Heather Helinsky - Pittsburgh Public Theater

A WORLD PREMIERE
FROM THE CO-AUTHOR
OF THE CHIEF
ROB ZELLERS’
At the wheel is Ed Hyland, who plays Harry, then clockwise are cast
members: Brooks Almy, Alex Coleman, Daryll Heysham, Joel Ripka
and Tressa Glover. At right is playwright Rob Zellers. Cast member
Larry John Meyers is not pictured.
DIRECTED BY
TED PAPPAS
MAY 28
SUN
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THROUGH
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JUNE 28
THURS
28
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P 8 pm VIP* PARTY
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SF 2 pm
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8 pm
The year is 1977, the place is Youngstown, Ohio. The steel workers are on strike,
the city is in distress, but Harry’s gas station is bustling with card playing and
spirited debate. Come meet Harry, his friends, and his long-lost daughter in this
world premiere from the co-author of the smash hit, The Chief.
Please join us after the show on Friday, May 29 for TGIF! The main lobby will
be jumping with live music by Jimmy Sapienza’s Five Guys Named Moe,
snacks and free coffee will be provided by Dunkin’ Donuts, and a cash bar
will be available.
Harry’s Friendly Service, an Edgerton Foundation New American
Plays Award Winner, is funded in part by John & Astrid Bitzer,
Edward S. & Jo-Ann M. Churchill, and Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr.
through The Public’s New Play Fund.
8 pm
30
2 pm
P - Preview TGIF - Post-show entertainment VIP* - See Back Page
O - Opening a - Saturday Brunch Series SF – Sunday Forum
Some characters in Harry’s Friendly Service were inspired by
real people but the situations are entirely fictional.
The engagement of Edward James Hyland in this production has been
generously supported by Jim & Electra Agras.
$
15
26 OR YOUNGER? TICKETS ONLY
Sunday through Thursday evenings, all matinees:
Friday and Saturday evenings:
$31.00 $41.00 $46.00
$35.00 $45.00 $50.00
$15 single tickets are available for full-time students and individuals 26 years of age and
younger. Valid ID is required. Seating is subject to availability in designated seating areas.
On Friday and Saturday nights this rate is valid at the door only—no phone orders. A $.50
per ticket District Fee will be added at time of purchase.
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit #1989
O’Reilly Theater, in the heart of the Cultural District.
412.316.1600
Buy tickets online at www.ppt.org
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Harry’s Friendly Service
The Spirit of Youngstown Inspires Rob Zellers’ New Play
By Heather Helinsky
Downtown Youngstown in 1930.
I
t is no accident that the word “friend” is in the title of this brand new play set in
Youngstown, Ohio. Think about it. What gets us through tough times? A good laugh,
a shared memory, and a listening ear all offer comfort when facing a crisis.
During the peak of industrialization, Youngstown was a city where friendship and
loyalty were essential. In the mills, making steel was a team effort. Outside of work,
the local bars did brisk business. In the summers, Idora Park, an amusement park built
in 1899, provided good times with roller coaster rides, minor league baseball games,
and an exciting midway. Company picnics held from May through September encouraged co-workers to bond. Ethnic festivals helped second and third generation immigrants to celebrate their common heritage. And like Pittsburghers, those who settled
in Youngstown had tremendous pride.
Residents found a good, middle-class life in this “City of Homes.” Prior to the 1970s,
Youngstown had the highest rate of home ownership in the United States. Families
could enjoy a bustling Downtown, which featured new public libraries, art museums,
and theaters. This promise of the American Dream drew hundreds of thousands of
immigrants from Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe in both the nineteenth and
twentieth century.
A billboard for a Youngstown amusement park.
The community of Youngstown faced a crisis on “Black Monday,” September 19,
1977, when the Lykes Corporation, a Southern-based conglomerate, pulled out of
Youngstown and left the workers stranded. This started a chain reaction that toppled
all industry in the region. Without jobs the community dispersed. This is the world
in which Rob Zellers has set his play, Harry’s Friendly Service. Within Harry’s gas
station a dynamic coterie of card-playing rascals is determined to stick together and
keep afloat.
