Barry MerensteinBetty MinnotteNiveditha Mohan & Arunkumar SanjeeviBarb & Jim MoyerElinor Nathanson & Peter KoganJanice Myers-NewburyAndrew David OstrowskiCori & J. Dax PariseJohn Patzer & Mary DuQinnRita & Daniel PoljakRonald PoropatichSandra PreuhsJessie Ramey & John ZimmermanMary & Chris RawsonShannon ReedSusan Rossetti & Curt WoodheadDeborah RubinJim & Janet RupertoKimberly Sachse & Joseph GrimesDebra & Donald SalvinRobert SchurkoSara & Ken SegelKari ShafferBarbara & Larry ShumanAndrew Smith & Lisa Velten SmithHoward & Caren SnidermanDavid Sogg & Lisa ParkerElizabeth & Jonathan SpatzIrene & David TabishJane & Ron ThompsonDr. Edward T. Tomlinson & Dr. Carol WootenLinda Torres & Vincent PettiPatricia ProzziDonald VucmanicDavid WexlerAlma WisniewskiHarton WolfThomas Wyse & Robert NeftDavid E. YoungFred & Ronnie Cook Zuhlke City Theatre is grateful for our supporters at all levels. Please scan the code below to be taken to our website, where you can see all Friends of City Theatre gifts under $250
Laugh Harder, Not Smarter is a celebration of legendary American comedy 65 years in the making. Featuring a hilarious array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature brand of irreverent improv that The Second City is famous for. This innovative and interactive performance, brought to life by the dynamic Second City Touring Company, is a celebration of the comedic genius that has graced stages for six and a half decades. With alumni such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Keegan-Michael Key, The Second City has an unmatched track record of launching the careers of comedy superstars.Contains mature content, recommended for 16+This production is sponsored in part by APRIL 9–18 2026
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 23IN HONOR OF’ GIFTSHonor someone you love. Honor someone who loves theater.IN HONOR OF MONTEZE FREELANDHis retirement as co-artistic director of City TheatreGiven by:Richard ParsakianIN HONOR OF MELVA GRAHAMGiven by:Osher Lifeling Learning InstituteIN HONOR OF MARCIA MORTIONGiven by:Andrew SwansonDaniel & Karen Swanson’IN MEMORY OF’ GIFTSMemorial tributes to honor theatre lovers.IN MEMORY OF DIANNE DUURSMAGiven by:Rachael EllisIN MEMORY OF THOMAS J. PHILLIPSGiven by:The Thomas J. Phillis FamilyIN MEMORY OF NATHANIEL BEARDGiven by:Christine & Beau BeardIN MEMORY OF PATRICIA DECIOGiven by:Lucas FedeleIN MEMORY OF NORB CONNORSWith much affection. He was great guy and terrific influence on our gang.Given by:Randall NewsomeIN MEMORY OF KAREN CORDAROGiven by:Patricia ProzziDONORSCORPORATE, FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORTCity Theatre extends its sincere gratitude to the following businesses, foundations and public agencies for their leadership support.STEEL ($100,000 +)Allegheny Regional Asset DistrictAnonymousArthur J. & Betty F. Diskin Cultural Endowment FundThe Heinz EndowmentsThe Hillman FoundationThe Shubert FoundationDIAMOND ($50,000-$99,999)The McKinney Charitable FoundationDonald & Sylvia Robinson Family FoundationVenturous Theater Fund of the Tides FoundationPLATINUM ($20,000-$49,999)Arts, Equity, & Education FundThe Benter FoundationJack Buncher FoundationThe Fisher FundThe Huntington National BankIrene C. Shea Charitable FoundationNational Endowment for the ArtsNational New Play NetworkPennsylvania Department of EducationThe Pittsburgh FoundationThe Grable FoundationHilda M. Willis FoundationGOLD ($10,000-$19,999)Byham Charitable FoundationThe Anne L. & George H. Clapp Charitable and Educational TrustOpportunity FundW. I. Patterson Charitable FundPennsylvania Council on the Arts, A state agency James M. and Lucy K. Schoonmaker FoundationUPMC/UPMC Health PlanSILVER ($1,000-$9,999)American Eagle Outfitters FoundationLewis A. and Donna M. Patterson Charitable FoundationSnee-Reinhardt Charitable FoundationBRONZE (Up to $999)Actors' Equity Foundation, Inc.Queequeg Foundation TrustAnonymousCorrection to previous program listing: the gift given in honor of Sharon Eberson & Chris Rawson was made by Jeff Pollock.
We are proud to support City Theatre.NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A GREAT PERFORMANCE.
WHO'S WHOCITY THEATRE COMPANY 25VISIT CITYCity Theatre is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all patrons. Please identify any special seating needs to our Box Office staff when reserving your tickets in advance by calling 412.431.CITY (2489).Wheelchair accessible seating is available in both the Mainstage and Lillie Studio Theatres.Selected performances of each production feature open captioning, audio description, and pre-show introductory workshops for those who are hearing impaired, blind, or have low vision. In addition, select productions will include an American Sign Language Interpreted performance. Performance dates are available online or by contacting the Box Office.Assistive listening devices are available. Please see the House Manager for details.Programs are available in both Braille and large print. Please see the House Manager for details.SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONSEnhance your City Theatre experience and take advantage of discounted ticket prices by becoming a subscriber. Prorated and Flex packages are available to best fit your interests and schedule. To subscribe, visit the Box Office, call 412.431.2489, or order online at CityTheatreCompany.org.GROUP SALESSave when you bring friends! Groups of 10 or more are eligible for significant discounts. In addition, we are happy to help you plan your event or party. For more information, contact [email protected] & RUSH TICKETSPersons under 30 years of age may reserve $24.00 advance tickets by calling the Box Office. Seniors age 62 and older may take advantage of rush tickets, $29.50 each, available only on the day of the performances. All discounted/rush tickets are subject to availability.TICKET VALUESTickets prices vary by date and demand. In addition, pay-what-you-want performances are offered for each production. Call the box office for dates.PARKINGCity Theatre provides safe, convenient parking for $10 via lot access at 1317 Bingham St, across from the theatre entrance. Parking is subject to availability. On-street parking meters are monitored until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Visit www.pittsburghparking.com for more information.LATE SEATING POLICYOur theatres are very intimate. Out of respect for both the actors and audience, late arrivals will be seated only at the discretion of house management. Consider arriving early to enjoy a beverage in the Gordon Lounge or to visit South Side’s many eclectic shops and restaurants.ELECTRONIC DEVICESPlease turn off all electronic devices. Ringing or vibrating cell phones, pagers, and watches disrupt the performance and interfere with the theatre’s sound equipment. No photography or video recording permitted during the performance.
CITY THEATRE COMPANY 27WHO'S WHOSTAFFARTISTICClare Drobot Artistic DirectorKatie Trupiano Director of Education &AccessibilityMelva Graham Artistic AssociateMiso Wei Associate ProducerADMINISTRATIVEJames McNeel Managing DirectorJason Clark Director of OperationsKerry Shiller Director of FinanceNikki Battestilli Marketing DirectorSarah Fryer Annual Fund ManagerJoel Ambrose Director of Ticketing &Patron ServicesAmara Walls Ticketing ManagerAudrey Fennell Box Office AssociateJessica Hampton Box Office AssociateJay Chapman Patron Services ManagerMarissa Pezzuolo Assistant Patron Services ManagerAbi Cedeño House ManagerKaitlyn Clougherty House ManagerMel Holley House ManagerAllison Roup House ManagerAJ Sansonetti House ManagerShea Sweeney House ManagerJC Clark Parking AttendantAmy Falk Facilities ManagerTEACHING ARTISTSPRODUCTIONRachel D’Amboise Production ManagerSam Karas Technical DirectorBen Sexton Lead CarpenterCharlie Lovett-Dietrich CarpenterLea Pick Scenic ChargeAlexx Feather Properties ManagerMadison Michalko Costume ManagerJaime Ericson Costume Shop AssistantTyler Hieb Lighting ManagerBrad Peterson Sound & Media EngineerPatti Kelly Resident Production Stage ManagerTaylor K. Meszaros Resident Stage ManagerFOR THIS PRODUCTIONLauren Connolly Assistant Stage ManagerMars Tailor Production AssistantJosh Burks CarpenterBob Follette Volunteer CarpenterChristina Dragan-Dima ElectricianShea Sweeney ElectricianTyler Parsonage Electrician andSound TechnicicanJim Ruperto Volunteer CarpenterEdwin Green Fight CaptainCONSULTANTSLandesberg Design Graphic DesignMorgan Barba Freelance DesignerHuman Habits Website Development & VideoKristi Jan Hoover PhotographerKellee Van Aken Audio DescriberBenvenuti Arts Grantwriting ServicesKeene Consulting PlanningCassidy AdkinsJamie AgnelloCynthia DallasBritt DorazioRita DorschBrooke EchnatTy GreenwoodClaire SabatineMelannie TaylorColton Vazquez
WHO'S WHO28 ANOTHER KIND OF SILENCEpresent this ad after the showreceive 10% off drinksbrunch lunch dinner 13th streeteast carson streetyou are hereWe are hereLocated one block from the City Theatre on 12th & Carson