Harry’s Friendly Service recalls the friendships that existed in shows like “Taxi” or
“Cheers,” which interestingly were created during the late 70s when so many cities
across America were experiencing massive industrial layoffs. Jobs may have been
sparse, but at night audiences laughed at the strange assortment of characters that
hung out at a Boston bar or sat around a New York City garage. We felt like they
were our friends. The characters in those television series made us care about their
problems, from the mundane to major life-decisions.
Zellers, who Pittsburgh audiences know well as co-author of the mega-hit The Chief,
found his hometown of Youngstown to be the perfect place for a story about family,
Polaroids from 1977
Where were you when the lights went out? This is the
question everyone was asking in 1977, the year of the big
New York City blackout that left millions of people without
electricity for 25 hours. It’s also the year in which Harry’s
Friendly Service is set, so here’s a look at some news and
pop culture that surrounded Harry and his friends in 1977.
Woody Allen’s romantic comedy Annie Hall received the
Academy Award for Best Picture, with star Diane Keaton
winning Best Actress and Allen taking home Oscars for Best
Direction and Screenplay. On Broadway, another Annie was
given the Tony for Best Musical and Michael Cristofer’s
The Shadow Box was named Best Play.
In New York, the July blackout
resulted in looting and violence,
but by fall the city bounced back
and the New York Yankees won
the World Series after six games
against the Los Angeles
Dodgers. Although Jimmy Carter
was the new president, it was
Richard Nixon who stunned
America by going on TV with
David Frost to talk about his part
in the Watergate burglary and
cover-up.
Fleetwood Mac released
Rumours and Stevie Nicks’
song “Dreams” (Thunder only
happens when it’s raining,
players only love you when
they’re playing) went to number
one. Also hugely popular was
Jimmy Buffett’s song about
wastin’ away again in
“Margaritaville.” Thirty-two
years later, people are still
searching for that lost shaker
of salt.
Harry’s Cast
In the world of the play, Harry has seen a lot of cars come
into his gas station. Below, the cast members say a few words
about their own first or favorite cars.
Brooks Almy
Tina
My first car that I bought myself was a 1967
cherry red Mustang convertible. The engine had
been converted so it was really fast and I blew up
the engine racing a Porche over a mountain road.
I was VERY young.
Alex Coleman
Carmine
Sports cars are great! My first was an AustinHealey Sprite, which I paid for with a part-time
job selling boy’s clothing when I was 16. My current car is a Mini Cooper S and I love it! But I
have to admit, the best ride I’ve ever had is
aboard my motorcycle: a Honda Shadow 750 cc,
American Classic Edition. She’s two-tone, black
and red, gets 60 miles to the gallon, and represents to me, and I’m sure to many others who ride on two wheels, a
complete aesthetic of “casual independence.” FYI: I took up motorcycling when I was 60!
The implosion of US Steel’s Ohio Works.
friendship, and community. And as many of us in the Pittsburgh community know, Zellers is a
good friend and has been a Public Theater company member for over 20 years. As The Public’s
Director of Education & Outreach, he has garnered the respect and affection of thousands of
students and teachers. While in his first produced play he put his heart into telling the story of
Pittsburgh’s beloved Steelers, he now asks audiences to take a journey with him as Harry’s
Friendly Service captures the vibrancy of another tough, blue-collar city.
Harry and his friends are part of a community which thought they had it all, and knew it all,
and were blindsided when the steel industry shut down. “What happened to Youngstown is not
what happened to Pittsburgh,” Zellers says. “Pittsburgh was diversified enough that it was able
to transform itself. Unfortunately, after the precipitous fall of the steel industry, the city of
Youngstown has struggled. Attempts to transform have been many and on-going. But the
spirit is there. Hope still exists.”
Heather Helinsky is the Resident Dramaturg for Pittsburgh Public Theater.
Photos courtesy of The Mahoning Valley Historical Society. www.mahoninghistory.org
In order to get his new movie
made, George Lucas waived
his director’s fee and negotiated
to own the licensing rights,
which were thought to be
worthless by the studio. The
movie, released in May, was
Star Wars, and Luke Skywalker,
Princess Leia, Darth Vader,
C-3PO and the rest of the gang
from the galaxy far, far became
the biggest thing on Earth.
Elvis Presley died in August at
age 42 but a new king in a flashy
white suit took his place: John
Travolta in Saturday Night
Fever, the movie with music by
the Bee Gees that spread Disco
dancing around the world.
Donna Summer, with her hit
song “I Feel Love,” became the
Disco queen and the brand-new
Studio 54 was her palace. The
culture of celebrity that began at
the infamous discotheque still
goes on today.
Tressa Glover
Emily
My first car was a dark green soft-top Geo
Tracker that “locked” at the back with a
long strip of velcro and a huge zipper.
Daryll Heysham
Sammy
On a trip to the South of
France, between acting jobs, my wife and I got
our rental car upgraded (for free) to a beautiful,
brand new, black Mercedes Benz. Driving along
the coast I said to her: “I’m probably the only
unemployed actor, smoking a Cuban cigar, cruising along the French Riviera in a new Mercedes!”
Edward James Hyland
Harry
I’ve owned many cars in my lifetime but
I think my most favorite was a car that I never
owned. I was just 17 years old and I always, it
seemed, had the use of my father’s 1958 fourdoor, 283 horsepower, automatic, two-toned
blue Chevrolet Bel Air. It was a very big car. It
was great on gas, too, it got almost 16mpg! I
loved that car, as did all my friends. It also had
huge bench seats... remember those?
A great car!
Larry John Meyers
Skiddie
My first car also happens to have been my
favorite, though oddly enough I’m not certain of
the model or year. I know it was a product of
Chrysler Motors. We got a good deal on it from a
neighbor during the summer of 1969. The car
was over 10 years old then, and had sat in my
neighbor’s garage for some time, as she was
unable to drive it any longer. What I remember most is that it was
huge, pink and white (with charcoal gray interior), and had large,
impressive tail fins and an unusual (though now famous) torque-flite
3-speed push-button transmission. It was a beaut and sure looked an
awful lot like this ’57 New Yorker.
Joel Ripka
John
I confess to knowing very little about cars. So,
when I saw “steam” gently seeping through the
hood of my 1995 Silver Dodge Stratus, I dismissed it and went to work. Minutes later, I
received a frantic page from the front desk and
was immediately connected to the Pittsburgh fire
department. Flames had begun to spit from under
the hood. By the time I ran back, the fire truck
was replaced by a tow truck, and I waved goodbye to my first car.
Lesson learned: “smoke” and “steam” have very different meanings.
A Message from Marlo Thomas
PITTSBURGH
P U B L I C T H E AT E R ’ S
INAUGURAL
Dear Friends,
I want to tell you about Pittsburgh Public Theater, one of
America’s finest regional theater companies.
I had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing this fabulous
institution first-hand when F. Murray Abraham and I appeared in
the world premiere production of Paper Doll, and we originated
the roles of Jacqueline Susann and Irving Mansfield. It is always a
special thrill when you are able to give audiences the chance to be a part of an exciting
new chapter in theatrical history. And this theater has always done just that – provided
new challenges for artists and enthralled audiences with marvelous and engaging new
works.
Marlo Thomas, actress and
VIP* Party Honorary Co-Chair
Pittsburgh Public Theater plays a vital role in shaping the American theater repertoire.
Alongside its commitment to full-scale productions of international classics and musicals
of exceptional merit, The Public continues to devote its resources to the creation and
production of new works. Many of The Public’s premieres have gone on to productions
around the country and around the world. Two dozen premieres in 34 years! This is an
astonishing achievement to be celebrated.
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are among the many prestigious writers who have
chosen Pittsburgh Public Theater to launch their new work. Others include Horton Foote,
Alan Ayckbourn, Frank McGuinness, Michael Cristofer, Rob Zellers, Naomi Wallace, and
of course the great August Wilson.
On behalf of the actors, directors, and playwrights, and all of us in the theater profession
who have been fortunate enough to have worked in YOUR theater, and on behalf of those
artists who have Pittsburgh Public Theater to look forward to, thank you for your passion
and support of this great company. Under the leadership of Ted Pappas and his world-class
team, The Public continues to build the audience of tomorrow through innovative programming and extraordinary productions, and the guarantee of many great seasons to
come.
Thank you.
Marlo Thomas
V P
Party
* VERY IMPORTANT PREMIERES
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
An exciting evening of festivities with:
A salute to The Public’s
24 premiere productions.
A special performance of
Harry’s Friendly Service.
Gourmet treats and
fabulous cocktails.
To purchase tickets, call
412.316.8200 ext. 723
Event Honorary Co-Chairs
Marlo Thomas
Lynn Ahrens
Stephen Flaherty
A BENEFIT FOR
Please help The Public produce new works such as Harry’s Friendly Service.
Make your gift online at ppt.org or call 412.316.8200 ext. 722!
Attention Teachers!
Announcing
Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 2009-10
Open Stage Student Matinee Series
PLAN NOW TO BRING STUDENTS TO THESE OUTSTANDING PLAYS
Ella. Book by Jeffrey Hatcher. Conceived by Rob Ruggiero
and Dyke Garrison
Wed., Oct. 7, 2009
New musical about the greatest jazz singer of all time,
Ella Fitzgerald
The Little Foxes. By Lillian Hellman
Wed., Nov. 18, 2009
A Southern family in 1900 will go to any lengths to get richer
in this classic
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. By William Shakespeare
Weds., Jan. 20, Jan. 27, & Feb 3, 2010
A joyous new production of Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece
Talley’s Folly. By Lanford Wilson
Wed., March 10, 2010
Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic comedy about an unlikely
couple in 1944 America
Time of My Life. By Alan Ayckbourn
Wed., April 21, 2010
A wildly funny play by England’s most successful contemporary
playwright
At post-show talkbacks students can discuss the play with cast members
and artistic personnel. Resource guides for teachers and students will be
posted on our web site and students attending these matinees will receive
a copy of the theater’s newsletter, Publication.
Starting times will be announced in the fall. Cost for each
student matinee is $15.50 per person. For reservations, call the Group
Sales Office at 412.316.8200 ext. 704 or email rrickard@ppt.org
SUMMER 2009 CLASSES FOR STUDENTS
Acting Workshop: Scene Study (Ages 13 – 17) June 15 – 26
This popular two-week workshop focuses on the actors’ character development,
objectives, subtexts, and scene work. As always, experienced and new actors are
welcome; dedication and enthusiasm are the only prerequisites. $300.
M – F 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Introduction to Playwriting and Screenwriting (Ages 13 – 17) June 22 – July 10
This three-week introductory course is composed of intensive writing exercises that
illuminate the basic tenets of playwriting and screenwriting. $250.
MWF 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Acting Workshop: Making It Real (Ages 10 – 12) June 15 – 26
How does an actor make it real? How do you make the audience believe you?
Students are guided through an exploration of the basic skills of acting that
address these questions. In-class exercises in improvisation, character development,
and movement. $250.
M – F 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Acting Workshop: Improv (Ages 13 – 17) July 6 – 10
Students participate in theater games and explore a challenging variety of
improvisational exercises that will help to unleash their natural creativity and
humor. Experienced and new actors are welcome. $250.
M – F 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Acting Workshop: Shakespeare Intensive (Ages 13 – 17) July 13 – 31
Students approach Shakespeare from an actor’s perspective, using the text and verse
to aid in character development. This class culminates in an actual performance of
one of William Shakespeare’s works. Experienced and new actors are welcome;
dedication and enthusiasm are the only prerequisites. Enrollment is limited to a
company of 20 actors. $350.
M – F 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
New For Adults!
Summer Acting Workshop (prerequisite: previous Acting Workshop for Adults
or permission of instructor)
June 9 – July 28
An intensive study of the acting process and how to apply that knowledge to scene
and monologue work using various techniques, including improvisation, text and
script analysis, and emotional and psychological exploration. $275.
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
For more information please visit our website at:
http://www.ppt.org/content/studentclassesworkshops.cfm or
contact Rob Zellers at rzellers@ppt.org or 412.316.8200 ext 715.